of an IoT application, development and deployment could take several months to a year or longer. This same time frame may not be the case for a DIY IoT project, especially for unprepared or non-digitally native companies that lack key skills. Ultimately, as a DIY IoT project drags on with no return on investment (ROI), organizations risk compromising their overall digital transformation strategy.

Risks Continued: Security

Security is perhaps the most serious risk of any DIY IoT project. When an unprepared company without in-house technical expertise embarks on such an endeavor, it exposes itself to significant security risks. Consider that 82% of IoT devices get targeted within five minutes of being connected to the internet, and 60% of IoT breaches happen because of outdated firmware. Some common mistakes a company that lacks the proper knowledge and experience to design, configure and maintain secure IoT systems make include default and non-unique passwords, unencrypted data transmissions, or insecure communication protocols. These critical vulnerabilities, inherent in many IoT devices, create easy entry points for cybercriminals to infiltrate networks, steal sensitive data, or manipulate devices.

The consequences of breaches vary from financial loss to reputational damage. Another consequence of having unsecured IoT devices is regulatory penalties. In industries like healthcare, IoT projects must comply with various data privacy, security and device standards regulations. A compromised IoT device in a hospital setting could threaten patient safety by disrupting life-support systems or exposing confidential medical records. Likewise, in industrial environments, attackers could exploit unsecured sensors or controllers and wreak havoc across factories, potentially causing bodily harm to workers. Failure to meet regulatory standards is not only costly but possibly dangerous. Moreover, as with the previous challenges, cybersecurity disruptions will slow or outright prevent digital transformation.

Why Work with an IoT Vendor?

To truly realize the benefits of digital transformation, organizations should seek out IoT vendors that can provide holistic services beyond the device itself. An IoT deployment consists of multiple elements, including (but not limited to) connectivity infrastructure (such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or LPWAN networks), cloud or edge computing platforms for data processing and storage, middleware for device integration, analytics engines to derive insights from data and security solutions (both physical and digital) to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. Ideally, a qualified IoT vendor will have expertise in all these disciplines to facilitate a successful and long-lasting deployment.

Working with an IoT vendor minimizes the unexpected, meaning variables like cost and timelines are much more predictable. An experienced IoT vendor can anticipate challenges and deployment risks and make efforts to avoid these potholes. For example, a seasoned vendor will proactively address interoperability challenges so data flows efficiently from device to cloud. Most vendors provide long-term support, ongoing maintenance services and scalability planning. Best-in-class vendors will likewise offer robust security solutions, including built-in device security and automated security monitoring and remediation via an IoT device management platform so that only authorized devices and users can access the network. An IoT vendor’s combination of IT, engineering and security expertise will not only accelerate time to value but ensure the project meaningfully contributes to the larger digital transformation efforts.

It is also worth pointing out the value of working with an IoT vendor that provides an IoT device management platform because of it can remotely access, diagnose, monitor and manage the functionality and status of deployed IoT devices. Such a platform is especially important for IoT deployments with devices in hard-to-reach locations, such as wells, mines, or street lights. Without an IoT device management platform, technicians must manually and periodically check on those devices to update their capabilities and intelligence with firmware updates or download security patches.

Ensuring Digital Transformation

Though attempting a DIY IoT project is tempting (and maybe exciting), the consequences are too serious to risk without having all the necessary resources, expertise and personnel. Even if a business feels that it possesses these requirements in-house, it is wise to conduct an internal evaluation to see if and where deficiencies exist. Ultimately, allowing a trusted partner to assist with an IoT deployment will result in measurable ROI and scalable use cases that bolster digital transformation initiatives.