Synopsis: The IoT technology market has witnessed dramatic growth amid the pandemic in 2019 and witnessed a 22% growth. The market value in 2021 was $384 billion. According to estimates, the number of IoT connections will top 83 billion by 2024.

If you are wondering how to build an IoT app, this is the right time to start investigating. Knowledge and information will accelerate the research process and answer some important IoT app development questions. 

According to Statista, the IoT industry will grow to around $1 trillion by 2025. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most promising technologies and industries such as healthcare, retail, wearables, smart homes, connected cars, and many more will benefit from it. 

Mobile apps can be a single point of connection for multiple IoT devices. You can explore how to build a futuristic IoT app with the help of basics. The main components of an IoT system are: 

Hardware

This means using low-energy sensors that connect to the Iinternet and interact over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can either build a device that meets your needs or use the existing solutions.

Software 

It is used to manage and control all connected IoT devices. This software can be cloud-based, web, or mobile. Depending on the type of controller, you may also need to develop dedicated software for IoT devices.

Cloud

It is the most important part of the IoT system as it stores all the data and performs processing and analysis operations. Interconnected devices send data to the cloud, which is responsible for connectivity between devices.

Network

It allows data exchange between sensors and controls devices such as smartphones and tablets. The network connects all the IoT-enabled devices, hence it is known as an interconnected device. 

The most popular IoT platforms include:

• Google Cloud IoT
• IBM Watson IoT
• ThingWorx
• Amazon AWS IoT Core
• Microsoft Azure IoT Hub
• Oracle IoT
• Cisco IoT Cloud Connect
• Salesforce IoT Cloud
• IRI Voracity

It is important to make the right choice between IoT platforms. You need to know how to build an IoT app from a technical point of view. It requires profound technical knowledge and an understanding of how each system works. That’s why many companies prefer an IoT software development company for better outcomes.  

Now, navigating through IoT systems development will help you understand how to build an IoT app and turn it into a seamless process. 

Identify a problem

If you are wondering how to begin, start by identifying the problem you want to solve with the help of IoT systems.

You can either build solutions for internal needs or develop an application and turn it into a startup for use outside your company.

For the latter option, you may also need to conduct market research to identify the needs of your competitors, target audience and customers.

It is tempting to include many or similar problems in a development project. But the needs of high level IoT application projects can be complex.

A huge exposure can have a spiraling effect on time and budget. Clear boundaries on a problem can keep the scope within bounds.

Choose a platform

As you already know, there are several IoT app development platforms that you can use to build your solution.

The IoT platform is a unique tool that can provide continuous monitoring of all your assets, be it your home, vehicles, construction equipment, health, agriculture, livestock, or anything else.

As a business owner, you will gain a comprehensive view of all processes with intelligent analysis of the collected data. With the right result, the outcome is quicker decisions, fewer issues and increased revenue.

Select the hardware

The hardware of an IoT system includes devices for remote dashboards, devices for control, servers, routing or bridge devices, and sensors. These tools manage system activation, action specification, security, communication, and detection of support-specific tasks and goals.

The three major hardware components include:

1. Sensor

It is the most important hardware in IoT applications and is used to collect information from the surroundings. These include the power management module, RF, energy and sensing module. 

2. Microcontrollers

It is a device to execute a single task and run an application. This includes programmable peripherals for memory units and the CPU. They are designed for use in mobile phones, washing machines, microwaves and cameras.

3. Additional IoT hardware

Smartwatches, glasses and bracelets are other examples of IoT hardware. They allow access to more content and resources in IoT networks. Desktops, mobile phones, tablets and routers are an integral part of IoT applications. 

When choosing the hardware, it must be tailored to the product requirement. And, it must be reliable.

Choose an IoT application development company

Find a company that specializes in IoT development. It is not an easy task. You need to look for one that:

• Has previous experience in IoT app development
• Successfully developed and released projects
• Has positive reviews from past and current customers

The company you choose should be able to help you build an IoT system that meets your business goals.

App development and testing

To some extent, the software and hardware sides need to work together. Actual integration testing with hardware is possible if the software is available for testing. Data input from devices may need to be simulated during the software development process.

Some points to remember include:

• Hardware and software teams must coordinate. The format and content of the data exchanged between software and devices must be established and finalized before any development work can begin. Any necessary deviations should be carefully coordinated.
• The data used in the simulation should represent as many operating conditions as possible. Testing with similar simulated conditions may only work for the time being.

Consider scalability

When designing your app, you should also consider scalability. Are you prepared for a product roadmap mapping for future release schedules? If not, how do you see the product growth in the medium to long term?

Every future release will probably have to manage increasing amounts of data and possibly different devices using different hardware.

Consider security

It is the top priority for your IoT application. With a large number of connected devices in a network, good security can avoid data breaches. Sensitive data can be exposed to attacks. Make sure you use secure tools to build IoT applications.

Some tips to ensure security in your IoT app:

• Use proven IoT platforms that test their tools and update them regularly.
• Consider network attacks so that data stored on the device remains encrypted and secure.
• Use a secure network as data is transmitted between your app and device via a server or cloud.
• Apply best practices for app security for authorized use with two-factor authentication and other technologies.

Launch and support

When choosing between development companies, choose a company that provides ongoing support services. After an IoT solution launches, you’ll need to update its software, keep its security features up to date, and add new functionality.

Choose a preferred IoT software development company that provides every kind of reliable support for software and hardware vulnerabilities.

Bottom Line 

Now you are aware of the steps involved in the IoT app development process. Knowing what to expect when navigating this unfamiliar path will go a long way in preventing any unforeseen consequences. 

The IoT app development process is a very involved project. Careful planning, coordination, communication, and getting the right IoT development services involved in the project from the start can make it a success.