Today’s widespread introduction of the Internet of things across industries is due to its numerous advantages. Enterprises and companies invest in smart device systems to gain control, automation, and monitoring tools at all production phases. However, the IoT network is complicated and also needs monitoring solutions for its assets.
IoT devices are different connected electronic appliances, including sensors, actuators, gadgets, security cameras, and other computerized equipment. The key to uninterrupted and maximum productivity at the enterprise is the maintenance of these assets in proper condition. But some of them are rather vulnerable as they are installed in remote locations and might be stolen or broken. It’s not profitable for a company to hire staff to constant monitoring IoT devices. And businesses that have implemented Internet of things systems to keep up with increasing technological demands should also deploy a tool to monitor network performance data. That is the only way to ensure the optimum efficiency of a growing number of system’s connected objects.
This article covers one of the important aspects of the Internet of things adoption – IoT software monitoring. Below are the most pressing issues related to this topic and a short list of the best tools for monitoring IoT devices for today.
The current market situation of IoT monitoring products is tricky because this sphere isn’t so much developed yet. The real problem is that companies prefer free solutions distributed by device vendors. Such software tends to be poorly designed and has low-quality interfaces. Moreover, these IoT monitoring tools are limited in features and can be complex to manage.
As for specialized IoT monitoring products, some can also be used for free. Others are inexpensive, considering how much cost and time savings they bring. In addition, high-quality solutions from specialists provide numerous advantages and features which you cannot expect from free tools.
However, the savings on IoT monitoring solutions can negatively impact the functioning of the entire system. If IoT devices have incorrect settings and are exposed to constant overloads, it could jeopardize all processes. The main task of IoT monitoring is to keep the non-stop operation. And only high-quality solutions requiring certain investments can ensure it.
The vulnerability of IoT devices is not confined to their remote location. The next big challenge is system security. Since all devices are connected to the Internet directly or indirectly via a private network, they can become a target for hackers. That’s why operators must pay special attention to this IoT adoption aspect.
Generally, a vendor automatically creates the system admin username and password during installation. And all systems developed by one manufacturer have the same default credentials. A single password for each IoT device creates a vulnerability for an entire network. Hackers can break into the system and steal data if they gain access to one physical object.
So an operator must reset a password for each gadget’s administrator account at an early implementation stage. And as IoT networks include tens and hundreds of connected devices, it is necessary to use an automated tool for generating and storing unique passwords. And thereby IoT management system not only monitors performance but strengthens security for individual devices.
The market of tools for IoT software monitoring is represented by numerous solutions. But it’s a real challenge to choose the right option. And besides, some of them are barely worth your attention. Research and analysis of tools require a lot of time, but there is no guarantee that the final choice will justify itself.
All tools for monitoring can be conditionally divided into two categories – flexible and specialized solutions. The first group is suited for many IoT systems that use and combine different types of IoT devices. The second ones are designed to perform a particular function for specific system needs. In addition, there are a lot of selection criteria that must be considered. To make your search easier, use the list of monitoring tools based on the following basis benchmarks:
SkySpark by SkyFoundry is an all-inclusive IoT platform for connecting, storing, and analyzing real-time metrics. This simple utility with automated analytics turns collected data into specific insights, ensuring increased performance. And in contrast to other smart device firmware systems, this analytics platform spots highly critical metrics without generating excessive statistics.
SkySpark is a cloud-based tool and can be accessed from anywhere. It has a convenient and intuitive dashboard that illustrates the state of every piece of equipment. Built-in analytical functions examine IoT devices’ settings, determining if they are tuned correctly for exploitation. It identifies process bottlenecks, highlights areas of unequal task distribution, and redirects activities for maximum productivity. SkySpark also has an alerting system, which notifies users about emerging issues and the best time to perform preventative maintenance. Other benefits include:
However, SkySpark is more suitable for large enterprises than small IoT networks. It also hasn’t a free trial or free version.
Datadog is a specialized industrial IoT monitoring and device management software designed especially for the transport and logistics sector. It provides a comprehensive view of the entire IoT device fleet, with an option to aggregate and correlate performance metrics at any level of detail. This cloud-based solution allows enterprises to track device hardware metrics, provides a mapping option and location-based data aggregation, and covers security issues.
The Datadog service monitors over hundred statuses simultaneously using alert thresholds. Its alerting capabilities for IoT monitoring are customizable and suited for dynamic and decentralized networks. Two-way communications with the Datadog servers are encrypted to prevent data breaches. An agent program installed on each IoT device allows them to strengthen security by setting a unique, hack-proof string for all fleet’s admin passwords.
Key features of Datadog IoT monitoring:
But despite these benefits, the software is only suitable for large-scale businesses focused on monitoring logistics networks.
One of the numerous expansions for Amazon Web Services is the IoT Device Management module. This package is the best option for companies that already work in the AWS remote service space and need to integrate IoT devices. The tool is easy-to-install as have guides for almost every operation. It is available remotely via a web browser and can manage devices located anywhere.
AWS IoT Device Management provides just barebones monitoring of equipment performance with simple options for various IoT device types. Equipment can be registered and managed en masse or individually. A special option allows system managers to create groups of assets to perform automated tasks on all connected devices without repeating each command.
Among other advantages of this cloud computing powerhouse is that it is highly scalable and great for large enterprises. The solution has good configuration and management options. All connections between IoT devices and AWS services are protected by encryption, and VPN ensures security, total privacy, and reliability. However, AWS IoT Device Management doesn’t provide such comprehensive reporting options that can compete with other solutions on the market.
Among different IIoT solutions, Senseye PdM is possibly the best in the business. This IoT device monitoring tool was designed specifically for manufacturing equipment. It ensures condition and performance monitoring of production machinery at scale and in real-time. Industrial IoT tool uses machine learning methods and AI to forecast possible breakdowns. And due to a predictive maintenance system, companies can reduce downtimes and thus cut maintenance costs.
Senseye PdM is cloud-based and provides access from any location. It has great visual reporting and a full range of utilities. Enterprises can also purchase individual packages like Senseye PdM Enterprise and Senseye PdM Omniverse to set up necessary features and expand the capabilities of the base product. The solution has the following pros:
Among the cons of Senseye PdM is incompatibility with all businesses.
Hologram is a cellular connectivity platform for the Internet of things. And this is the best solution for companies that need cellular-based reliable coverage to monitor IoT devices. It offers global IoT SIMs, a single dashboard, and multiple developer tools to launch, connect, manage, scale, and troubleshoot IoT deployments of any type. IoT platform provides a cutting-edge suite of tools for a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, logistics, etc.
The reliable connectivity provided by Hologram is possible through its partnerships with more than 470 network operators worldwide. Global IoT SIM card covers 200+ countries and supports 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, CAT-M, and eSIM technology. The Hologram Dashboard helps to maintain real-time visibility into network performance data. This is a single resource to track data usage, receive alerts, create custom filters, take bulk actions, and more.
Product’s advantages:
Since Hologram is a cellular-focused IoT platform, it is unsuitable for systems that use other technologies outside of cellular.
TeamViewer products are known worldwide. But the company has long gone beyond the remote access, control, and support software for desktop and mobile platforms. Today it also provides flexible IoT solutions for industrial operations of all kinds. TeamViewer IoT ensures businesses remote connectivity, secure access, and managing industrial machines and robots. Its collaborative features allow local managers to cooperate with production engineers to optimize processes and increase their effectiveness.
This cloud-based software can handle various industrial fields, from transport to manufacturing. With secure remote access to embedded IoT devices, operators can monitor IoT assets to prevent machine downtime and financial losses caused by interrupted production. Moreover, the TeamViewer IoT monitoring tool offers strengthened security for monitored devices and control of antivirus and security systems. Every communication across the network is encrypted and protected.
Free IoT Journey is a special offer for new clients. TeamViewer provides unlimited access to two IoT endpoints for free to test the product. And any remote device, such as an industrial machine, computer, sensor, or vehicle, can be an endpoint. This version allows users to remotely access, control, manage, monitor, and repair a connected device. If customers would like to connect to three or more endpoints to extract key data, pricing details will be changed in view of the total volume of endpoints.
Implementing IoT devices into your business is just the first step to a major upgrade. But the maximum value from IoT investments is impossible without an infrastructure monitoring platform. IoT monitoring is critical for any industrial equipment and devices connected to a network. It includes multiple real-time monitoring processes, such as a check of device health, overall performance data, security system, and IoT services. And companies must make tough choices between good IoT device monitoring solutions presented on the market.
But before you opt for one of them, you must study in detail your system’s needs and all the pros and cons of IoT software products. Not only your industrial sector but the size of the enterprise, necessary key features, type of connection between sensors, and price must be taken into account. However, you can use multiple IoT monitoring options simultaneously. Combining different products may be a way out for business, which needs centralized IoT monitoring and also specialized solutions. Note also that there are enough offers for IoT services, which include a free trial. This is the best option to learn more about the product and assess the prospects of its future implementation.
