Integrating IoT can bring much usefulness to the end user. Nevertheless, careful consideration should be made when integrating the devices. Field service expenses, standards to meet and data privacy are just some of the considerations users should make while planning to integrate IoT system. Graham Morphew, Senior Director of Product Management for Wind River, shared his knowledge on the three considerations users should think about when designing IoT devices.
Complexity
Managing IoT devices can be extremely complex, especially when multiple devices, different OS's or multiple networks comes into play. The devices becomes part of a larger system as it connects to the cloud platform. "The diversity we have with IoT devices, things that are imbedded devices in nature in many respect, there's a lot more variety than what you'll see in a network managed PC in a corporate setting," said Morphew.
For a factory automation setting, typically many assortment of OS's will have to be managed. Some devices are designed specifically for each individual customers and might be managed by one company across multiple product lines. Companies will frequently attempt to manage their system efficiently to maintain profit margins. They will search for ways to optimize their operations to reduce cost for both themselves and their customers.
Oftentimes in industrial environments, the devices are placed in difficult and sometime dangerous areas; it is best if it can be controlled remotely from a management platform. Especially if there is a failure to the device, it can be costly and difficult, experts need to be brought in and special equipment will be required. Much benefit can be made by a company if IoT devices are utilized and managed properly.
Regulation
IoT is fairly new and it is still evolving as technology advances. It can be difficult to have a proper regulatory structure to manage these devices. Government and other regulators are still in the process of determining the meaning of IoT and the safest way to protect people.
These regulations usually will be unique to a specific sector. There may be instances where IoT solution are leveraged to meet environmental standards. "Sometime regulation is actually a catalyst for a solution," said Morphew. Companies can use the solution to match regulation standards by measuring and monitoring energy consumptions and carbon emissions.
For the medical sector, much management will be made for devices with certified software. It is common if thorough planning process need to be made to determine the capabilities that will be utilized. There is also the additional challenge of keeping patient data secure.
Security
"Security discussion around IoT is a fairly heated one and many experts agree that IoT has a potential to be a significant security challenge," said Morphew. An example Morphew provided was a hacker accessing a vehicle on a highway. They infiltrated the moving vehicle through the entertainment system and took control of it. The news of the hack started other reports of cyber threats to infrastructure, banks, government, etc. Although the hacking of the vehicle was staged, it proves the possibility and easiness of cyber-attacks on innocent civilians. This brought an urgency to ensure greater security toward protecting the entire IoT lifecycle.
Another example Morphew give was a facility attacked by Stuxnet, a virus that targets programmable logic controllers. This allowed the automation of fast spinning centrifuges, which is a process used in the enrichment of uranium. Much like the hackers taking control of a moving vehicle, this invasive act brought up many concern for the vulnerability of IoT devices being affected by cyber threats.
Managing IoT is much more than just retrieving data from the devices, many challenges comes into integrating IoT. However, "If we're able to address all these obstacles and understand them and have a plan for them then you really give yourself the best odds to take advantage of the opportunities that IoT promises," said Morphew.