IoT News recently spoke with Brian Cerchio, Director of Solutions at Losant, to explore how businesses can fully unlock the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT).

The concept of IoT dates back to the early 1980s when students from Carnegie Mellon University connected a Coke machine to the internet. This allowed people to track its availability and how cold the drinks were. Since then, the capabilities of connected devices, including Coke machines, have come a long way. Cerchio shared insights on what’s driving the renewed interest in IoT and how businesses can extract significant value from connected devices.

Cerchio explained that while the hardware has always been there, the real value lies in what you can do with the data collected from those devices. He emphasized the shift from a reactive approach, like preventative maintenance, to a more proactive model. With connected products, businesses can anticipate issues before they arise and address them without waiting for technicians to spot them.

This ability to gather real-time data can lead to more efficient devices and maximize the value businesses get from their IoT investments.

Losant’s enterprise IoT platform is designed to be low-code, making it easier for teams to create real-time solutions quickly. When asked about the role of low-code in helping companies kickstart their IoT journeys, Cerchio pointed out that it is especially beneficial for businesses without dedicated software development teams. The low-code approach helps business professionals quickly access and analyze data without requiring heavy investments in software development.

However, many low-code platforms trade simplicity for flexibility. Cerchio explained that Losant strikes a balance by offering an easy entry point for users while still providing room for deeper customization. Users can integrate custom JavaScript or Python for advanced data analytics, but it’s not mandatory. This flexibility, combined with Losant’s user-friendly design, gives businesses the freedom to expand their capabilities as needed.

Losant’s platform is also known for its flexibility in handling data from various sources. Unlike some platforms that restrict the types of data they can process, Losant is agnostic when it comes to data ingress and egress. Their extensive list of pre-built, top-tier integrations further adds to the platform’s value, ensuring that businesses can seamlessly connect their systems.

Cerchio also shared his thoughts on the importance of understanding IoT’s potential for businesses. He emphasized the importance of engaging with end-users rather than relying solely on top-down assumptions. By truly understanding the on-the-ground problems, businesses can uncover valuable insights that lead to more effective IoT solutions.

Edge computing is playing an increasingly important role in IoT. With the growing adoption of IoT and advancements in AI, edge computing helps unlock more value from connected devices. Cerchio explained that edge computing reduces dependency on network connectivity, which can be unreliable or costly, especially in remote areas. By processing data at the edge, businesses can save money on bandwidth and reduce the time and resources spent on cloud processing.

When asked about a successful real-world IoT deployment, Cerchio pointed to a case in the industrial sector. Losant worked with a major manufacturer of industrial devices and compression systems, many of which cost between $50,000 and $100,000 and have lifespans of 20 to 30 years. By using IoT to monitor these devices, they could identify potential issues early. For example, if a motor’s amperage draw exceeded a certain threshold, it indicated that there could be an issue within six months. This proactive approach provides businesses with more value by preventing costly downtime and repairs.