Top 5 connectivity challenges for businesses with IoT devices
Businesses across various sectors rely on cellular IoT connectivity to power their operations. This reliance comes with its own set of challenges and choosing the right connectivity solution for your IoT devices is crucial to achieving your business goals.
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Limited coverage in key regions: a roadblock to expansion
Imagine this: you're rolling out a network of EV charging stations across the country. Your business plan hinges on widespread accessibility and customer satisfaction. But what happens when a significant portion of your chargers are located in areas with spotty cellular coverage? Customers face frustrating charging failures, leading to lost revenue and damage to your brand reputation. This isn't just a hypothetical scenario. A recent study shows that consumers are moving on from "range anxiety" as the capacity of the cars increase, to "charging anxiety", as charging stations face connectivity issues or malfunctioning chargers (source).
There are ways to solve these challenges. EV charging companies, or other in need of reliable connectivity will need to partner with a connectivity provider that offers robust coverage across all your key operational areas is essential. IXT offers SIM cards with extensive network coverage, all over the world. Even in challenging locations we can help ensure devices always stay available. With roaming agreements with multiple network operators we ensure your devices stay connected, no matter where they are.
High data costs: eating into your bottom line
IoT devices generate a constant stream of data, and those data costs can quickly add up. Consider a smart city deployment with thousands of sensors collecting and transmitting information in real-time. Excessive data charges can significantly impact your operating budget and hinder the scalability of your IoT projects. Industry data shows that electric cars can have the computing power of 20 personal computers and processes up to 25 gigabytes of data an hour (source). Multiply that by a fleet of hundreds or thousands of vehicles, and the costs become substantial.
So how do you solve for this challenge? Look for flexible data plans that align with your specific needs and budget.
Managing multiple SIMs/Networks: a logistical nightmare
Operating in different countries or using diverse IoT devices often means juggling multiple SIM cards, network providers, and contracts. This complexity can lead to administrative headaches, billing inconsistencies, and difficulty in troubleshooting connectivity issues. Imagine trying to manage separate contracts, billing cycles, and support channels for each country where you operate a large group of IoT devices. It's a recipe for inefficiency and frustration.
You can avoid these challenges by simplifying your operations with a centralised SIM management platform. With IXT you get a full overview of your SIM’s in one view. Manage them and monitor data usage, activate and deactivate SIMs, set usage alerts and troubleshoot connectivity problems in our CMP.
Power consumption and battery life: the hidden cost
For battery-powered IoT devices like remote sensors or wearable trackers, power consumption is a critical factor. Inefficient connectivity can drain batteries quickly, leading to frequent replacements, increased maintenance costs, and potential downtime. Consider a smart agriculture deployment where sensors monitor soil conditions in remote fields. Frequent battery replacements can be costly and logistically challenging.
Prioritising connectivity solutions optimised for low-power consumption can be the right solution in this case. Finding a provider that specialises in providing SIM cards and network technologies that minimise power usage, extending the battery life of your devices and reducing your overall operating costs can be a huge benefit.
Troubleshooting takes time: minimising downtime is key
When connectivity issues arise, the time it takes to identify and resolve them can significantly impact your operations. Imagine a critical production line relying on connected sensors suddenly going offline. Every minute of downtime translates to lost productivity and potential revenue loss. Choosing a connectivity provider that offers responsive and expert support can be a life-saver. Finding someone that has a dedicated support team available 24/7 to assist you with troubleshooting and technical issues when things go wrong makes all the difference.
Your decisions regarding IoT connectivity directly impact your company's bottom line. By understanding the challenges and choosing the right solutions, you can optimise costs, maximise efficiency, and unlock the full potential of your IoT investments. Let us talk about what IXT can offer. Reach out for details about what we can deliver.
