IoT technology is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, with software for IoT dominating the market. In fact, according to Statista, the number of connected IoT devices will grow from 13.8 billion units in 2021 to 30.9 billion units in 2025.
This increasing demand drives a company like Jatapp.co, which strive to help its clients develop software solutions tailored perfectly to their needs and desires.
This is a common occurrence because demand creates supply, and demand from ordinary users is steadily growing from year to year.
However, active development also provokes the rapid obsolescence of technologies and trends, so it is important to always keep abreast. As part of this blog post, we will introduce the reader to the basics of creating IoT software.
Where Is The Greatest Demand For IoT Applications?
There are a number of areas that need complex edge computing of large amounts of data. They benefit the most from IoT software and are therefore at the forefront of demand right now.
The greatest demand for IoT software is observed in the following areas:
- Trade. This includes customer service systems as well as inventory management and order quantity forecasts. Also, IoT software will help optimize the storage of products and direct the user to the desired actions.
- Healthcare. This includes wearable devices, various sleep monitoring devices, human vital signs tracking systems, smart medicine dispensers, etc. First of all, this is health care and this area is worth all the effort.
- Smart home and city. The system allows you to remotely control the energy consumption of premises, and adjust the sound, light, handles, irrigation systems, curtains, etc. For all this, data from sensors is used.
- Logistics. The software allows you to accurately track the location of goods, manage a warehouse, plot movement routes, perform predictive analytics, etc. All this previously required a large human resource, but now it is becoming easier to use.
Stages Of Developing IoT Applications
The process of creating IoT software is quite complex and requires the involvement of various skills.
If you do not have a professional team on staff, it makes sense to hire specialists and get professional help.
The key elements of the development will be described below.
#1: UI/UX Design
IoT software development can be a complex process, so it’s important to invest in a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing UI/UX design.
Good UI/UX design separates well-received apps from those that get lost in the shuffle – as any negative reviews on AppStore or Google Play will quickly take its toll on downloads and user engagement.
When developing IoT applications, make sure the user experience is logical from start to end, guiding them through with clear buttons and navigation options that feel natural.
#2: Front-end Development
Creating something that people interact with and navigate on is a job that front-end developers are responsible for.
This field of development requires knowledge of various technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – it’s not limited to just one language anymore.
JavaScript has become the top choice in the front-end development world as per a 2019 StackOverflow Developer Survey.
There are numerous frameworks (like Angular, React, or Vue) available that allow coders to quickly construct solid webpages and apps by leveraging these frameworks and techniques.
Each offers its own unique benefits and choosing the right framework depends on a variety of factors such as personal preference, project requirements, or experience level with each platform.
#3: Backend Development
IoT application development requires a robust back-end system to deliver the data seamlessly. As such, selecting the right platform, language and other tools are essential.
Choosing JavaScript as the programming language presents Node.js as a natural choice for back-end development.
Additionally, when it comes to databases you can pick from a wide range of options like CrateDB, InfluxDB, MongoDB, RethinkDB, or SQLite Database. To help you manage your IoT products efficiently, DevOps tools like Gradle, Jenkins, and Docker are also available.
#4: Automated Or Manual Testing
Before launching an application, it is essential to test it thoroughly and discover as many bugs as possible. Taking the time to identify and fix glitches will ensure that users experience the best version of the application upon release.
Even with scrupulous testing, however, users are bound to find problems or unforeseen issues that were missed.
To accommodate this reality, an effective plan for quickly responding to bug reports from users should be developed so that these can be fixed in an expeditious manner.
With comprehensive testing and efficient processing of reported errors, a successful launch of an application can be achieved.
#5: Software Improvement Based On Feedback
The results of user feedback are critical when developing an app; it helps you refine and perfect the design and functionality. After launching your app to its initial users, listen closely to their insights and adapt accordingly.
A key way to show your customers that you are taking their suggestions seriously is by creating a roadmap outlining intended changes or new features for the improvement of your app.
Communicate regularly with customers about your progress and keep the roadmap updated so they know when their ideas have been implemented. Let them be part of your journey in making the best possible version of your app!
How Much Does It Cost to Create an IoT Application in 2023?
Developing an IoT application can cost anywhere from $80,000 to infinity and beyond, depending on a few different factors.
From the complexity of the app in terms of a number of features and custom integrations, to the operating system, it runs on and the type of application – web or mobile – to the level of security required as well as UI/UX design complexity.
All these aspects need to be taken into account when considering development costs. Smaller, simpler apps tend to start at $80,000 whereas more advanced applications with multiple features inevitably come with a steeper price tag starting from $150,000 or more.
Depending on what kind of application you are looking for, you may want to keep these average rates in mind when outlining your budget for this project.
Final Words
Developing an IoT application is a complex and costly endeavor. It involves choosing the right platform, language, and other tools for back-end development as well as thoroughly testing and debugging the application before launch.
Additionally, it is important to be receptive to user feedback and continuously adjust and improve your app according to their insights. Only by creating high-quality software can you get a decent result and gratitude from users, so ignoring any stage can be a fatal mistake.
