What Is IoT Monitoring? Understanding Basics & Its Benefits

What is IoT Monitoring?

Businesses are turning their attention to the expanding field of network monitoring known as Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring. Given the growing popularity of IoT devices in both home and business settings, this is just to be expected. Currently, there are more IoT devices than humans worldwide an estimated 11 billion. This number will only increase because to advancements in network connectivity, device personalization, and nanoscale technologies. IoT monitoring is therefore the only method to make sure they operate as planned and, in the event that they don’t, to fix the problems.

Finding, assessing, tracking, and managing your connected devices is the process of keeping an eye on your Internet of Things (IoT) inventory. IoT monitoring alerts you to any problems with your IoT assets that may be impacting the functionality of business-critical apps and services.

Why is IoT monitoring important?

Modern companies integrate IoT devices into their IT systems at frightening rates. Juniper Research anticipates 83 billion networked devices by 2024, up from 35 billion in 2020. That represents a 130% gain, and that figure may rise as 5G connectivity spreads.

As you add devices to your network, they all use resources, create data, and interact with other devices and services. This implies that adding new devices increases risk and has an impact on how well your systems, apps, and services operate.

Forward-thinking companies use an AIOps platform, which is made to find and monitor all of your IoT assets throughout your whole IT estate, to keep track of every device you integrate into your IT environment.

Features to look for in IoT monitoring software

Remote monitoring

Since IoT devices are frequently placed in difficult-to-reach or inaccessible areas, remote monitoring is essential. Sending IT staff to physically inspect or monitor the devices is not cost-effective or practicable. Having them go between multiple monitoring apps to check in on the various gadgets is also a waste of time. IT teams can execute their work more efficiently and centrally by using an IoT monitoring tool that has remote monitoring features.

Automated discovery and alerting

IoT device monitoring automation doesn’t have to be complex. It is sufficient to set baseline performance restrictions that, when exceeded by an IoT device, sound an alarm. By involving IT personnel only when there is a genuine problem that needs their attention, this degree of automation lessens their workload. The majority of monitoring software has built-in performance thresholds that IT can use exactly as is or modify to suit their environment.

Connection security

IoT devices are susceptible to cyberattacks whether they are connected to the internet or a private network. Default device passwords can be used by hackers to gain access to a network and then roam freely. Because there are so many devices to handle, many businesses neglect to update these default passwords. Their security procedures may inadvertently overlook IoT devices, or they may not even be aware of the devices. Because it locates and identifies each connected device, keeps an eye on performance around-the-clock, and can enforce frequent password changes, an IoT monitoring program lowers this risk.

Free trial to assess suitability

The free monitoring tools provided by IoT device makers are used by many IT teams. IoT-specific monitoring tools are not widely available, and many businesses are reluctant to invest in them. Free tools, on the other hand, are frequently more marketing tools than actual tech tools, and they can occasionally be badly built. A free trial of a commercial IoT monitoring solution can help IT teams decide if it fits their tech stack, procedures, and infrastructure.

IoT monitoring software has many benefits, including improved productivity, real-time data insights, predictive maintenance, and cost savings through early problem detection, but it also has security and privacy concerns, the difficulty of handling massive amounts of data, and high implementation costs.

Benefits of IoT monitoring software

IoT monitoring software advantages include:

Improved efficiency

Proactive decision-making and process optimization are made possible by real-time data collecting and analysis in a variety of businesses.

Predictive upkeep

Potential equipment problems can be anticipated and fixed before they result in downtime by keeping an eye on sensor data.

Savings

Early problem identification can cut waste and avoid expensive repairs.

Insights derived from data

For better decision-making, large-scale data allows in-depth analysis and trend identification.

Remote observation

Allows for remote asset and system monitoring, increasing accessibility and reaction time.

Increased security

Alerts and preventative actions might be triggered by the early detection of possible threats, such as gas leaks or environmental anomalies.

Automation

IoT monitoring can reduce manual intervention by automating actions based on pre-established parameters.

IoT monitoring software drawbacks

Security issues

If appropriate security measures are not put in place, the vast number of connected devices poses a serious risk of cyberattacks.

Concerns about data privacy

If handled carelessly, sensitive data gathered by IoT devices may give rise to privacy concerns.

Data management complexity

It might be difficult to manage and analyze vast amounts of data from various IoT devices.

High expenses of implementation

A sizable initial investment in network infrastructure, software, and hardware may be necessary to set up an IoT monitoring system.

Integration difficulties

It might be challenging to integrate IoT devices from various manufacturers with pre-existing systems.

False positive risk

Too many sensor alerts could cause alert fatigue and make it more difficult to respond effectively.

What Is IoT Monitoring? Understanding Basics & Its Benefits