Want to launch successful and effective IoT solutions? Consider building IoT applications that offer security, flexibility, and robust features while also allowing you to extend the functionality further.
Having developed three of our own products and custom IoT applications for our clients, WebbyLab is here to help you with IoT app development. In this article, we’ll share helpful insights on the required time and resources, critical aspects to consider, and the key stages of bringing your IoT application to life.
All examples and tips in this post are backed up by our team’s practical experience:
Discover more about IoT app development in the subsequent sections.
If you’ve decided on the niche for your IoT solution, you’ve got another critical consideration. Which IoT app to build: a mobile or a web one? Let’s go through the benefits that each platform offers.
Why Build a Mobile App?
Why Build a Web App?
Weight these IoT mobile app and web app characteristics before starting the IoT app development process. If you’re unsure which platform suits you best, reach out to WebbyLab experts for a consultation.
When learning how to create IoT applications, one of the crucial steps is understanding the components and technologies that make up an IoT solution. Regardless of the industry and required features, the typical Internet of Things application includes hardware, software, cloud, and network integration. It ensures smooth and efficient communication between the end user and the device.
Overall, the IoT solution includes the following components:
Apart from this, another essential aspect to consider is historical data collection. In IoT, this process implies a real-time performance recording of different sensors and devices within the system.
Below are some key technologies essential for IoT app development:
Let’s now delve deeper into the Internet of Things app infrastructure. It comprises the following components:
Backend
A robust and reliable backend system is the backbone of any successful IoT application. Having it on the cloud side is even more preferable. Cloud-based infrastructure is scalable and flexible, which allows your IoT app to handle large amounts of data from connected devices. At WebbyLab, we typically leverage Node.js and microservice architecture for the backend and Docker for rapid application deployment in the cloud.
Communication with Devices and Data Exchange
Apart from the client backend, seamless communication and data exchange with IoT devices is essential. In our experience, we have found MQTT to be a core communication protocol for IoT devices. MQTT offers lightweight and secure data transfer, making it perfect for various IoT projects.
Data Collection and Analysis
Collecting and analyzing data from IoT devices may not always seem critical, but it’s the IoT system’s lifeblood. It allows your IoT solutions to function correctly and, speaking of the business side, optimize processes and make better-informed decisions. We at WebbyLab use time series databases such as InfluxDB for data storage and Grafana for data visualization.
When developing a functional IoT solution, you usually need to build a user-friendly mobile app and a full-fledged server-side system. Below, you’ll find the five essential steps that help to turn your bright idea into a fully functional, successful IoT product.
At WebbyLab, we successfully leverage all the approaches below to streamline and optimize the Internet of Things app development process.
1. Plan the Framework of Your App
First, consider the most efficient delivery model for building an IoT application: building from scratch, using SaaS platforms or their alternatives. The framework is a so-called “backbone” of your IoT app solution. It helps to understand better the project timeline, budget, and technical requirements.
At this stage, you need to plan your product’s data and network protocols, cloud architecture, open API support, and scalability. Consider the necessity of IoT device development, hardware support, firmware updates, and security mechanisms to make your IoT solution reliable and safe for use.
2. Create the IoT App Prototype
In IoT, prototyping is one of the proven ways to allocate the costs within your project widely, ensure it’s relevant and provides all the functionality required. Designing the prototype based on the user journey will help you to reduce the costs, optimize the development time, and enhance the functionality of your final product.
During this stage, you’ll explore various wired and wireless technical solutions to address specific challenges and establish seamless communication with IoT devices. Some of those include KNX systems and the Zigbee protocol.
3. Develop, Implement, and Deploy the IoT Application
Based on the prototype and project documentation, develop a robust IoT application that works with your hardware best. At this stage, focus strongly on the UX/UI components and backend coding architecture. These processes will ensure your product is user-oriented, bug-free, and provides the highest value to your end-users.
4. Mind the App Testing & Integration Stages
IoT solutions become more complex and feature-rich. So, the QA process is a must-have stage in any IoT development. It helps to identify and address various types of errors and consider adding other functionality that might improve your app’s performance. There are five different testing types used in the IoT QA process: security testing, performance testing, usability testing, compatibility testing, and scalability testing.
5. Maintain and Improve the Application
Once the IoT app is released, don’t overlook its further maintenance and improvement. Besides the marketing hustle, you’ll also need to process customer feedback to enhance your product’s performance and help get it into the top positions in the IoT software market. Additionally, analyze the firmware of IoT devices to keep it secure and up-to-date.
You may also be interested in how an IoT solution helps the Precision Farming industry.
Jumping into app development for IoT from scratch might be overwhelming, given the many components such projects consist of. That’s why WebbyLab experts suggest making your journey a little easier by starting with a prototype.
Why choose the IoT prototype over the full-fledged solution right away? Here are several reasons:
Having created a well-structured prototype, you’re safe to continue the development process. Want to know how much it costs? Check out our article on the IoT prototype implementation.
Alexey Krol
Chief Business Development OfficerConsulted 30+ IoT startups to speed up time to market.
Get a ConsultationThe major challenges of the Internet of Things app development are mostly connected to four key aspects: security, reliability, privacy, and tech inconsistency. Let’s review the specifics of each. You’ll get a better idea of how to build an IoT application for your business.
IoT Security
System security should be implemented in the initial stages of IoT software development. It reduces the risks of breaches and inconsistent performance. For example, in a charging station developed by WebbyLab, there is an option to pay for charging via the app. It’s essential to ensure the app can’t be breached to prevent unauthorized charges.
Based on our experience in IoT optimization, we suggest adding multiple security layers encrypted and embedded to the devices’ ID numbers at the production stage. Additionally, to secure the station from third-party access, you can add a “dangerous activities” entity, which needs manual confirmation from the administrator to perform certain actions.
Data Privacy
Wearable, home, and many other IoT devices often collect personal information and sensitive data. For instance, biometric data, personal preferences, users’ behavior, or any other data hunted by frauds. The hacking methods become more tricky and severe, so the IoT engineers must create a robust system with an advanced security level and consistently update it (including IoT device updates) to minimize the risks of data compromise.
That is why, for instance, IoT home devices require regular mobile app updating from the official vendor to ensure the highest level of personal data security.
IoT Reliability
There are different approaches to ensure the high reliability of the data storage and maintenance for your IoT device:
These options allow you to efficiently reduce the risks of system compromise and ensure a smooth performance of your IoT solution from the long-term perspective.
Technological Inconsistency
Lack of standardization has become one of the most notable technical IoT challenges on the market. Company-developer needs to combine different Internet of Things protocols integrated within a single IoT solution. In most cases, the IoT app developer defines the possible ways to connect the basic MQTT protocol — Message Queue Telemetry Transport — with other protocols used within the target system.
The overall IoT app develop ment cost can vary depending on different factors, and we’ll share the estimate according to WebbyLab’s experience. The factors influencing the final price include the project’s type (Prototype, MVP, or full IoT product), its complexity and development approaches, company rates, and many more. On average, developing an IoT application for your business starts from 15 thousand dollars and higher.
There are two approaches to custom IoT app development:
What to keep in mind if you’re developing custom software from scratch? Consider various processes, from product planning and development to release and maintenance.
Luckily, today, you no longer need to hire in-house experts to deliver the IoT project you need: there are many authoritative vendors, such as WebbyLab, ready to build a functional, robust product at the most reasonable cost.
Below, you can learn the average rates and delivery time for IoT app development services at WebbyLab, depending on the project type and processes performed.
| MVP IoT Product | Standard Ready-to-Market IoT Solution | Custom IoT Product with Advanced Features | |
| Research Phase, Estimation & UX/UI Design | From 40 hoursFrom $1,200 |
From 80 hours
From $,2400 |
From 130 hours
From $4,000 |
| Mobile App Development | From 200 hours
From $8,000 |
From 360 hours
From $1,5000 |
From 500 hours
From $20,000 |
| QA Testing & App Launch | From 80 hours
From $2,400 |
From 150 hours
From $4,500 |
From 200 hours
From $6,000 |
| Tech Documentation Outline & Maintenance | From 40 hours
From $1,200 |
From 60 hours
From $1,800 |
From 80 hours
From $2,400 |
| Total | 160 hours
$12,800 |
650 hours
$23,700 |
910 hours
$32,400 |
As for the building IoT MVP, our team provides the development services of the IoT hardware, software (web or mobile app), and an IoT platform. The overall development price for such a project starts at $30,000. It can be delivered in as fast as 12 weeks.
However, you can also include the customization features to the final IoT solution, like integrating IoT Cloud services with third-party devices, specific data metrics, analytics, etc., which will add to your product’s functionality and value. The pricing for the add-on features is calculated individually for each project.
Recognizing a reputable Internet of Things app developer is crucial for your project’s success. That’s why we’ve prepared several tips to help you find and hire IoT developers:
Yet, searching for a reliable IoT app development service provider on your own can take time and effort. The good news is you can always connect with trusted IoT experts at WebbyLab.
How to make an IoT app that will outrank the competitors and conquer the target market in 2023? Reviewing successful IoT-based case studies can help you identify the key trends and get insights for your custom app project.
After discovering well-made IoT projects, let’s dive deeper into WebbyLab’s expertise in your Internet of Things solution.
IoT solutions work for any business model across different industries and benefit them with streamlined processes, higher profits, and improved services. Launching one means building a solid ecosystem that seamlessly integrates web and mobile applications to deliver the best end-user performance.
If you want to revolutionize your business with IoT apps, choose WebbyLab as your trusted partner. We’ve been building IoT applications for several years and, even better, can create IoT devices, hardware modules, and firmware solutions.
So far, we’ve delivered hundreds of innovative products and advanced solutions for businesses from different industries, making us one of the top-ranking companies in the IoT application development market. Contact us anytime to get a quote on your IoT application from WebbyLab’s most competent experts.
Written by:
Head of IoT at Webbylab
With a robust academic background in Telecommunication Systems Engineering, I apply my knowledge to lead innovations in the IoT domain. Starting as the first team member in the newly formed IoT department at WebbyLab, I've spearheaded its growth, fostering the expansion into embedded and hardware development alongside our core software projects. My dedication lies in pushing the boundaries of IoT technology, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that profoundly impacts our clients' operational success.
The proven way to accelerate IoT app development is to entrust the development process to professionals with enough expertise and skills to create projects of different scopes and complexity. They feature technical know-how in creating IoT applications and can deliver the standard project in a few weeks. If you’re creating an app for the Internet of Things with your in-house team, closing the skills gap with employee onboarding is possible. It can significantly optimize the workflow without sacrificing the quality of your product.
To optimize the custom IoT application design cost, choose the most relevant SoC and consider optimal battery requirements and BoM cost. Additionally, professional IoT app developers recommend reviewing manufacturing costs and understanding the non-recurring expenses of your end product, which can significantly reduce the final product’s price.
The overall IoT app development time depends on different factors, including the project’s complexity and scope, the functions it includes, the number of developers, and the expertise required. On average, an IoT app idea with a standard set of functionality is delivered within three to six months. However, in some cases, it’s also possible to get a simple MVP product delivered in as fast as one month.
The IoT solutions are getting more complex and functional, transforming IoT app frameworks from optional solutions to must-have tools. Many IoT application frameworks of varying approaches are designed to manage the complexities of IoT app development. While some provide a structure to work inside, others offer enterprise-level data analysis and control.
Certainly, IoT apps can be developed for both Android and iOS platforms using different programming languages and development frameworks.
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