IoT Application Development for Home Automation
Home automation can’t exist without Internet of Things (IoT), and to control home automation systems including lighting, heating (such as smart thermostats), ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and security; you need IoT applications. Here are the key considerations involved with IoT application development.
#1. Define roles and access levels
An IoT application has to serve as a virtual assistant to your customers. It must allow them to control and manage their home automation systems effortlessly. Building an IoT application for home automation is analogous to recruiting a new employee. It has to be acquainted with its roles and responsibilities. Since none except you what functions or tasks your product or system will perform, so you have to take charge of this stage to define roles and access levels. So you need to work in tandem with hired IoT app designers and developers at this level.
#2. Request handling
Your Internet of Things application must be capable of handling and processing multiple requests at a time. Here comes the role of your IoT developers who are accountable for creating its backend mechanism. Focus on utilizing a robust yet simple programming language like Java, PHP, Python, etc. to create the backend. The role of IoT platform you use to build and support your IoT application and ecosystem is crucial as well. AT&T IoT Platform, AWS IoT, Azure IoT Suite, Bosch’s IoT Suite, Cisco Jasper and IBM Watson are a few of the reliable and powerful platform that is worth considering for IoT app development.
#3. Error handling mechanism
Errors are inevitable in any systems, and this one is no exception. There can be different factors leading to errors from message exchange flaws to terminal faults to security breaching. Thus, errors could be linked with the software logic or hardware device. The IoT application must be capable of handling or at least reporting the errors to the corresponding server.
#4. Data encryption
The message or data packet that flows in the smart home ecosystem amidst its applications, web server and home automation devices must be encrypted. Making it happen is not a big challenge as most of the discussed IoT platforms allow transmission of data using HTTPS. In IBM Watson the transmission takes place via TLS connections with support for TLS version 1.2, which can identify and locate any vulnerability.
What to do in run-up to IoT app development for home automation
The devices or sensors that you want to control or manage must be compatible with the IoT platform and the IoT application. So, if you are a manufacturer of home automation systems, you need to share the technical specifications with your IoT application development company. In case you are a consumer, the vendor providing the setup and installation of the home automation system will guide you as what application to use.
Want to build an IoT application but don’t know how to get started with? Read Overcoming The Real Challenges in Hiring an IoT Application Development Company
