Barriers to IoT adoption

Internet of Things is constantly growing. There are more and more objects in our familiar environments that work connected through the network. It makes our everyday activities easier in all areas of our lives: work, family and it also increases the time that we can dedicate to leisure. The consulting firm Gartner estimates that by 2020 there will be more than 20,000 million IoT devices worldwide.

There are more and more objects in our familiar environments that work connected

Beyond its success, and like any technology in evolution, Internet of Things has to face important challenges to continue expanding to all sectors of society. Next, we expose some of the existing barriers for its adoption.

Security

Guaranteeing the privacy of confidential data needs to be an absolute priority, since this technology connects numerous devices that store sensitive personal information. In order to deal with this issue, the equipment manufacturers, as well as software designers and connectivity providers, have to implement strict security requirements when launching new IoT solutions.

Integration

Another challenge facing IoT is its integration with existing technology. All types of devices must modify their architecture to work connected to the cloud and, in many cases, with other gadgets. This implies the implementation of more innovative and complex technology in everyday objects such as watches, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.

The transformation of analogue equipment into digital products that also meet current sustainable energy demands is a challenge. In addition, it must be taken into consideration that the integration of networks and devices with each other increases their interdependence. The existence of multiple interrelated elements makes the failure of only one of the nodes (electric current, Internet connection, components of the devices, etc.) affect the entire system.

Cost

Although in the long term the expense in IoT technology is usually profitable for companies, it must be taken into account that many startups are in serious difficulties to provide the necessary capital to make the initial investment, although once it is made, it is expected that the return is significant since amplifies business opportunities. Also, companies dedicated to the manufacture of traditional analogue equipment need to invest in media, training and personnel to carry out the IoT conversion.

The development of IoT produces an increase in productivity in work, domestic and public or management environments, which has a global benefit for society. In this sense, to promote its viability, the support of public institutions is necessary through financing plans for entrepreneurs in the R & D sector.

On the other hand, household products are not always affordable for everyone. In this sense, it is expected that the evolution of the industry will bring productive improvements that bring its benefits to all citizens.

Digital divide

Not all people have the same opportunities to access and use IoT applications. On one hand, there is a generational digital gap. We can find a great difference between digital natives, who have internalized the functioning of new technologies, and older people, who have joined the use of the Internet later.

There are millions of people in the world who have not received even minimal training in the use of Internet-connected devices and who would need training plans that are appropriate for them. The manufacturers of Internet of Things applications have to take into account this circumstance and develop intuitive systems for these consumers.

The world advances every day and we see how the old barriers are breaking down to make way for a digital and connected world. The increased implantation of technology at all levels and in all aspects of our life in our society is becoming a reality. Goodbye, analog world; Welcome, digital era.