Remote IoT Monitoring — Best Systems To Keep A Check On IoT Devices
By the end of 2029, the global market size for the Internet of Things is projected to increase to a remarkable 2465 billion USD based on Future Business Insight’s report. IoT is a growing technology that many realize is quite a valuable investment.
This is also the case for the industry of IoT-enabled remote monitoring, as many organizations have begun weighing the pros, cons, and costs of automated remote monitoring IoT solutions as a means of tracking their devices that are located remotely and are not man-operated.
In the following article, we’ll cover the top-performing IoT remote monitoring systems currently available.
Here’s what we’ve got for a list of the 5 best IoT remote monitoring solutions:
- Senseye PdM. An industrial remote IoT device monitoring and management suite is an ideal option for organizations that specialize in IoT-driven manufacturing since it was specifically developed for factory-floor equipment.
- Skyspark. A scalable IoT remote monitoring tool with the ability to manage a wide variety of IoT devices. Because Skyspark is so excellent at integrating with any Java-compatible device, it works in every conceivable scenario.
- Datadog IoT Monitoring. Another specialized industrial remote IoT monitoring and management platform in our list, created for the logistics and transportation industries features location-based data aggregation and mapping.
- Teamviewer IoT. An adaptable remote IoT data monitoring tool offers extensive alert and monitoring solutions supported by a wide spectrum of integrative IoT solutions.
- AWS IoT Device Management. Though it is an optional expansion for the AWS platform that doesn’t offer much in the way of standard monitoring, it’s the ideal option for those who already work with the AWS platform, and looking for an easy way to integrate some IoT devices into the system.
How to choose the right IoT device monitoring software?
There are various IoT monitoring solutions currently available in the market — but few of them are good at what they do. Users can end up wasting tons of money and time researching existing tools and still not finding the right solution.
The core issue users will likely face is not knowing where to find the right tool — or which features should be prioritized.
We’ve researched IoT remote monitoring solutions, studying IoT tools based on the criteria outlined below:
- • The auto-discovery feature that locates devices on a network;
- • The ability to monitor the device’s status;
- • The level of IoT device protection;
- • Centralized management via remote device monitoring;
- • The ability to function on numerous IoT systems (from security cameras to manufacturing hardware);
- • Specialty features — the capability to execute a particular function exceptionally well.
- • Value for money.
With these criteria as a foundation, we’ve created a list of remote IoT device monitoring solutions that work well and are worth considering.
The 5 best IoT remote monitoring solutions
1. Senseye PdM
Developed specifically for factory equipment, Senseye PdM is an industrial IoT monitoring solution that helps mitigate maintenance and downtime on IoT-connected shop floor equipment. It does that by giving users an equipment status overview, as well as utilizing predictive algorithms that eliminate unanticipated downtime.
This enterprise option is meant specifically for factories relying on numerous interconnected robots (like for companies in the automotive industry).
This exclusivity makes it one of the most ideal solutions for managing a legion of IoT devices and is very much worth considering for those requiring software monitoring solutions for factory floors.
Senseye PdM Key Features:
- • Equipment monitoring on the factory floor;
- • Centralized data monitoring dashboard;
- • Predictive maintenance;
- • Detailed reporting tools;
- • Broad catalog of compatible machinery.
Senseye PdM Complete offers a complete range of utilities. Even so, users can also choose from many individual packages like Senseye PdM Enterprise and Senseye PdM Omniverse to customize which features they need to a granular level — as well as expand on the abilities of the base product. Additionally, users have the option to contact Senseye directly to schedule a demo or receive personalized pricing quotes.
2. Skyspark
Skyspark is a straightforward, generic IoT monitoring solution allowing users to track a wide array of devices.
The tool prioritizes the ability to enable monitoring of a large spectrum of data on common IoT devices — instead of specializing in the logistics or industrial fields.
Skyspark groups devices into nodes, allowing users to span an impressively comprehensive data pool — which means it’s great for small, medium, and even large-scale organizations.
More functions can be added using separate apps (like resource demand, electricity, and water consumption). Users can also create reports on any subset of monitored data, or export it (as a PDF or CSV file) beyond the application. Skyspark is a fantastic option for those utilizing a large selection of IoT devices and requires the ability to monitor them simultaneously.
Skyspark Key Features:
- • Substantial reporting & data exporting tools;
- • FOLIO database IoT monitoring;
- • Modular apps for adding extra features;
- • Customizable dashboard;
- • Data filters and tags system.
Skyspark uses Java and is compatible with any platform that runs Java apps. Users also have the option to purchase a license directly from Skyfoundry — or through one of the brand’s partners.
3. Datadog IoT Monitoring
Datadog IoT Monitoring offers enterprise-level industrial solutions that let users monitor a large spectrum of data sources worldwide, while aggregating maintenance data and performance into a single point.
The software prioritizes aggregating and comparing IoT fleet data inside the logistics and transportation industries.
The IoT-enabled remote monitoring tool generates location heatmaps using telemetry data, allowing administrators to tag IoT transportation routes to receive better aggregation and feedback. But be warned, Datadog IoT Monitoring only works for relatively large-scale organizations that specialize in monitoring logistics networks.
Datadog IoT Monitoring Key Features:
- • Distributed IoT monitoring for logistics and transportation;
- • Performance monitoring through a centralized dashboard;
- • Data aggregation via tags;
- • Device health reports;
- • Anomaly detection alerts.
They offer a free 14-day trial, but users must contact the company directly to receive a personalized pricing quote for a full license. Datadog IoT Monitoring agent is compatible with over 450 IoT technologies, and the solution can be controlled and monitored from anywhere within or outside of your network.
5. Teamviewer IoT
Most users reading this article likely know about Teamviewer when it comes to remote access software. However, the software solution also offers an industrial IoT monitoring solution called Teamviewer IoT.
Teamviewer IoT is great for those who need to integrate industrial IoT across multiple fields instead of specializing in just one.
Teamviewer IoT offers an impressive number of integrative solutions (like Zendesk, Salesforce, Amazon Workspaces, IBM Maximo, and more).
The client offers users a user-friendly dashboard that enables the ability to monitor and report customizable data sets and lets users establish alarms for anomalous flag issues.
Teamviewer IoT Key Features:
- • A broad range of industrial subjects;
- • Free when used with just two endpoints;
- • Plenty integration options;
- • Monitoring alarms;
- • A customizable dashboard.
The software was specifically developed from the ground up for large-scale industries like manufacturing and logistics but can easily manage a variety of other industrial spheres. So, whereas Datadog IoT Monitoring prioritizes transportation, and Senseye PdM prioritizes manufacturing, Teamviewer IoT is a more flexible option that can manage both industries (or more) at the same time.
5. AWS IoT Device Management
One of the many AWS packages is the IoT Device Management extension. As one would imagine, this package can effortlessly integrate into existing AWS configurations with an easy installation process and maintenance.
In comparison to the other entries on this list, AWS IoT is a pretty basic solution regarding monitoring capabilities but is a simple option for a variety of IoT device types.
The system’s fundamental function is administrating and executing tasks across AWS integrated IoT networks. This software lacks impressive aggregate data monitoring or reporting capabilities, but it’s a great solution for those who already use AWS, and only requires basic monitoring of IoT devices.
AWS IoT Device Management Key Features:
- • Modular features and pricing;
- • A quick and easy installation;
- • Device organization & management;
- • Bulk task execution;
- • Barebones monitoring.
Users must already use AWS to use the IoT Device Management expansion. The remote IoT monitoring tool is distributed via a modular pricing model (based on which functions the user needs).
As one example, the Bulk Registration feature costs $0.10 per device (per 1,000 devices). A majority of the add-on functionality involves the management of the IoT network, so users may not need most of the features if their primary need is just monitoring.
The key purpose of IoT remote monitoring
To help with this new frontier in hardware connectivity, IoT monitoring tools fill the gap between commonly dull-witted equipment (such as power, cooling, transportation, or manufacturing hardware). Additionally, remote IoT device monitoring options let users delve into the specifics of their equipment, revealing vital information such as location, temperature, or even faulty components.
Whatever users need to monitor, mitigating or eliminating the costs of manual monitoring is crucial. Such expenses usually relate to frequent truck rolls that are required to visit remote sites when alarms go off — or in response to human errors that happen when manually recording and reading data.
IoT remote monitoring solutions help reduce these problems. It’s a system of interwoven equipment and devices that can exchange information via a network connection without the need for human-to-human or human-to-computer exchanges.
Advantages of using IoT-based remote monitoring
IoT monitoring systems provide a variety of benefits that result in outperforming traditional manual monitoring systems that utilize older connections, like serial or POTS. Below we’ve listed the key advantages of IoT-enabled remote monitoring.
Saving costs on data collection
When organizations depend on manual monitoring, they require a department of expert network technicians to manage and monitor different remote sites 24/7.
IoT remote monitoring greatly diminishes the expenses related to truck rolls needed for the trips between sites. Users must only travel to remote sites only when it’s explicitly necessary. Additionally, users don’t need as many tech professionals to monitor their remote network.
Buying a remote monitoring system can require a substantial financial investment, especially for those desiring a modern option that boasts advanced features. However, monitoring systems do pay for themselves in the long term.
They improve an organization’s efficiency enabling the implementation of cost-effective procedures for maintaining networks — which all benefit a company’s revenue.
Improving monitoring efficiency
A notable benefit of IoT monitoring systems is digital data collection which makes network data collection and analysis much faster.
IoT remote monitoring solutions also gather data and transmit it to the master 24/7. This is a unique quality compared to more traditional data collection methods when the data aggregation is done on a far less regular basis.
Detailed insights about remote equipment
In comparison to non-automated monitoring methods, IoT devices offer more comprehensive information. This means that, instead of receiving periodic sensor readings, users have the option to deploy IP-based remote terminal units to acquire a full picture of all equipment for real-time alerts and strategic monitoring.
IoT devices provide in-depth knowledge into how an organization’s remote site operates — which is just the first step toward making conscious decisions and impactful changes.
Proactive maintenance
The most modern IoT monitoring systems provide advanced analysis capabilities. Such systems offer crucial information about remote networks considering differing periods.
Users can discover underlying issues and uncover their origins — resulting in the ability to practice proactive maintenance by taking measures to repair small problems before they turn into larger ones. This lets users optimize operations and alter the way they manage remote sites.
The challenges of remote IoT device monitoring
The core attributes of IoT devices are their onboard processor and connectivity to the Internet. Regardless if the IoT device connects to private networks or has a direct connection to the Internet, they can be connected. Users don’t need to visit every piece of equipment to perform firmware updates since that task is executed automatically by the manufacturer via an Internet connection.
Unfortunately, there are a few major issues that must be addressed when it comes to Internet-connected devices.
Any equipment that the owner or manufacturer can change via remote commands is vulnerable to cyberattacks. System administrator usernames and passwords for such devices are most often created as a default by the manufacturer during the time the firmware is loaded — and these credentials are then used by all devices produced by each manufacturer.
Organizations must pay attention to IoT security protocols — and the first and most crucial step is changing the administrator account’s password for each device.
Again, establishing a singular standard password for each device spells a huge security risk, and once a hacker guesses that single default password, the whole device network becomes compromised.
For those managing thousands of IoT devices, coming up with and remembering different passwords is a frustrating and difficult chore. That’s why it’s an ideal job for an automated tool. Remote IoT device management systems organize device security while keeping an eye on their health.
Summary
Finding the right solution demands a deep understanding of what IoT systems you plan to use, and if they fall under the abilities of one of the IoT solutions we’ve shared today.
As one example, for those requiring software monitoring for IoT-enabled shop floor equipment, Senseye PdM is probably our most highly-recommended solution.
On the other hand, for those using a wide variety of IoT tools, it’s worth considering a more flexible solution. Skyspark, for example, is the best option for adaptable enterprise-level monitoring of IoT systems.
It’s also critical to know that there’s no reason why someone can’t use more than one option.
For example, while specialized central monitoring is convenient, users could implement a uniquely-designed solution for one crucial part of their monitoring tasks — while still depending on a complimentary flexible method to manage everything else.
Hence, consider blending solutions if one alone won’t meet your needs. You’d be surprised by the level of their integration — especially regarding AWS IoT Device Management.