UK IoT connectivity firm Eseye has created an index to show if companies are ready to deploy IoT technology.

From smart cities to industrial automation, IoT is changing the way businesses operate and sell. But given the complexity of IoT and, in particular, the connectivity component, many businesses struggle to assess the maturity of their project, their technical and operational readiness for deployment, and the best route to success. Surveys consistently find that 80% of IoT projects do not reach successful deployment.

Eseye has applied its knowledge and experience, gained from successfully delivering over 1000 IoT devices and connectivity projects, to create a framework that can help companies embed and expand IoT technology in their operations.

Eseye has codified this knowledge to create an assessment that covers all aspects of IoT adoption, from infrastructure and connectivity to device design and data management.

The IoT Readiness Level (IRL) Index is based on the principles of Nasa’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL), considered the gold standard for measuring the maturity of new technologies. Applying this tool delivers each customer a personalised assessment showing them where their IoT readiness is compared with market best practices and similar projects within their industry vertical.

“We recognised that every IoT use case is different, and many were struggling to successfully launch an IoT solution,” said Nick Earle, CEO of Eseye. “This was due to particular challenges with their device and project as well as the lack of an objective standard in the sector. Our IRL Index leverages a set of detailed metrics to provide a customer rating on a zero to nine scale, offering an objective assessment of each organisation’s capabilities.”

Following an initial discovery workshop, the results of each assessment enable the creation of a custom services programme that aims to move the customer swiftly to a higher maturity level, ultimately allowing them to deliver against their project goals and anticipated return on investment.

In addition to the IoT Readiness Framework, Eseye has also introduced a subscription-based service offering called IoT LaunchPad. This includes a flexible range of repeatable specialist IoT services tailored for each project, with the aim to lower risk of failure, reduce costs and get IoT devices deployed faster.

LaunchPad services can include device design or re-design for an existing device, specialist engineering development, technology integration, device testing and validation, certification support, and deployment planning. It offers support at every IRL level, including transitioning from deploying a device at level seven to an ongoing model of support at level eight, and it can be run concurrently for multiple device projects if required.

Milan Shah, chief technology officer, has worked with Eseye to redesign Biofourmis’ medical devices and improve connectivity.

“What has made our project successful is the sheer level of expertise Eseye brings to the table,” said Shah. “It’s an excellent partnership. There are significant considerations in picking the right partner to help you from design to deployment, and every day we are very thankful for Eseye.”

The index is available now. Taking proactive steps on IoT earlier in a project can avoid lengthy and costly re-work later on. As IoT projects continue to become mainstream, IRLs could become increasingly important in ensuring future success of IoT implementations.