Maintaining the health of your Internet of Things (IoT) and telemetry devices is crucial for successful business operations. These unassuming gadgets — embedded in everything from industrial machinery to fridges — collect and transmit data that fuels operational efficiency. 

But what happens when these devices falter? The consequences can be far-reaching, affecting safety, compliance and your bottom line. In this article, we’ll explore why monitoring device health is an absolute necessity.

How to manage IoT devices in business

IoT and telemetry play an important role in integrating and automating workflows across industries. 

For example, in agriculture, an IoT device could monitor information from the environment, as well as soil, crop and livestock health, streamlining processes and strengthening environmental compliance to mitigate risks.

For a logistics company with hundreds or even thousands of trucks, IoT devices can provide real-time data on fuel consumption, engine performance and driver behaviour. Equipment hire companies can use this tech to monitor their assets, while construction companies can harness the power of IoT to monitor equipment and staff. 

Craig Kesby, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Inauro, highlights the evolution of IoT. “The biggest change we’ve seen over the last few years is that IoT has moved out of ad-hoc operational use and is now built into daily operational workflows.” 

This means the technology and data are being used proactively and holistically to improve safety, compliance and operational efficiency. 

Two men farmers standing in the field and looking at the tablet

The risks of IoT device malfunctions

The implications of malfunctioning IoT devices are far-reaching. One of the most significant risks is the potential for data gaps, which can lead to unmonitored assets, increased operational costs and heightened safety risks. In some cases, businesses may be unaware of these issues until a critical failure occurs.

When IoT devices malfunction, data streams halt, leaving blind spots in your company’s operations. It’s important to know how to connect and monitor IoT devices to prevent:

• Workflow disruptions: Non-functioning devices disrupt workflows. Imagine a delivery truck with a malfunctioning GPS — it could miss crucial stops, leading to delays and customer dissatisfaction.
• Safety gaps: When telemetry fails, safety protocols may go unmonitored. Faulty sensors might not detect hazardous conditions, risking accidents or environmental violations.
• Legal and financial risks: Incomplete data due to malfunctioning devices can lead to legal liabilities, such as a company unable to prove compliance with emission standards during an audit.

Craig says businesses often don’t have the visibility over assets they think they have. He cites the example of “a trucking company that thinks they’re doing driver behaviour and safety monitoring, but 20% of their cameras mightn’t be working at any given time”. This undermines the safety measures and erodes trust in the entire system.

Other common issues include device battery failures, connectivity disruptions or the shutdown of 3G networks, which has rendered many older devices obsolete. These issues can cause data to stop flowing, leaving businesses in the dark about the status and performance of their assets. 

The lack of proper processes to detect and rectify these failures exacerbates the problem, often leading to significant operational disruptions. Understanding how to monitor IoT devices in your business will give you greater visibility and minimise potential risks.

Malfunctioning devices can leave large gaps in telemetry data, but there is a way to monitor these devices

Inauro’s approach to IoT device monitoring and maintenance

Our team can help you connect and monitor IoT devices in a way that optimises performance in your operation. Our commitment to device health includes the following:

• Continuous monitoring: Our systems vigilantly watch over devices. Any anomalies trigger alerts, allowing swift action.
• Quick identification: When a device falters, our algorithms pinpoint the issue. We’ll know whether it’s a faulty sensor or a communication glitch.
• Proactive resolution: Our platform immediately automates workflows to create work orders into your existing systems to minimise downtime, so devices can be moved back online swiftly.
• Reliable data: By maintaining device health, we ensure reliable data streams. Our clients make informed decisions, gaining a competitive edge.

“We monitor information off a device,” says Craig. “If a device hasn’t checked in for a certain period, we flag it.” This level of vigilance ensures that issues are caught early, maintaining the integrity of the data collected​.

Our integration of device health monitoring into the broader operational processes is a key differentiator. We ensure the right people are alerted when a device goes offline, enabling quick action to restore functionality. This process not only keeps the devices operational but also reinforces the reliability of the entire IoT system.

This is particularly important for refrigerated transport, where the stock could be exposed to unidentified health risks if IoT device monitoring is not functioning. Beyond health concerns, reliable device monitoring in the cold chain also supports public safety, risk and compliance management, where continuous data access is critical. Interruptions can have significant financial consequences, making robust monitoring indispensable. 

IoT device monitoring to drive success

“Having a dedicated IoT device monitoring plan is as crucial as installing the device itself or activating an internal system,” says Craig.

At Inauro, our comprehensive approach to help you connect and monitor IoT devices ensures your business can rely on your telemetry systems without fear of failure. 

By proactively engaging in IoT device management, we help you maintain continuous operations, protect your assets and achieve your business goals. If you’re looking to enhance your IoT infrastructure, we can offer solutions that minimise disruption to your existing operational process. 

To learn more about how we can support your business, get in touch today.