The modern IoT era has already begun. From homes to public places, intelligent end devices with embedded systems are almost everywhere. Yet behind rapid IoT advancement, the market still lacks a solution that can integrate different protocols and data standards. Lucas Mo Tsun-ming, Chief Operating Officer of NineSmart and technine, said that to unleash IoT’s full potential, the priority should be building an open API framework to facilitate data sharing so businesses can manage different IoT devices through a one-stop application.
From cloud-based access control to an IoT management platform
The Business Research Company estimated that the IoT market could reach US$926.6 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of up to 23.3%, showing strong potential. IoT is set to grow quickly, but that growth also creates challenges.
The IoT mechanism is as complicated as the human nervous system: there are eyes to sense, nerves to communicate and muscles to react. In such a connected ecosystem, if every sensor has its own protocols and standards, effective data exchange becomes difficult and repair and maintenance costs increase. IoT Analytics found that there were more than 600 IoT solution providers worldwide as of 2019, each with different protocols. Over-fragmentation is therefore one of the biggest bottlenecks for IoT.
To create added value for hardware through software, NineSmart began developing IoT-related software and an IoT device management platform. The goal is to help businesses allocate resources to strategic areas instead of basic infrastructure, making digital transformation more cost-effective.
As the pandemic accelerated demand for remote management, NineSmart first launched Smart Access Cloud-based Access Control System for physical security. By integrating with different systems through open APIs, it supports comprehensive real-time management, allowing businesses to monitor entry and exit records with minimal manpower and cover blind spots in human security guarding.
Smart Access is also delivered as Software-as-a-Service. Users can subscribe flexibly to functions such as booking, video intercom and e-payment according to business needs.
Breaking IoT limitations with intelligence and innovation
Since its launch in 2020, Smart Access has been widely recognized and nominated for several awards, strengthening NineSmart’s confidence and determination to keep investing in IoT integration. Lucas Mo emphasized that the final goal is to build a complete IoT hub so businesses can control and manage hardware from different vendors at lower cost, creating a friendlier and more convenient business environment.
The success of Smart Access is not the endpoint, but one milestone in the larger IoT project. NineSmart and technine will focus on developing a one-stop cloud-based management platform. The application aims to improve remote management so administrators working from home can control onsite devices and monitor usage data whenever network coverage is available.
For example, if a meeting room is empty, administrators can turn off lights and air conditioners depending on the situation. They can also pair sensors with assets or schedule automatic shutdown to power off devices at specific times. This helps reduce operating costs, save energy and maintain business efficiency as much as possible.
Translation supported by AI.