When a manufacturer decides to connect its machinery, the choice of IoT platform will shape much of the product’s future evolution. It is not simply about visualizing data, but about creating a technological foundation capable of supporting new services, integrations, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and digital business models.
For this reason, before selecting a solution, it is important to assess all available alternatives.
Generic platforms: fast, but less flexible
Generic IoT platforms allow projects to be launched quickly and with a relatively low initial investment. They typically include standard monitoring, alarm management, and data visualization features, making them a suitable option for simple projects or proof-of-concept initiatives.
However, limitations often arise when a manufacturer needs to integrate specific protocols, customize user profiles, connect the platform to other systems, or develop its own services. In these cases, the company ends up adapting its processes to the tool rather than having a solution aligned with its product and business model. This is compounded by a high level of dependence on the technology provider.
In-house development: more control, but also more resources
Developing a proprietary platform allows the company to maintain direct control over the solution, but it also means taking responsibility for the entire technological architecture. This includes industrial communications, Edge devices, cloud infrastructure, databases, APIs, updates, support and cybersecurity.
For many companies, this effort becomes a parallel activity to their core business, as it requires a specialized team and continuous investment to maintain and evolve the platform.
Custom projects: high adaptability, higher cost and longer timelines
Fully custom developments offer a high degree of personalization, but they usually involve a higher investment and longer implementation times. In addition, it is common to redevelop components that already exist and have been validated in other projects.
Although they can be suitable for highly specific requirements, they may also result in higher maintenance costs.
Awayter’s approach: proprietary technology adapted to each manufacturer
Awayter combines a consolidated technological foundation with the flexibility of a customized solution, while keeping costs and implementation times much more controlled. In short, it offers lower costs and faster deployment.
A complete solution, from the machine to the cloud
Another key differentiating factor is the ability to provide an end-to-end solution. Awayter integrates IoT Gateway, Edge Computing, industrial communications, cloud platform, APIs, remote management and integration with third-party systems.
Scalability and new functionalities
Many projects begin with a specific need; however, over time, new opportunities often emerge. That is why the platform must be ready to grow in terms of number of machines, users, functionalities and markets. Scalability is not only about managing more data, but also about supporting the manufacturer’s commercial evolution.
Costs and maintenance
The initial cost does not always reflect the real investment required for a platform. Licenses, integrations, updates, support and the development of new functionalities must also be taken into account.
Generic platforms may seem cost-effective at first, while custom projects often require a higher investment. In-house developments, in turn, shift much of the cost to the company’s own team.
Awayter seeks to strike a balance between these alternatives, as it starts from existing technology and customizes only what brings real value to the manufacturer.
Cybersecurity by design
Connecting industrial machinery requires cybersecurity to be addressed from the outset. Communications, Edge devices, user management and remote updates must all form part of a single strategy.
At Awayter, security is integrated across the entire architecture, from the machine to the cloud, making it easier to adapt to the current and future requirements of connected products.
Technological independence and investment protection
The platform is no longer a source of dependence on the provider but becomes a technological asset for the manufacturer. To make this possible, Awayter contractually establishes the necessary conditions to ensure the continuity of the solution and minimize the risks associated with the technology provider. In this way, the manufacturer protects its investment over the long term.
Awayter, the most balanced alternative for machinery manufacturers
Awayter sits between generic platforms and fully custom projects. Its proposal combines proprietary technology, customization, scalability and an end-to-end solution from hardware to the cloud.
In this way, manufacturers can reduce project complexity, keep costs and timelines under control, and gain access to their own customized platform, ready to evolve alongside their product and business.
