The Internet of Things (IoT) has always been a fascinating space for me.

It’s incredible how a concept that seemed futuristic not too long ago has become a driving force in the tech industry.

IoT has opened up a world of opportunities, with market projections ranging from $2 trillion to $14 trillion. That’s mind-boggling! But here’s the thing – jumping into IoT without understanding your role in the ecosystem is like trying to build a house without knowing which part you’re responsible for.

Let me walk you through this ecosystem as I see it, breaking it into three leading roles: Enablers, Engagers, and Enhancers.

Enablers: The Builders of IoT

Think of Enablers as the architects and construction workers of the IoT world.

They’re laying the groundwork – developing the technologies, hardware, and infrastructure that make IoT possible. Without them, there’s no IoT, period.

When I worked at MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia’s national R&D centre, I saw how challenging this role can be. You’re not just building products but creating the tools others will use to develop their solutions.

Companies like Cisco and Intel are perfect examples. They design the chips, the communication protocols, and the platforms that allow data to flow between devices.

At FAVORIOT, our platform plays a similar role.

It’s a foundation for developers to connect devices and scale their applications. Being an Enabler means thinking about scalability, security, and reliability ahead of time.

It’s demanding but also incredibly rewarding because you’re shaping the future of IoT.

Engagers: Bringing IoT to Life

If Enablers are the builders, Engagers are the storytellers.

They take the raw capabilities provided by Enablers and turn them into solutions that make sense to the everyday user. This is where IoT comes alive for people.

I love this role because it’s all about creativity and problem-solving.

Engagers design and deliver IoT services that address real-world needs. For instance, Nest’s smart thermostats made IoT relatable and accessible to millions of households.

While leading REDtone IOT, I saw how challenging it is to balance innovation with practicality.

You have to create solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also easy to use and affordable.

Whether it’s developing intelligent farming systems, health monitoring devices, or city-wide solutions, Engagers connect IoT to its audience.

At FAVORIOT, we stepped into this role with projects like RAQIB, a health monitoring system for Hajj pilgrims.

The idea was simple: make it easier for caregivers to monitor pilgrims’ health remotely. It’s about identifying and meeting a need with IoT tools.

Enhancers: Turning Data into Action

Here’s where things get exciting.

Enhancers take all the data IoT devices collect and turn it into something meaningful.

They’re the analysts, the data scientists, and the visionaries who uncover patterns and insights that help people make better decisions.

This role is close to my heart because it’s where IoT’s actual value is unlocked.

For example, RAQIB isn’t just about collecting health data – it’s about analysing it to predict potential issues and alert caregivers. Without that intelligence layer, the data would be numbers on a screen.

Enhancers use AI and machine learning technologies to transform raw data into actionable insights.

Companies like Palantir and Splunk are masters at this.

They build platforms that help businesses make sense of complex data. It’s a challenging role but incredibly impactful, especially as IoT continues to generate more and more data daily.

At Favoriot, we are now enhancing our IoT platform with Agentic AI, making it an “AIoT”.

Where Do You Fit In?

So, how do you decide where you belong in this ecosystem?

Should you build the infrastructure as an Enabler, create applications as an Engager, or analyse the data as an Enhancer?

Here’s my advice: start with what you’re good at.

If you’re a tech wizard with a hardware and software development knack, the Enabler role might be for you.

If you understand market needs and enjoy creating user-centric solutions, focus on being an Engager. And if data is your thing, Enhancers have plenty of opportunities for innovation.

At FAVORIOT, we started as Enablers, building our IoT platform. Over time, we expanded into the Engager and Enhancer roles by creating solutions like Favorsense, a crowdsensing platform, RAQIB and now become AIoT platform.

It’s a natural progression, but it all began with identifying and focusing on our strengths.

The Real Power of IoT

At its core, IoT isn’t just about connecting devices; it’s about connecting insights.

The more devices you have collecting data, the more opportunities there are to make meaningful discoveries. But here’s the catch – you need the right tools and expertise to turn that data into something valuable.

That’s why Enhancers are so crucial.

With advanced analytics, they can predict equipment failures, improve operational efficiency, or even save lives.

It’s about more than just technology; it’s about creating solutions that make a difference.

Let’s Shape the Future Together

The IoT landscape is vast, and the opportunities are endless.

But success comes down to understanding your role – whether you’re an Enabler, an Engager, or an Enhancer – and playing to your strengths.

Don’t try to do everything.

Focus on where to add the most value, and the rest will follow.

For me, IoT is more than just a field of work – it’s a mission to create smarter, more connected communities.

Whether you’re building the infrastructure, designing the applications, or analysing the data, you’re contributing to something bigger: a future where technology works seamlessly to improve lives.

So, let’s get out there and make it happen.

The IoT revolution is just starting, and there’s plenty of room for us to make our mark.

Where will you begin?

Today, we will discuss the key reasons why organisations should consider adopting IoT (Internet of Things).

The diagram highlights three main benefits: Gain, Retain, and Innovate. Let’s go through each of these in a simple and structured way.

1. Gain

The first reason to consider IoT is the opportunity to gain strategic advantages and stay competitive in the market.

Strategic Advantages: IoT allows businesses to reinvent their business models, offering smarter, data-driven services.

• Example: A retail store using IoT to track customer preferences and improve in-store experiences.

Become Competitive: By adopting IoT, businesses can stay ahead of competitors who are slow to embrace technology.

• Example: A logistics company using IoT sensors to optimise delivery routes.

Data-Driven Decisions: IoT provides real-time data, which helps in making better decisions faster.

• Example: A manufacturer monitoring equipment performance to reduce downtime.

2. Retain

The second reason is about retaining the best employees and maintaining operational efficiency.

Attract and Retain Talent: Employees prefer organisations that use the latest tools and technology to make their work easier and more efficient.

• Example: Providing engineers with IoT-enabled tools to monitor and control operations remotely.

Ease Workloads with Automation: IoT automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

• Example: Smart systems in a factory automatically managing inventory levels.

When employees feel supported by modern technology, they are more likely to stay with the organisation.

3. Innovate

The third and perhaps most exciting reason is the ability to innovate with IoT.

Go-to-Market Strategies: IoT enables businesses to develop new strategies to attract and retain customers.

• Example: A car rental company using IoT for keyless entry and real-time vehicle tracking.

New Products and Services: IoT opens doors to create entirely new offerings that improve the customer experience.

• Example: Wearable health trackers offering personalised fitness insights.

Better Quality of Life: For individuals and society, IoT can enhance convenience, safety, and overall well-being.

• Example: Smart homes with automated lighting and security systems.

Efficiency and Savings: IoT reduces costs by optimising resources and processes.

• Example: Smart irrigation systems saving water in agriculture.

Key Takeaway

The main takeaway is simple: IoT is not just about adopting technology — it’s about creating value by:

1. Gaining a competitive edge.
2. Retaining top talent and improving efficiency.
3. Innovating to improve products, services, and quality of life.

IoT is the key to staying relevant in today’s fast-changing world.

Let’s discuss: Which of these reasons resonates most with your business or personal goals? How can IoT help you achieve them? Let’s explore together!

[Download the FREE eBook — IoT Notes by Mazlan Abbas]

Today, we will explore a structured way to implement IoT projects called the 3-Question Approach (W-W-H). This approach revolves around asking three key questions: What? Why? How?

Let’s review each step to understand how this framework ensures clarity and direction for IoT solutions.

1. What? (Problem Statement)

The first question is What? which helps us identify the problem we’re trying to solve.

Purpose: To uncover the actual pain points or gaps in current processes.

Steps:

• Look for inefficiencies or challenges in operations.
• Identify areas where IoT can provide value.

Examples:

• Low production rates in a factory.
• Increasing operational costs.
• Poor quality control leads to defects.
• Safety incidents in a workplace.
• Intermittent services in logistics or delivery.

Understanding the problem is the foundation of any successful IoT project.

2. Why? (Objective & End Goal)

Next, we ask Why?, which focuses on the objective and the end goal of the IoT implementation.

Purpose: Clearly define what you want to achieve and align everyone toward that goal.

Steps:

• Get buy-in from stakeholders by explaining the benefits.
• Ensure the outcome can be monitored and measured effectively.

Examples of Objectives:

• Improve logistics and delivery efficiency.
• Reduce operational costs.
• Enhance asset utilisation and reduce errors.
• Boost overall safety and performance.

Defining the “why” ensures a clear purpose behind the IoT deployment.

3. How? (Solutions)

The final question is How? which focuses on the solutions to address the problem and achieve the goals.

Steps:

Use the DNA approach:

• D — Device: Identify the right sensors to collect the required data.
• N — Network: Choose a suitable network for connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi, LoRa, 5G).
• A — Applications: Develop platforms (mobile or web) to process and display the data.
• Decide on an implementation strategy:
• Build in-house.
• Operate internally.
• Outsource to a third party.
• Collaborate with partners.

Examples of Solutions:

• Install sensors to monitor production lines in real time.
• Ensure the network has sufficient coverage and can handle the amount of data.
• Develop mobile or web applications to provide actionable insights.

The “how” ensures the project is feasible and actionable.

Key Takeaway

The 3-Question Approach provides a clear path for implementing IoT solutions:

1. What? — Define the problem.
2. Why? — Establish the objective.
3. How? — Develop the solution.

This framework ensures every IoT project is focused, aligned, and effective. Think big, but start small.

Let’s discuss: Can you think of an example where this approach could be applied in your industry or daily life? What “What-Why-How” steps would you take? Share your thoughts!

[Download FREE IoT Notes by Mazlan Abbas