The ‘Last Mile’ of Digital Operations

In today’s digital economy, businesses have unprecedented opportunities to innovate product experiences and enhance operational efficiency through digital means. By leveraging digital tools, companies can build agile, intelligent, and automated operational models, improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. IoT service providers often need to offer digital-driven platforms and services to their partners. However, the ‘last mile’ challenge in digital transformation usually arises in connectivity management operations.

Traditional Connectivity Management

SIM (Subscription Identity Module) and its associated data plans should be integrated into the asset management process for IoT companies. Full lifecycle management is required to track when and on which device a SIM is used. In reality, due to the complexity of production, transportation, installation, and maintenance processes, traditional management methods often fail to provide efficient and convenient management for these assets.

Digital connectivity Management

In recent years, the increasing adoption of eSIM solutions in the consumer electronics industry has highlighted the benefits of remotely and digitally issuing, selling, and installing SIMs, greatly enhancing the consumer experience in purchasing mobile network subscription services. With the introduction of the GSMA eSIM IoT (SGP.32) technology solution, scalable, remote, and automated SIM deployment and management processes can address the ‘last mile’ issue in digital operations for IoT service providers.

The eSIM IoT (SGP.32) solution, released by GSMA in 2023, upgrades the existing consumer eSIM technology architecture to cater to the IoT industry. It addresses the challenges of lacking device user interface and the need for scalable management in IoT applications. It has already been incorporated into the future product upgrade plans of leading companies in the automotive, payment, and smart metering sectors.

Watchdata IoT Connection Desk

With the launch of the IoT Connection Desk based on the GSMA SGP.32 eSIM solution, users can now manage eSIMs in IoT devices in bulk via a remote platform, seamlessly switching between different mobile network operators without on-site manual intervention. By utilizing features such as activation code inventory, subscription management, policy rule engines, and log reporting available on the platform, companies can implement logical rules for various scenarios, thus supporting digital operations.

More and more IoT companies are seeking convenient and efficient device connectivity management solutions. Using Watchdata’s comprehensive product range from M2M to Consumer to IoT, we can meet diverse solution requirements.

Watchdata IoT Connection Desk Solution Architecture

Security Baseline for IoT Solutions

Due to the unique technology and application characteristics of IoT products, the overall business is continually exposed to potentially vulnerable environments. Ensuring the security of remote devices and operating environments and protecting the security of network connections are critical considerations for IoT service providers in their security designs.

Security risks in IoT connectivity

Confronting the ‘last mile’ challenge of connection security, Watchdata’s IoT Connection Desk helps users address security risks through identity authentication, fast updates, data protection, and embedded eSIM design.

	Device Identity Security: As a core component of the IoT system, the uniqueness and legitimacy of a device’s identity should be strictly protected. The IoT Connection Desk uses multiple verification mechanisms to ensure the security of the device identity, combined with Watchdata’s security chips and supporting services to provide hassle-free, two-way authentication of service connections.
	Staying Updated: Flexible device configuration and certificate management functions ensure that device security capabilities remain up-to-date throughout the complex and evolving product lifecycle. The IoT Connection Desk facilitates device updates without extensive effort.
	Data Protection: The storage and protection of critical data must consider both security and privacy. High-security levels based on security chips and TLS ensure that every data access and sharing operation is under strict control.
	Embedded interfaces: When devices are equipped with embedded eSIM chips, they not only benefit from their low power consumption and compact size but also reduce potential attack surfaces, making the devices more secure.

For more information on IoT application security designs and recommendations, please consult the Watchdata security expert.