The Secrets to Delivering Successful IoT Projects

What Can Enterprises and OEMs Learn from Mobile Network Operators?

Delivering successful IoT projects can sometimes feel like chasing a mirage—full of promise, yet elusive when it comes to execution. Stories of failed attempts are everywhere, from initiatives derailed by complexity to brilliant ideas undone by a lack of planning or strategic alignment.

Yet, the opportunity for IoT success has never been greater. The urgency is real—and growing. According to Microsoft’s IoT Signals report, 94% of businesses expected to be using IoT by the end of 2021. The message? Move fast, but move smart.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), who've been in the connectivity game from the start, offer some valuable lessons that can help enterprises and OEMs alike get IoT right.

Lesson 1: Speed is good—but purpose comes first

It’s tempting to race into an IoT project, especially with executive pressure to innovate. But don’t confuse movement with momentum. The first—and most overlooked—question you need to ask is: Why are we doing this?

If you can’t link your IoT initiative directly to business objectives, you're setting yourself up for failure. Likewise, IoT isn’t just an IT issue—it touches operations, customer experience, finance, and more. Engage the right people from the outset, and make sure the project is anchored in real business value, not just the excitement of “doing IoT.”

Lesson 2: Top-down vision, bottom-up engagement

Executive sponsorship is a key ingredient in successful IoT rollouts—but leaders shouldn't go it alone. Projects that succeed have buy-in across the organization. That means involving the teams who understand the day-to-day operations as well as those steering long-term strategy.

IoT can impact everything from supply chain efficiency to product innovation, so make sure your initiative is shaped by the people who understand the business from multiple angles.

Lesson 3: Don’t let the tech lead the strategy

Yes, IoT technology is cool—and rapidly evolving. But getting distracted by shiny new tools is a common pitfall. The most successful projects use technology as an enabler, not a driver.

Always start with the outcome. What problem are you trying to solve? Then choose the tech that fits. Better yet, pick tools that are flexible and capable of adapting as your needs evolve. Because in the world of IoT, pivots are part of the process.

Lesson 4: Security is not a “later” problem

It’s easy to push IoT security considerations to the side during early pilots or proof-of-concept stages. But don’t. The more devices you deploy, the larger your attack surface becomes—and retrofitting security is a painful and expensive process.

From day one, choose vendors and technologies that have security baked in. Think beyond just data encryption—look at device integrity, secure onboarding, and end-to-end threat visibility. Trust us: you’ll thank yourself later.

Lesson 5: IoT is finally hitting its stride

Despite a rocky start, the IoT landscape is evolving. We’re at a turning point. MNOs report that a combination of maturing technologies, smarter strategies, and tighter integration with digital transformation efforts is fueling a new wave of success.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s IoT Business Index 2020 backs this up: 65% of businesses now see IoT as a key part of their digital transformation strategies—up from 46% just a few years earlier. That shift in mindset—from isolated projects to strategic initiatives—is changing the game.

Lesson 6: Cellular is coming into its own

When it comes to IoT connectivity, cellular is making big strides. Technologies like NB-IoT and 5G are expanding what’s possible, from ultra-low-power deployments to high-bandwidth applications. And with eSIM and iSIM in the mix, cellular is becoming more flexible and scalable than ever.

But with great power comes greater complexity. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why it's vital to understand your use case first and match it to the right cellular tech. Not sure where to start? We’ve created a guide to help you navigate your options and pick the best fit.

So, what’s the secret to IoT success?

While every project is different, three key themes consistently show up in successful deployments:

1. Be strategic, not reactive

Link every IoT decision back to business value. Don’t chase trends—solve problems.

2. Think big, start smart

Plan for scale, but don’t try to do it all at once. Build in phases, learn, and adapt.

3. Future-proof from the start

From connectivity to security, pick partners and platforms that will grow with you—not hold you back.

Final thoughts

IoT is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. But to get it right, enterprises and OEMs must learn from those who’ve been in the trenches. MNOs have weathered the early storms and are starting to see success. Their insights can help others skip the potholes and build IoT strategies that deliver real impact.

Need help figuring out the right connectivity, security plan, or tech stack for your IoT project? Pelion is here to help. Reach out—we’ll guide you every step of the way.