Technology advisory on energy consumption optimization for a large real estate firm

The client already had their own IoT solution integrated with an external platform, Tuya, and had connected it with smart plugs across their properties to see the time the sockets were activated and monitor energy consumption. In summer 2023, they started to notice an increase in electric bills due to AC and other electrical appliances working non-stop.

To solve this problem, the client approached Yalantis and asked for integration consulting services aimed at:

1. expanding the range of connected smart devices by adding thermostats, occupancy sensors, and CO2 detectors
2. enhancing the functionality of their current IoT platform with features like energy consumption tracking

Another major goal of this collaboration was presenting the client with a solution that they could distribute to other real estate companies to increase their ROI.

To address the client’s requests, the Yalantis team proposed a step-by-step strategy to add energy consumption monitoring functionality to the Tuya IoT platform and expand it to support new device types. Using expertise obtained on other IoT-related projects, Yalantis technology consultants were able to quickly outline an integration roadmap and adjust the client’s business architecture to reflect the updates.

Identifying business goals and needs during the discovery phase

During the discovery phase, a team of Yalantis business analysts focused on examining the current business infrastructure and gathering the client’s requirements. This included:

• gathering stakeholders’ requirements and validating them through business analysis
• performing technology feasibility checks to determine if the existing technology stack could address the client’s needs and see which supplemental tools and technologies were required
• mapping out the product scope with further release planning
• creating a software requirements specification
• performing cost–benefit and tradeoff analysis to help the client make informed decisions and allocate resources

By the end of the discovery phase, the Yalantis BA team created the full product delivery scope and advised the client to divide it into two phases:

Phase 1: Developing an IoT device management platform

Objective: Provide end-users with a ready-to-use device management platform that allows them to connect smart sockets and manage energy by gathering data and alerting users of overconsumption.

Phase 2: Expanding the list of supported IoT devices and designing a monetization model

Objective 1: Add new types of smart devices, such as occupancy sensors, thermostats, and CO2 detectors, to the IoT platform.

Objective 2: Consult on designing and integrating a subscription service that could be sold as an energy management solution to other real estate companies.

Phase 1: Developing an IoT device management platform

Expanding the IoT platform’s functionality with energy consumption monitoring features

One of the main goals for the client was ensuring proper energy management across their properties. They wanted to obtain real-time insights on energy consumption and HVAC system use.

To help the client achieve this, the Yalantis technology consulting team:

• advised the client on adding energy consumption tracking functionality to the Tuya IoT platform and obtaining detailed analytics for each device group
• assisted in setting up energy overconsumption warnings and alerts to help the client stay informed about how tenants consume electricity across their properties
• proposed a step-by-step strategy for building a stable back end with Node.js and using its integration capabilities to create a low-latency system that scales quickly alongside the number of connected devices

Improving the UX and creating a smooth visual layout

The next step after outlining the baseline infrastructure was ensuring that the property manager has a smooth user experience on the client-facing side of the app. To do this, Yalantis consultants proposed:

• outlining customer journey maps and designing wireframes based on the most common user behavior scenarios, such as adding new devices, controlling the available network, and obtaining electricity usage reports
• developing a responsive, cross-platform, and light UI on React.js
• introducing onboarding flows for new users and step-by-step guides on adding devices and gathering reports

Introducing robust security measures and data management

To ensure the protection of tenants’ sensitive data and prevent security breaches, our team consulted the client on best practices of the secure software development lifecycle (S-SDLC) approach, such as:

• using AWS CloudFront as a GDPR-compliant solution for establishing data security on the access layer for private users, developers, and staff members
• setting up Terraform for disaster recovery management and integrating it with Yalantis DevOps Accelerator for quick launch and easy migration
• using Retool to build admin panels for platform administrators and manage user permissions
• performing penetration testing for web and mobile applications to ensure their immunity against common cyber threats

Phase 2: Unlocking the potential for monetization and future improvements

After consulting the client on MVP development and testing, the Yalantis technology advisory team laid the groundwork for the app’s future growth and monetization, envisioning:

• integration with predictive ML models and occupancy sensors to regulate electricity use and reduce it based on the number of guests
• introduction of a subscription-based model that will allow the client to sell the solution to hotel chains, other real estate companies, and smart home device manufacturers
• partnership opportunities with green energy providers and promotion of the app based on shared values, such as reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions