Proof of Concept (PoC) is a very misleading approach, and I strongly recommend avoiding it. Let me explain.
PoC makes the project team focus on the technology and verification of the technical feasibility of some solution. That mindset is one of the main reasons for failure in the IoT domain because:
- We lose the objective (technology is not the end goal of any IoT deployment).
- We lose time (contemplating various technical solutions can take infinite time without producing any outcomes).
- We lose support (stakeholders will terminate the “successful” PoC initiative due to the lack of business deliverables).
That is why I recommend a different approach to my customers - the Proof of Value (PoV).
What differentiates PoV from PoC if:
- PoV and PoC apply to the early stage of the IoT initiative.
- PoV and PoC are not tasked with delivering the production-ready solution.
- PoV and PoC prove or deny the merit of some ideas.
Ok, so what differs between PoV and PoC?
The MINDSET!
PoC focuses on technology, while PoV verifies the “Value” - the value created by applying some technical IoT capability. That is a significant difference.
To increase your chances of successful IoT deployment, focus on the business outcome.
Have you ever fallen into the PoC trap?
