Connected Device Prototype Planning
Early-stage planning and technical guidance for connected devices, IoT products, monitoring systems, and custom embedded solutions.
Not every connected device project should begin with PCB design, firmware development, or software implementation. Often the most valuable first step is understanding how the device should work, how it will communicate, what technologies are appropriate, and what a realistic prototype should look like.
The Connected Device Prototype Planning service helps businesses turn an idea for a connected product into a clear technical direction before committing to detailed design and development work.
This service is suitable for organisations considering a monitoring device, sensor system, industrial gateway, connected control panel, data logger, custom display, remote monitoring solution, or new IoT product.
What This Service Helps With
Protoworks will work with you to explore the practical requirements of the device, including how it will operate, what information it needs to collect or display, how users will interact with it, and how it will connect to other systems.
Areas typically covered include:
- ✓Device functionality and operating requirements
- ✓Sensor, input, and output requirements
- ✓Connectivity and communications options
- ✓Power and environmental considerations
- ✓User interface requirements
- ✓Data collection and reporting needs
- ✓Integration with existing systems
- ✓Technical risks and development challenges
- ✓Prototype and development strategy
Typical Technologies Considered
Depending on the project, recommendations may include technologies such as:
Hardware & Microcontrollers
STM32 microcontrollers, ESP32 platforms, and Raspberry Pi based systems.
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Cellular communications.
Wired & Industrial Comms
Ethernet networking, USB interfaces, and RS485 / industrial communications.
Software & Cloud Integration
MQTT and messaging systems, Cloud-connected architectures, and Web/mobile interfaces.
Technology choices are always driven by project requirements rather than a preferred platform.
What Is Included
1. Discovery Session
A structured discussion to understand:
- The problem being solved
- Intended users and operating environment
- Data and connectivity requirements
- Existing systems and equipment
- Functional requirements and constraints
2. Technical Assessment
Review of:
- Suitable hardware platforms
- Communications technologies
- Software and firmware architecture
- Integration requirements
- Security and reliability considerations
3. Prototype Planning
Development of a practical roadmap covering:
- Recommended prototype scope
- Suggested technologies
- Technical assumptions
- Key risks and unknowns
- Potential development phases
4. Deliverables
At the conclusion of the engagement you will receive:
- A written prototype planning report
- Recommended technical architecture
- Hardware and communications recommendations
- Identification of major technical risks
- Suggested prototype scope
- Indicative development roadmap
The aim is to provide enough information to make informed decisions about whether and how to proceed with the project.
Suitable For
- Businesses exploring a new product idea
- Organisations requiring remote monitoring solutions
- Companies wishing to modernise existing equipment
- Industrial and automation projects
- Startups developing connected products
- Businesses evaluating IoT opportunities
- Organisations needing specialist hardware and software integration
What Happens Next?
Following completion of the planning exercise, Protoworks can assist with subsequent development stages, including:
- PCB and electronics design
- Embedded firmware development
- Prototype construction and testing
- Software development
- Cloud and backend integration
- Manufacturing preparation
Pricing & Next Steps
Includes discovery, technical assessment, prototype planning, and delivery of the final planning report.
No VAT is currently charged.
Connected Device Prototype Planning
Early-stage planning and technical guidance for connected devices, IoT products, monitoring systems, and custom embedded solutions.
Not every connected device project should begin with PCB design, firmware development, or software implementation. Often the most valuable first step is understanding how the device should work, how it will communicate, what technologies are appropriate, and what a realistic prototype should look like.
The Connected Device Prototype Planning service helps businesses turn an idea for a connected product into a clear technical direction before committing to detailed design and development work.
This service is suitable for organisations considering a monitoring device, sensor system, industrial gateway, connected control panel, data logger, custom display, remote monitoring solution, or new IoT product.
What This Service Helps With
Protoworks will work with you to explore the practical requirements of the device, including how it will operate, what information it needs to collect or display, how users will interact with it, and how it will connect to other systems.
Areas typically covered include:
- ✓Device functionality and operating requirements
- ✓Sensor, input, and output requirements
- ✓Connectivity and communications options
- ✓Power and environmental considerations
- ✓User interface requirements
- ✓Data collection and reporting needs
- ✓Integration with existing systems
- ✓Technical risks and development challenges
- ✓Prototype and development strategy
Typical Technologies Considered
Depending on the project, recommendations may include technologies such as:
Hardware & Microcontrollers
STM32 microcontrollers, ESP32 platforms, and Raspberry Pi based systems.
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Cellular communications.
Wired & Industrial Comms
Ethernet networking, USB interfaces, and RS485 / industrial communications.
Software & Cloud Integration
MQTT and messaging systems, Cloud-connected architectures, and Web/mobile interfaces.
Technology choices are always driven by project requirements rather than a preferred platform.
What Is Included
1. Discovery Session
A structured discussion to understand:
- The problem being solved
- Intended users and operating environment
- Data and connectivity requirements
- Existing systems and equipment
- Functional requirements and constraints
2. Technical Assessment
Review of:
- Suitable hardware platforms
- Communications technologies
- Software and firmware architecture
- Integration requirements
- Security and reliability considerations
3. Prototype Planning
Development of a practical roadmap covering:
- Recommended prototype scope
- Suggested technologies
- Technical assumptions
- Key risks and unknowns
- Potential development phases
4. Deliverables
At the conclusion of the engagement you will receive:
- A written prototype planning report
- Recommended technical architecture
- Hardware and communications recommendations
- Identification of major technical risks
- Suggested prototype scope
- Indicative development roadmap
The aim is to provide enough information to make informed decisions about whether and how to proceed with the project.
Suitable For
- Businesses exploring a new product idea
- Organisations requiring remote monitoring solutions
- Companies wishing to modernise existing equipment
- Industrial and automation projects
- Startups developing connected products
- Businesses evaluating IoT opportunities
- Organisations needing specialist hardware and software integration
What Happens Next?
Following completion of the planning exercise, Protoworks can assist with subsequent development stages, including:
- PCB and electronics design
- Embedded firmware development
- Prototype construction and testing
- Software development
- Cloud and backend integration
- Manufacturing preparation
Pricing & Next Steps
Includes discovery, technical assessment, prototype planning, and delivery of the final planning report.
No VAT is currently charged.