Examining the Internet Connectivity Options Available to Your Laundromat Business
With the evolution of the Internet of Things, the number of devices that are created and need connectivity to the internet to function is skyrocketing. Laundromat owners have more options than ever before with internet-connected equipment to facilitate mobile payments, real-time analytics, remote monitoring, maintenance alerts, programmable cycles, tracking transactions and much more.
In the Internet of Things, without a reliable internet connection, the “things” stop working – and that can greatly impact an operator’s bottom line and leave customers frustrated.
Once an owner incorporates “smart” equipment, having a reliable connectivity solution is vital. The key for a “deployer,” or store operator, is making sure the equipment gets connected and stays connected to the internet. There are many connectivity options available, and we will do our best to explore each option – along with the benefits and potential drawbacks of each – so that you can ensure your operation runs smoothly and that customers have a consistent, positive experience.
Existing Local Internet Connections
It’s enticing to look for low-cost or free connectivity solutions when setting up a new deployment location. If there is an existing local internet connection available at your location, this can be a good option to explore. The upside is that there are no additional costs to incur and most local connections will have decent bandwidth speeds.
However, if you’re placing equipment at a location you don’t own, most third-party locations don’t want outside equipment or devices on their networks for security purposes – so this makes it more challenging to take advantage of an existing connection on-premises. It also can be more time-consuming to get local IT to work with you; plus, then you also won’t have any control if and when the network goes down.
Pros
- No monthly data costs
- Decent bandwidth speeds
Cons
- Possible need to open firewalls or to enable security rules with IT can be burdensome
- Static IP connections are rare
- Can suffer from spotty internet service or poor download/upload speed
- Local IT might be resistant or unwilling to troubleshoot your potential internet connectivity problems
Local Wi-Fi
Another option most owner will look at when setting up is the availability of local Wi-Fi networks they can jump on. Typically, there are no monthly data charges, and it’s a quick and easy way to get their equipment operational, while also keeping their monthly operating expenses low.
But, similar to existing local area network connections, using an existing Wi-Fi connection provides no control if and when the network goes down, since someone else is managing it. There also are risks with security, and most networks are not compliant with PCI for credit card payment processing.
Pros
- No monthly data costs
- Quick and easy to get operational
Cons
- Not a secure connection method; security concerns
- Connection speeds can change depending on the number of users
- Wi-Fi may not be PCI-compliant
Purchasing an Aircard, MiFi or Jetpack
Owners looking for a relatively quick and easy way to bring their own cellular connectivity may look at deploying a device like a jetpack to handle their connectivity needs that they purchase from Verizon or AT&T. Once purchased, the device is ready to use and connect securely to with relative ease. It alleviates some of the drawbacks of the options listed above, because it’s more secure than Wi-Fi and other public networks.
One of the major drawbacks of this type of connectivity is that it’s not built for commercial applications, so it may not be able to handle the demands of a busy laundromat. If an issue is encountered, it will require a manual power cycle, where the operator will have to visit the location to remedy the problem. Although this may work for a location or two, it’s difficult to scale and provide a long-term solution for owners of larger chain operations.
Pros
- Setup is fairly simple
- Secure network connectivity
Cons
- Monthly data costs
- Subject to either overages or slowing after certain data thresholds
- Resetting lost connections typically requires a manual power cycle
- Designed for personal – not commercial – use
Purchasing Hardware and Setting Up a Data Plan
Laundromat owners looking to manage their own connectivity can purchase a cellular modem from a hardware manufacturer and set up their own data plans with a carrier. This option alleviates many of the issues addressed earlier, because you’re able to manage the network directly, which gives you full control. As long as your location has good cellular coverage, this may be a workable option.
The drawback is that most operators don’t have the expertise or time to deal with setups, configurations, software, security, data plans and carrier relationships, troubleshooting, and on and on. Instead of focusing on running a successful laundry operation, owners using this option often are forced to spend considerable resources managing their own connectivity, which takes them away from focusing on what they’re really in business to be doing.
If a piece of hardware develops issues, operators must remedy these situations on their own, with little help or support from suppliers. Purchasing hardware upfront also can be expensive, depending on the size of the operation and how many locations being connected.
Pros
- You have full control of the hardware and data plans
- Secure connectivity
Cons
- Monthly data costs
- Setting up the configurations with all of the different options can be difficult for a novice
- Coordinating data plans to be as low as possible without hitting overages can be a time-consuming balancing act
- Maintaining portfolios with software versions can require trained and dedicated resources for communications
Managed Service Provider
Another option to consider for your internet connectivity needs is partnering with a fully managed solution provider that enables owners to outsource their connectivity needs to someone else. By partnering with a fully managed solution provider, operators can effectively outsource one of the most important components of their success to a reliable partner that focuses all of its time on making sure their devices stay connected. Operators pay for the data that they use and are protected from huge overages, while also having one point of contact if they have any issues with their connectivity.
A managed solution provider offers ease of installation, network security, purchase and lease options, customized data plans, and more. By partnering with a managed service provider, operators can focus on their businesses with the peace of mind that their equipment will get connected and stay connected. With plug-and-play functionality built in, all an operator has to do is plug in the device and use it.
Pros
- Single source of contact and 24/7 support for both hardware and connection issues
- Ease of installation for virtual plug and play
- Network security, connectivity, profiles and firmware upgrades are handled by the managed solutions provider, thus reducing your risk
- Ability to have multiple carriers but to pay just one bill
Cons
- Possibly higher monthly communication costs, since all of the features and management are included
- Not a good option if cellular reception is poor at your location
Choosing the Right Connectivity
Understanding the strengths and drawbacks of the options available is necessary to select the best one for each specific application. From using an existing local internet connection or publicly available Wi-Fi network to a fully managed wireless solution (and everything in between), it’s important to know your options and choose the connectivity solution that’s best for you and your particular laundry business.
