Building, shipping and scaling connected IoT devices

At Hardware Pioneers Max, Kigen hosted a compelling panel session titled “Security, Satellites & Silicon for hardware and connected eSIM devices.

Panelists included:

• Vincent Korstanje, CEO at Kigen
• Georgia Cooke, Research Analyst at ABI Research
• Simon Glassman, Head of Business Development at Skylo
• Bee Hayes-Thakore, VP of Marketing at Kigen

The panel examined the need for organizations to transition from isolated solutions to investing in standardized, embedded and automated systems that can scale from prototype to global deployment.

Why IoT needs a cohesive strategy

Traditional methods of connecting devices to the internet no longer scale for connected hardware. With embedded intelligence, automation, and global connectivity becoming standard, companies must adopt a scalable, integrated approach incorporating security, profile provisioning and network connectivity. 

Technologies such as eSIM, non-terrestrial (satellite) networks and AI at the edge are reshaping the architecture of IoT systems, from manufacturing and logistics to deployment and lifecycle management.

Why SGP.32 is a game-changer for eSIM adoption

One of the most transformative updates in IoT connectivity is the GSMA’s SGP.32 standard, built to support next-generation eSIM and iSIM deployments at scale. SGP.32 was developed to address limitations in M2M eSIM standards, which were too rigid and often restricted to a single network operator.

 The recent GSMA standard allows for greater interoperability, easier provisioning and more flexibility for fleet-level management of IoT devices, a critical advancement for module makers and OEMs shipping to global markets. 

‘’With SGP.32, you’re getting the simplicity of consumer eSIMs with the sophistication of M2M designed for remote provisioning across different suppliers and countries, with fleet management in mind.”
Vincent Kostanje

Watch the panel session

Scalable supply chains start at the factory

SGP.32 enables in-factory provisioning, a vital feature when time to market is critical. Designing for global IoT also involves solving complex manufacturing and provisioning challenges. From managing SKUs to ensuring secure configuration, timing and efficiency are crucial. 

Manufacturers have only a few hours to identify, configure, and ship products with embedded connectivity. Kigen has developed provisioning systems for device configuration in minutes, enabling manufacturers to meet dynamic demand and accelerate time to market while ensuring security and compliance. There’s no need to manage multiple SKUs or update SIMs post-shipment, which facilitates global device production and shipping with embedded connectivity.

Factory level eSIM provisioning for global IoT

Download the ABI  research to discover how connected devices can now be manufactured at scale.

Key benefits include:

• Flexible SKU management, reducing complexity and cost.
• Localized testing and provisioning of network profiles
• Elimination of network dependency during the manufacturing phase
• Resilience to roaming restrictions, regional regulatory hurdles, and MNO lock-ins.

 

Automated factory provisioning for wearables

One of our case studies illustrates the transformation of the manufacturing process for cellular-connected wearable devices. The use case, which remains under wraps for now, involves a leading wearable supplier. With growing demand for standalone wearable connectivity, the challenge was enabling real-time provisioning within a fast-paced global supply chain.

Due to advancements in factory-level provisioning, processes that once took weeks can now be completed in just minutes. This enables manufacturers to automate the configuration during production, ensuring that each device is securely connected, complies with regional regulations and is prepared for global shipment to markets such as the US, Europe, and China.

Satellite connectivity going mainstream

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are no longer niche. Thanks to standardization, satellite networks now operate similarly to traditional roaming partners.

Whether tracking assets across oceans or supporting emergency services in remote locations, satellite connectivity is becoming essential and it integrates seamlessly with the same provisioning tools used for cellular.

“85% of the planet lacks cellular coverage, and satellite providers like Skylo now give product teams a strategic advantage for mission-critical connectivity.”
Simon Glassman, Skylo

Standardization enables reliable interoperability

Across every topic, standardization emerged as the foundation of success. Whether it’s GSMA specifications for eSIM/iSIM or satellite integration via NTN, modern standards enable companies to:

• Design once, deploy globally
• Simplify certification and compliance
• Make informed buy-or-build decisions
• Accelerate provisioning across the value chain

Use flexible, standardized technologies that support automation, interoperability and secure provisioning. Design not just for functionality, but for scale, speed and resilience.

Ready to rethink your connected product strategy?

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eIM Simplifies IoT Connectivity for MNOs and MVNOs

Leverage automated and bulk network profile management to achieve secure and reliable connectivity.

The definitive guide to eSIMs

What’s the difference between SGP.02/SGP.22 and SGP.32? aka learn about what M2M, Consumer or IoT eSIM technology is best for you?

Get the guide »