Navigating the Challenges of Building an IoT Solution and the Invaluable Lessons

When we embarked on our startup journey in 2017, little did we know that our first IoT product, Raqib, would undergo such a transformative journey itself. Initially designed for the senior citizen market, we soon realized that Raqib had a far more significant role to play – assisting those embarking on the spiritual journey of Hajj. The Hajj market presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities that would test our mettle and reshape our product.

The Hajj Market: A Unique Opportunity

Our decision to target the Hajj market was informed by compelling reasons:

Vast Pilgrimage Numbers: With over 2.3 million people performing Hajj annually, including around 30,000 from Malaysia, the demand for a comprehensive monitoring solution was evident.
Diverse Language and Culture: The diverse backgrounds of pilgrims posed communication challenges during emergencies, making the need for a reliable solution even more critical.
Navigation Challenges: The crowded nature of Hajj, coupled with the unfamiliarity of foreign places, often led to pilgrims going missing.
Health Concerns: The harsh climate conditions during Hajj, with extreme heat and dust, raised the need for immediate assistance in case of sickness or fainting.
Constant Monitoring: Many pilgrims travel with elderly family members, necessitating continuous care and monitoring for peace of mind.
Crowded Peak Periods: During the peak Hajj period, which spans 5–6 days, crowded areas made it exceptionally challenging to locate missing individuals who often dressed similarly.
Tent Confusion: Similar-looking tents in places like Mina added to the challenge of finding one’s way back.

Raqib for Hajj Pilgrimage

The Challenges We Faced

Building an IoT solution for Hajj, Raqib, was a journey marked by formidable challenges:

Device Functionality: Determining the core parameters to monitor was a puzzle. Some users prioritized health vital signs, while others sought location tracking for safety.
Network and Roaming: Raqib relied on 2G networks with voice capability, and securing M2M sim cards with roaming capability was a hurdle due to cost and limited availability.
Trial Period: The seasonal nature of Hajj required us to conduct trials at the Hajj site itself. We overcame initial issues through partnerships and personal testing.
User Behavior: Ensuring users consistently wore Raqib and addressing challenges like water resistance and battery life was crucial for accurate data.
Go-to-Market Strategy: Deciding the target audience and business model was complex. Should we sell to Hajj authorities, travel agencies, or end-users? CAPEX-based models clashed with Hajj’s once-a-year occurrence.
Global Expansion: To succeed, Raqib needed a global market. Testing the sim card’s roaming capability across different countries, from Saudi Arabia to India and beyond, became a priority.

Important Lessons Learned

Our journey with Raqib taught us invaluable lessons:

Adaptability: Be ready to pivot and adapt to new markets and challenges when opportunities arise.
In-Field Testing: For solutions tied to specific events, conducting trials in the real environment is essential for refining the product.
User-Centric Design: Understand user behavior and preferences to ensure consistent product usage.
Market Diversification: Explore broader markets to sustain a seasonal product, but ensure your infrastructure supports it.
Collaboration: Forge partnerships and collaborations to address technical and logistical hurdles.
Continuous Innovation: In the IoT realm, staying ahead in terms of technology and connectivity is crucial for success.

In conclusion, our journey with Raqib reflects the essence of entrepreneurship – navigating uncharted waters, learning from challenges, and evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic market.

These lessons will guide us in future endeavors as we continue to bridge technological solutions with real-world challenges.