Customer case

Ecosystem study of a smart object platform

Wed 31 Jul 2024

Sofrecom was commissioned for a strategic mission to study the ecosystem of the Thing’in platform. This ambitious project aimed to create a database of objects, connected or not, allowing their description and visualization in a given space. Thanks to a rigorous methodology and in-depth analysis, Sofrecom was able to provide valuable strategic recommendations to its client.

Project context

The Thing’in project aimed to develop an innovative object database platform. The objective was to enable a detailed description and visualization of these objects in a defined space. Sofrecom was solicited to identify comparable solutions existing in the market and formulate strategic recommendations.

Methodology implemented by our experts

The methodology adopted by Sofrecom for this mission was structured around several key steps, each aimed at ensuring an exhaustive and relevant analysis of the Thing’in ecosystem.

1. Scoping and validation of the type of platform to study

The first step involved validating the type of platform to study. This scoping phase allowed for the precise definition of the mission's contours and ensured that the client's objectives were well understood and aligned with the actions to be undertaken.

2. Information gathering

Information gathering was a crucial step in the mission. Sofrecom implemented an in-depth documentary watch using various sources

  • Internal databases (Arianet group database)
  • Institutional websites
  • Videos and direct contacts This phase allowed for the collection of information on similar platforms, available databases, and relevant public or private initiatives.

3. Ecosystem analysis

The ecosystem analysis was carried out in several sub-steps

  • Study of the Value Chain of Identified Actors: This analysis helped understand how different actors create value and the interactions between them.
  • Presentation of the Ecosystem of Actors: Sofrecom identified the types of actors, value creation modes, and typologies of referenced objects. This presentation offered a clear vision of actors with characteristics or propositions similar to those of Thing’in.

4. Synthesis and restitution

The final step involved preparing the final documents and presenting them to the client. This synthesis allowed for a clear and structured presentation of the study's conclusions, facilitating strategic decision-making.

Benefits provided to the client

Sofrecom's support brought several significant benefits to the client

1. Clear Vision of the Ecosystem

Thanks to the detailed ecosystem analysis, the client obtained a clear vision of actors with characteristics or propositions similar to those of Thing’in. This in-depth understanding helped identify collaboration and potential partnership opportunities.

2. Comparison of Strengths and Weaknesses

Sofrecom provided a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of Thing’in compared to existing market solutions. This comparative analysis helped the client identify areas for improvement and strengthen the differentiating aspects of their platform.

3. Identification of Potential Partners

In addition to identifying competitors, Sofrecom listed actors who could be potential partners for object sharing or collaboration on use cases. This approach opened new development perspectives for Thing’in.

4. Exploitable Databases

Sofrecom identified accessible and potentially exploitable object databases. This information allowed the client to better understand available resources and consider relevant integrations to enrich their platform.

5. Inspiring Use Cases

The study also highlighted inspiring use cases from other actors. These concrete examples provided innovative ideas for the development of Thing’in, particularly in partnership with public authorities.

Sofrecom's mission to study the ecosystem of the Thing’in platform was a success. Thanks to a rigorous methodology and in-depth analysis, Sofrecom was able to provide valuable strategic recommendations, allowing the client to better understand their competitive environment and identify development opportunities. This mission perfectly illustrates Sofrecom's expertise in ecosystem analysis and strategic consulting.