How Edge Computing Creates Smarter Products
Let’s be honest: when you're launching a physical product for a client, the last thing you need is a technical failure. A laggy interactive display or a smart device that drops its connection can undermine an entire campaign. This is why understanding edge computing is so important for creative projects. By moving the processing power from a distant cloud server directly onto the device itself, you create products that are faster, more secure, and far more reliable—especially in unpredictable environments like live events. This guide explains how this approach not only creates a better user experience but also saves on costs and protects sensitive data.
Key Takeaways
Use Edge for Real-Time Interaction: Processing data on the device itself eliminates lag, making your product feel instantly responsive. This is the key to creating seamless interactive experiences that work flawlessly, even in places with unreliable internet.
Get the Best of Both Worlds with a Hybrid Model: Edge computing doesn't replace the cloud—it enhances it. Use a hybrid approach where the device handles immediate tasks for speed, while the cloud takes care of long-term data storage and deeper analytics.
Plan for Real-World Challenges Upfront: An edge-enabled product requires a strategic approach from the start. Address security, connectivity, and device management during the initial design phase to ensure your product is not only smart but also secure and reliable in the field.
What Is Edge Computing?
Let's talk about making products smarter and faster. Imagine a device that doesn't need to call home to a distant server for every little decision. That's the basic idea behind edge computing. It’s a powerful approach to product design that moves computation away from centralized data centers and closer to the user, right inside the device itself. This shift allows products to react in real time, making them more responsive, reliable, and efficient. For agencies and brands looking to create truly interactive physical experiences, understanding edge computing is key. It’s what enables a smart camera to identify a person instantly or a piece of factory equipment to predict a failure before it happens, all without a laggy connection to the cloud.
The Core Idea Explained
At its heart, edge computing is about location. Instead of sending a constant stream of raw data from a device to a remote cloud server for analysis, the device itself—or a local computer nearby—handles the heavy lifting. Think of it like having a brain in your hand instead of one miles away. The "edge" is simply where the data is generated: a sensor on a factory floor, a smart speaker in a living room, or a camera in a retail store. By having the device process data on the spot, a product can make instant decisions, filter out unimportant information, and only send what’s necessary back to the cloud. This makes for a much snappier and more efficient user experience.
Edge vs. Cloud: What's the Difference?
The main difference between edge and cloud computing comes down to where the processing happens. Cloud computing relies on massive, centralized data centers that you access over the internet. It’s fantastic for storing huge amounts of data and running complex analyses that aren't time-sensitive. Edge computing, on the other hand, spreads out the work to the devices themselves. It’s designed for speed and immediate action. A smart security camera using edge computing can analyze video in real-time to detect an intruder and sound an alarm instantly, rather than sending the video to the cloud, waiting for it to be processed, and then getting a command back. They aren't mutually exclusive, though. Often, the best systems use both: the edge handles the urgent tasks, while the cloud stores data for long-term analysis and model training.
How Does Edge Computing Work?
At its core, edge computing is about changing where a product thinks. Instead of sending every bit of information to a distant cloud server for processing, the heavy lifting happens right on or near the device itself. This simple shift in location is what gives edge-enabled products their speed and intelligence. Think of it as giving your product a local brain instead of making it call headquarters for every single decision. This approach is built on a few key principles that work together to make devices smarter and more responsive.
Processing Data Closer to the Source
The main idea behind edge computing is to process data right where it’s generated. Imagine a smart device in a retail store that tracks foot traffic. In a traditional cloud model, it would constantly send video or sensor data over the internet to a central server. That server would analyze the data and send back insights. With edge computing, the device itself analyzes the information on-site. It handles the processing locally at the "edge" of the network, only sending important summaries—like daily visitor counts or heat maps—to the cloud. This drastically reduces delays and makes real-time interaction possible.
The Hardware That Makes It Happen
This local processing is handled by specialized hardware. These "edge devices" can range from tiny, powerful microcontrollers inside a product to small, dedicated servers called edge gateways located nearby. These components are engineered to perform the first round of analysis, filtering raw data to decide what’s urgent, what can be processed later, and what needs to be sent to the cloud for deeper analysis. For a product like a smart wearable, the processor inside the device is the edge hardware. It analyzes your heart rate locally and only sends summary data to an app, saving battery life and ensuring your information is processed instantly.
How IoT Devices Fit In
Edge computing is a game-changer for the Internet of Things (IoT), where countless connected devices are constantly gathering information. Many smart products generate a flood of data, but not all of it is useful. Edge computing provides the intelligence to sift through that noise and find valuable insights right at the source. For example, a smart factory sensor can detect a machine malfunction and trigger an immediate shutdown without waiting for instructions from a central server. This allows IoT devices to move beyond simply collecting data and start taking immediate, intelligent action based on what’s happening in the real world.
Why Should Your Product Use Edge Computing?
When you’re creating a physical product for a campaign, the user experience is everything. You want it to feel seamless, smart, and instantly responsive. This is where edge computing comes in. Instead of relying on a distant cloud server to do all the thinking, an edge-enabled device processes data right on the hardware itself. This simple shift from centralized to localized processing has a massive impact on how a product performs.
For agencies, this isn't just a technical detail—it's a creative advantage. It means you can design more ambitious, interactive, and reliable products that deliver on their promise without the lag, security risks, or connectivity issues that can derail a great idea. By handling tasks locally, your product becomes faster, more efficient, and more secure. Let’s break down exactly what that means for your next project.
Get Faster, Real-Time Responses
Nothing kills the magic of an interactive experience faster than lag. When a user has to wait for a device to respond, the connection is broken. Edge computing solves this by processing data on the spot. Because information doesn’t have to travel to a cloud server and back, the device can make instant decisions. Think of a smart mirror in a retail pop-up that analyzes a customer’s selections in real time or an interactive installation that reacts immediately to movement. This split-second responsiveness is what makes a product feel intelligent and alive, creating a much more engaging and impressive user experience that leaves a lasting brand impression.
Save on Bandwidth Costs
If your project involves deploying dozens or even hundreds of connected devices—like sensors at a music festival or smart coasters in a bar—constantly sending data to the cloud can get expensive, fast. Edge computing helps you manage these costs by being smarter about data transmission. The device can process raw data locally and only send the important insights to the cloud. For example, instead of streaming hours of video, a smart camera could just send an alert when it detects a specific action. This approach dramatically reduces internet bandwidth consumption, making large-scale, data-driven campaigns more affordable and feasible, especially when relying on cellular connections instead of Wi-Fi.
Keep Sensitive Data More Secure
Brands are more protective of customer data than ever, and for good reason. Edge computing offers a powerful security advantage by keeping sensitive information local. When data is processed directly on the device, it doesn’t have to be transmitted over the internet, which is where it’s most vulnerable to interception. This is a huge benefit for any product that handles personal information, from a facial recognition kiosk to a health-tracking wearable. By minimizing data transfer, you reduce the risk of a breach and make it easier to comply with privacy regulations. It gives your clients peace of mind and shows you’re building their brand experience with security at its core.
Operate More Efficiently
Live events and experiential activations often take place in locations with unreliable internet. A product that depends on a constant cloud connection is a major liability in these scenarios. Edge computing makes your product more robust and self-sufficient. Since the core processing happens on the device itself, it can continue to function perfectly even if the Wi-Fi goes down or the cellular signal is weak. That interactive display will keep interacting, and that smart device will keep working. This offline capability ensures your campaign runs smoothly without technical glitches, guaranteeing a flawless and professional brand experience when it matters most.
Where Edge Computing Is Making an Impact
Edge computing isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the engine behind some of the most innovative products changing how we live and work. By processing data locally instead of in a distant cloud, this technology allows devices to react faster, operate more reliably, and function securely even without a constant internet connection. For creative agencies and brands, this opens up a whole new world of possibilities for physical products and immersive experiences.
From wearables that monitor health in real time to factory floors that predict their own maintenance needs, edge computing is already delivering tangible results. Understanding where it’s making a difference can spark ideas for your next big project. Whether you’re developing a high-tech promotional product or an interactive installation, these examples show what’s possible when intelligence is built directly into the device itself.
Healthcare and Wearable Tech
In healthcare, speed can be a matter of life and death. Edge computing is making medical and wellness devices smarter and more responsive. Think of a wearable health monitor that tracks vital signs. Instead of sending a constant stream of raw data to the cloud, an edge-enabled device can process that information right on the user’s wrist. It can identify an irregular heartbeat or a sudden fall and send an immediate alert, without the delay of a round trip to a server. This approach also enhances patient privacy by keeping sensitive health data localized. For brands, this technology is perfect for creating sophisticated wellness products that offer genuine, real-time value to users.
Smart Factories and Automation
On the factory floor, efficiency and safety are everything. Edge computing helps create smarter, more autonomous manufacturing environments. By placing computing power directly on machinery, companies can monitor equipment health in real time to predict and prevent breakdowns before they happen. On an assembly line, an edge-powered camera can spot a product defect instantly, removing it without slowing down production. This local processing gives workers the immediate information they need to make better decisions and helps detect unsafe conditions in hazardous workplaces. It’s a practical application that showcases how edge computing builds more resilient and productive systems.
Smart Cities and Public Tech
Edge computing is also shaping the cities we live in, making them more efficient and responsive. Consider traffic management systems that use sensors and cameras at intersections. Instead of sending all that video footage to a central server, edge devices can analyze traffic flow locally and adjust signal timing in real time to reduce congestion. The same principle applies to public safety, where smart cameras can identify incidents as they happen. This technology is foundational to the development of smart cities, enabling everything from intelligent power grids that manage energy consumption to automated public transit. These applications show how edge computing can operate at a massive scale to improve daily life.
Autonomous Vehicles and Drones
Nowhere is the need for speed more critical than in autonomous vehicles. A self-driving car has to make split-second decisions—identifying a pedestrian, reacting to a sudden stop, or reading a traffic signal. It simply can’t afford the latency of sending sensor data to the cloud and waiting for instructions. Edge computing makes real-time decision-making possible by processing massive amounts of data from cameras, LiDAR, and other sensors directly inside the vehicle. This allows the car to react instantaneously to its environment. The same logic applies to autonomous drones used for delivery or inspections, which need to navigate complex spaces safely and efficiently without relying on a constant connection.
What Are the Hurdles of Edge Computing?
While edge computing opens up a world of possibilities for creating responsive, intelligent products, it’s not a simple plug-and-play solution. Shifting processing power from the cloud to individual devices introduces a new set of design and engineering challenges. Think of it less like a roadblock and more like a new terrain to map out. Successfully launching an edge-enabled product means anticipating these hurdles from the very first sketch.
The key is to address these complexities during the product development process, not after the fact. From securing a fleet of distributed devices to ensuring they all work together seamlessly, every potential issue requires a strategic engineering solution. For agencies creating a physical product for a campaign, the last thing you want is a technical glitch that undermines the entire experience. Planning for these challenges upfront is what separates a frustrating user experience from a flawless one. It’s about building a product that is not only smart but also resilient, secure, and manageable in the real world. This means thinking through how devices will be updated in the field, how they'll handle spotty Wi-Fi at an event, and how you'll protect user data across the entire system.
Managing Security Across Devices
When you move data processing from a single, secure cloud server to hundreds or thousands of individual devices, you create many more points of entry for potential threats. Protecting this distributed network is a whole different ballgame. Instead of one central fortress, you need to build security into every single device. This requires a distributed trust model, where each component is responsible for its own defense. For your product, this means security can't be an afterthought; it has to be integrated into the hardware and software from day one to protect both the device and the user's data.
The Challenge of Device Upkeep
A product doesn’t stop needing attention once it leaves the factory. Managing a fleet of smart devices in the field presents a unique logistical challenge. How do you push a critical software update? What’s the plan for when a device’s battery dies or it goes offline? These questions are central to the product’s long-term success. Engineering for easy maintenance is crucial. This often involves designing for over-the-air (OTA) updates that allow you to deploy fixes and new features remotely, ensuring your product gets better and more secure over time without requiring a physical recall.
Making Sure It All Works Together
An edge computing system is an ecosystem. It includes the end-user devices, local gateways that might collect data, and the cloud services they connect to. Getting all these different pieces of hardware and software to communicate effectively is a major hurdle. Without standardized protocols, you can end up with a disjointed system that’s unreliable and difficult to scale. A huge part of the design process is focused on ensuring this interoperability, carefully selecting components and platforms that speak the same language to create a cohesive and functional network.
Dealing with Connectivity Gaps
One of the biggest selling points of edge computing is that devices can function even without a stable internet connection. However, designing a product that handles this gracefully is a complex task. You have to decide what happens when the connection drops. How does the device store data locally? What features remain available offline? How does it sync everything back to the cloud once it reconnects? Building a product with a solid offline-first approach ensures a smooth user experience, preventing data loss and frustration when connectivity is spotty or unavailable.
Edge vs. Cloud: Which Is Right for Your Project?
Deciding between edge and cloud computing isn't about picking a winner—it's about choosing the right tool for the job. Think of it like deciding between a local workshop and a massive off-site warehouse. The workshop (edge) is perfect for immediate, hands-on tasks that need to happen right now. The warehouse (cloud) is better for storing everything long-term and running large-scale operations.
Your product’s specific needs will determine the best approach. Do you need instant responses for an interactive display? Or are you collecting data for later analysis? The answer will guide your technical architecture. Often, the most powerful solution isn't choosing one over the other, but figuring out how they can work together to create a seamless, smart, and efficient user experience. Let's break down how to make that call.
Choosing Edge for Speed and Reliability
If your product needs to think on its feet, edge computing is your go-to. By processing data directly on the device, you eliminate the delay of sending information to a distant server and waiting for a response. This split-second timing is essential for interactive installations, responsive smart devices, or any product where lag would ruin the experience. For example, a smart mirror in a retail environment needs to overlay virtual outfits instantly, not after a three-second pause.
Edge computing also adds a layer of reliability. Since the core processing happens locally, the device can still perform its main functions even if its internet connection is spotty or temporarily lost. This is a huge advantage for products deployed in locations with unpredictable Wi-Fi, like pop-up events or outdoor activations. When you need speed and dependability, building intelligence directly into the device is the clearest path forward.
Using a Hybrid Cloud and Edge Model
You don’t have to commit to just one approach. In fact, many of the most sophisticated connected products use a hybrid model that combines the strengths of both edge and cloud. In this setup, the edge device handles all the immediate, time-sensitive tasks. It processes data locally to provide instant feedback, trigger actions, and keep the core user experience smooth and fast.
Meanwhile, it can send select, less urgent data to the cloud for deeper analysis and long-term storage. For instance, a smart display at an event could use edge computing to react to user gestures in real time, while simultaneously sending anonymous usage data to the cloud. This data can later be analyzed to measure engagement and improve future campaigns. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: real-time performance and powerful backend analytics.
Balancing Performance and Budget
Beyond speed, the edge vs. cloud decision has real-world impacts on your budget and data security. Constantly sending large streams of data from thousands of devices to the cloud can get expensive, fast. You’re paying for both internet bandwidth and cloud storage. Edge computing helps manage these costs by processing data locally and only sending essential information to the cloud. This efficiency can make a large-scale product launch far more financially viable.
From a security standpoint, keeping sensitive information on the device itself reduces risk. By processing personal or proprietary data locally, you minimize the chances of it being intercepted as it travels to the cloud. This is especially important for products used in healthcare or those that handle user-generated content. Choosing an edge or hybrid model can be a strategic move to deliver a high-performance product that is also cost-effective and secure.
The Tech Stack for an Edge-Enabled Product
Building a product that thinks for itself right where the action happens requires a specific set of tools. Think of it as a recipe: you need the right physical ingredients (hardware), the instructions that tell them what to do (software), and a dash of intelligence (AI) to make it all work together seamlessly. Getting this tech stack right is the key to creating a responsive, efficient, and smart product that delivers on your creative vision without a hitch.
The Right Hardware and Infrastructure
At its core, an edge product is all about the hardware. This isn't just about the external casing; it's about the tiny, powerful components inside that do the heavy lifting. We're talking about sensors that gather information, microprocessors that act as the device's brain, and local storage that holds critical data. Edge computing works because these components process data right on the device itself, rather than sending everything to a distant server. For a project like an interactive retail display or a piece of smart merchandise, this means selecting the perfect combination of sensors, processors, and communication modules to ensure your product responds instantly and reliably.
Essential Software and Development Tools
Great hardware is only half the story. The software is what brings your product to life, running on the device to analyze information and make decisions in real time. This is where the logic of your creative concept is translated into code. The software stack includes a lightweight operating system designed for connected devices, the applications that perform specific tasks, and the tools that allow us to manage and update devices remotely. We handle the complex development, ensuring the software is efficient and secure, so the end-user experience is flawless and intuitive. It’s our job to make sure the technology works so well that no one even notices it’s there.
Integrating AI and Machine Learning
This is where things get really exciting. By integrating artificial intelligence directly onto the device, we can create products that don't just follow instructions but actually learn and adapt. This growing field, often called Edge AI, allows a device to make intelligent decisions on its own, without needing to connect to the internet. Imagine a smart promotional item that customizes its behavior based on how it's being used, or an event installation that analyzes crowd sentiment in real time. This capability opens up a new level of personalization and interactivity, turning a simple physical object into a truly dynamic and engaging brand experience.
How to Design a Product for the Edge
Bringing an edge-enabled product to life is an exciting process, but it requires a different mindset than designing a standard connected device. It’s not just about cramming a tiny computer into a cool-looking shell. The real work is in the strategic decisions you make long before the first prototype is built. You have to think about how the device will function in the real world, often with limited power and spotty connectivity. This is where creative vision meets engineering reality.
For agencies, this means collaborating closely with an engineering and design partner to map out the user experience from a technical perspective. How fast does it need to be? What happens if the Wi-Fi drops? How much data can it handle on its own? Answering these questions early on is the key to creating a product that feels responsive, reliable, and truly smart. It’s about balancing cutting-edge capabilities with practical, real-world performance to deliver an experience that wows your audience and works flawlessly every time. The most successful edge products are born from a partnership where creative goals are translated into solid engineering specs from day one, ensuring the final product is not only beautiful but also technically sound and ready for manufacturing.
Key Product Development Questions to Ask
Before you dive into CAD models and circuit boards, your team needs to align on the core strategy. When designing for edge computing, you have to consider how your product will process data locally and what data needs to be sent to the cloud. This involves finding the right balance between on-device processing power and cloud resources. Start by asking fundamental questions that will shape the entire project. What specific tasks must the device perform in real-time? What information is essential for it to function, and what is secondary? How will the device manage its power consumption, especially if it’s battery-operated? Thinking through your product development strategy will help you define the technical requirements and avoid costly changes down the line.
Engineering for Connected Devices
Once you have a clear strategy, the engineering work begins. Edge computing allows devices to analyze data at the source, which is crucial for applications requiring low latency and real-time decision-making. Your product needs to be engineered to handle this local processing efficiently. This involves selecting the right microprocessors, sensors, and memory to perform its core functions without relying on a constant cloud connection. The goal is to create a self-sufficient device that delivers a smooth and immediate user experience. This is where a deep understanding of both mechanical and electrical engineering comes into play, ensuring the internal components work together perfectly within the physical design.
Prototyping Your Edge-Ready Product
Prototyping is where your ideas become tangible. For an edge product, this stage is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about testing the entire system in action. Prototyping for edge computing should focus on creating a flexible architecture that can adapt to various environments. This means building and testing how your product collects data, processes it locally, and interacts with other devices in real-time. A successful hardware prototyping process involves creating multiple iterations to test everything from circuit performance to enclosure durability. This hands-on testing is the best way to identify potential issues and refine the user experience before committing to manufacturing.
Common Myths About Edge Computing
Like any powerful technology, edge computing is surrounded by a few common misunderstandings. It’s easy to get the wrong idea, especially when the conversation gets technical. But when you’re brainstorming a physical product for a campaign or a new brand, you need a clear picture of what’s possible. Let’s clear up some of the biggest myths so you can approach your next project with confidence and focus on creating something amazing. Knowing the truth about edge computing helps you and your team make smarter decisions about the features and functionality that will make your product a success.
Myth: Edge Will Replace the Cloud
It’s a common pattern in tech to think of new developments as replacements for the old, but that’s not the case here. Edge computing doesn’t replace the cloud—it works with it. Think of the cloud as your massive, centralized headquarters for data storage and heavy-duty analysis. The edge is like having smart, capable satellite offices right where the action is happening. These local hubs can process information on the spot for quick decisions, then send only the most important summaries back to HQ. This partnership allows products to be both fast and powerful, using a hybrid approach that gets the best of both worlds.
Myth: It's Only for Big Tech
You might hear "edge computing" and immediately think of massive companies with huge budgets, but this technology isn't just for the giants. The principles of edge computing can be scaled to fit all kinds of products, from smart retail displays to connected merchandise for an influencer campaign. Because edge computing is adaptable, it opens up opportunities for brands of all sizes to create more responsive and engaging physical experiences. It’s less about the size of your company and more about the experience you want to deliver. In fact, small and medium-sized enterprises can use it to create innovative products that stand out.
Myth: Your Data Becomes Inaccessible
This is a big one, but it’s completely backward. The fear is that if data is processed locally on a device, it’s somehow trapped there and can’t be accessed. In reality, edge computing actually improves data accessibility where it matters most: in real-time. Instead of waiting for information to travel to a distant server and back, your product can use critical data instantly. This local processing means faster performance and more reliable operation, especially if internet connectivity is spotty. The most relevant data can still be sent to the cloud for long-term storage and analysis, so you aren’t losing anything—you’re just making your product smarter and more self-sufficient.
Ready to Build an Edge-Enabled Product?
Bringing an edge-enabled product to life is less about chasing the latest tech trend and more about creating a genuinely compelling user experience. Whether you're designing an interactive display for a pop-up event or a smart piece of merchandise for an influencer campaign, the goal is to make the interaction feel seamless and immediate. This is where a solid product development partner comes in—someone who can handle the technical complexities so you can focus on the creative vision. Let's walk through the key stages of turning your idea into a tangible, intelligent product.
First Steps: Define Your Strategy
Before we talk about processors or sensors, let’s talk about people. Who is this product for, and what do you want them to feel or do? A clear strategy is the foundation of any successful product. It starts with identifying your target audience and defining the core problem you’re solving or the experience you’re creating. Is the goal to gather real-time feedback at an event? To create a personalized unboxing moment? Or to build a branded device that offers daily utility? Answering these questions first ensures that every design and engineering decision serves the bigger picture, preventing you from building a cool gadget that misses the mark with your audience.
From Concept to a Working Prototype
This is where your vision starts to take shape. The journey from a sketch to a functional prototype involves translating creative ideas into concrete engineering requirements. Edge computing works by processing data right where it's created, which means we design the hardware and software to think on its feet. We’ll explore everything from component selection and power management to the physical enclosure that makes your product look and feel amazing. Prototyping is a crucial step, allowing us to test assumptions, refine the user interaction, and ensure the final product is not only beautiful but also reliable and ready for manufacturing.
What's Next for Edge Computing?
The potential of edge computing is just beginning to unfold, especially when combined with artificial intelligence. The next wave of smart products won't just follow pre-programmed rules; they'll learn and adapt. Imagine campaign assets that personalize their behavior based on user interaction or smart packaging that offers a unique digital experience every time it's opened. As devices become more capable of making decisions on their own, we can create brand interactions that feel less like technology and more like magic. This evolution opens up a whole new playbook for creating memorable, deeply engaging physical experiences for your clients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This sounds really technical. Do I need to be an engineer to pitch an edge-enabled product idea? Not at all. Your job is to dream up the creative vision—what you want the product to do and how you want people to feel when they use it. Our job is to handle the technical side of things. You bring us the "what," and we'll figure out the "how." We translate your creative goals into the right hardware and software to make your idea work flawlessly in the real world.
Is using edge computing going to make my project a lot more expensive? It's a common question, but the answer is usually no. While the upfront hardware might be different, edge computing can save you significant money in other areas. By processing information on the device itself, you drastically reduce the amount of data you have to send to the cloud. This means lower bandwidth and data storage costs, which can make a huge difference for a large-scale campaign.
What's a simple example of an edge product we could create for a campaign? Imagine you're launching a new beverage and you create smart coasters for a promotional event. Each time a person picks up their drink, the coaster could instantly light up with a unique color pattern or play a short sound effect. That immediate reaction is possible because the coaster is making the decision on its own, right at the edge, without needing to ask a remote server what to do.
My event has terrible Wi-Fi. Is that a problem for these kinds of smart products? Actually, that's one of the best reasons to design a product with edge computing. Because the device handles its main tasks locally, it doesn't need a constant internet connection to function. That interactive display will keep interacting and that smart device will keep working, ensuring your brand experience runs smoothly even when the venue's connectivity is unreliable.
You mentioned edge and cloud working together. Why wouldn't a product just use one or the other? Using both gives you the best of both worlds: immediate action and long-term insight. The device uses its local "edge" intelligence to handle all the real-time tasks, like responding to a user's touch instantly. At the same time, it can send valuable, non-urgent data—like how many people interacted with it over the course of a day—to the cloud. This allows you to analyze campaign performance later without slowing down the user experience.
