Great Data Collection through the Internet of Things
IoT Devices and Sensors at the Service of Big Data
It’s been more than 5 years since it was, the invasion of electronic devices with which we carry out many activities in our lives that fall under the umbrella of a technological trend called the Internet of Things (IoT) has begun. Anyone who has one, bought for technological desire or otherwise, is not fully aware of the fact that through the use of that technological device they are contributing through their lifestyle to the development and growth of what is called Big Data in technological jargon, which will improve AI learning and smarter over time, as already described in my other articles.
Having to briefly describe the technological trend of IoT, I can write that:
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing number of objects of use in the form of electronic devices connected to the internet and capable of collecting and transmitting data.
As already described, to develop AI, data concerning every aspect of human life is needed and this is consequently the birth of IoT, which through the increase and use of smart devices play a key role in the massive data explosion that is rapidly improving AI learning by progressively changing our world and the way we live it, and we will live. It should be noted that in the IoT, data is created by electronic devices used by people, not by people in a direct way, this has given rise to the term “Data Generated by Machines”.
Any device, gadget or machine that through its use collects information and communicates it via the internet falls into the category “Data Generated by Machines”. A trivial example is the fitness tracker that automatically sends data about your physical activity to an app on your phone. An IoT device might be as small as a light bulb or as big as a streetlamp, and can be in your home, city streets, offices, hospitals, industries, and other places.
The necessary part of the IoT is in the ability of machines to connect and share information with each other. This way of conversing between machines enables the devices to be able to talk to each other and therefore through the intervention of AI to be able to decide during action without human intervention. For example, industrial manufacturing equipment equipped with the various IIoT sensors can transmit performance data to the central cloud for analysis, with the result that the system will program automatically that type of equipment for repair or maintenance.
The IoT is perfect for the industrial and manufacturing sector, in fact, when it comes to Industry 4.0, we refer to the use of IoT on machines and production equipment connected between them through IIoT sensors that communicate data to the cloud that processes AI learning that optimizes the industrial process with less waste of energy, material, resources and time. However, the near future of IoT devices involves processing data autonomously, without the need to transmit it for analysis.
How this data collection done, in summary, through IoT
First, it is important to underline the fact that there is a lot of power in being able to collect and process data, from which insights are derived to be applied in real time both in the private and public sectors, returning as a result of the advantages. However, it is necessary to consider that with great power comes great responsibilities, and therefore the technical teams in charge will have to deal with the collection and management of data responsibly, planning application architectures that are reliable and secure.
This technological trend called IoT can in a concrete way transform the way we do business, offering huge benefits to companies in terms of ability to improve and optimize operations of their processes.
The operations of collecting and sending data in the IoT are done through the use of sensors physically placed on machines, equipment and wearable devices or other.
IoT Sensor Data is divided into two main categories, which are:
- Status Data — They are the basis for most IoT applications. This data is useful for all decision-making, planning, and maintenance. However, they need to be combined with other IoT data types to get more value.
- Location Data — Useful for tracking the movement of an object or a person. This is important data in the function of IoT devices and sensors, for fleet management, asset tracking, employee monitoring, and other management tasks.
- Automation Data — This type of data helps IoT systems control devices within a home, vehicles on the road, and other moving parts of any system. Here we get back into complex processes, making mistakes in these cases lead to traffic accidents and more. Here, security practices and codes of conduct must be established.
- Actionable Data — This IoT data is an extension of Status Data, after the system processes it turns it into easy-to-execute instructions. They are often used in long-term forecasting and decision-making.
Which industries benefit from data collection with IoT
Given that IoT and the resulting Big Data collection is still an emerging technology and so its use trend is at the beginning of its future potential, to date, the pioneer industries that can benefit from it are listed below:
- Health Sector — Among The main benefits will be the ability to monitor patients in real time, which helps healthcare professionals improve the accuracy of diagnoses, as well as the speed of post-operative recovery and more.
- Manufacturing Industry — In this field, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) sensors are introduced with which better guarantees of workplace security are obtained, better factory equipment performance, worker productivity monitoring, and integrating big data performance monitoring for predictive analytics and maintenance.
- Agricultural Industry — Here we have solutions to monitor agricultural sites in real time, predict the likelihood of natural disasters and their impact on crops. Through the data collected by the sensors, it is possible to design more efficient treatments to plants, monitor the use of water and ensure the well-being of livestock.
- Energy Industry — IoT data helps homes, offices, shopping malls, and public institutions reduce energy consumption. Sensor data processing is the basis for smart light and temperature trackers, smart energy managers, and connected devices.
- Smart Home Industry — Smart thermostats have become a common element for households, today these instruments rely heavily on data, captured by temperature. Security systems, smart plugs, and other appliances use IoT for data collection to ensure energy efficiency, as well as internal security.
- Transport Industry — Aside from autonomous vehicles, managing traffic congestion, virtual parking assistants, fleet management tools, and security devices Fuel consumption monitoring are all examples of data collection from sensors.
How to prepare for the IoT technological trend
Considering the issue of technological security as a primary one, IoT offers incredible opportunities for companies that want to better understand their customers, simplify process operations, create new value propositions and increase revenues. It is therefore necessary to prepare your organization accordingly.
Some key steps to prepare for this technology trend:
- Consider how IoT relates to your overall business strategy.
- If you’re creating products, consider if and how you can make those products smarter.
- Never neglect the need for data storage.
- Think about how to analyze all the data you store.
- Make sure your IoT data is accessible to those who require it.
- Create a clear IoT security strategy.
It becomes necessary for the future continuity of your business to clearly understand the benefits of your Big Data combined with IoT devices.
There are endless business cases, successful projects, and applications of the combination of IoT and big data. This diversity and the dynamics of the market provide many choices for the business to benefit from IoT and big data, it remains evident and necessary to analyze your business environment in all the processes that it make up.
