Getting started with IoT for Social Infrastructure

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g) Applications/Software Data repository The IoT sensor and control nodes of a network are limited in storage size and processing constraints. In an IoT application, you may have hundreds, thousands, or even millions of nodes collecting data. The solution is to move this data on to a database storage either locally (privately) hosted or on a cloud storage platform where it can be processed from a centralised location. Traditionally, most IoT devices will push all data up to the data repository, but with the emergence of edge computing, only data of interest may be sent. This data repository allows different data streams to be combined and gives a level of interoperability for collecting data from different sources. The cloud ‘The cloud’ is a term used to describe a global network of powerful servers which are designed to store and manage data, run applications and deliver content or a service. The largest providers of these cloud services are Amazon, Microsoft, IBM and Google. The cloud has replaced the need for companies to run expensive physical servers on-site and offers server-like services, with users paying when the services are used. Large amounts of data can be stored inexpensively in the cloud. Many building management software providers are providing cloud hosted applications that can allow different input data sources such as sensors. Analysis and post processing Analysis of the data is where real value is unlocked, and many applications build their value proposition around this. For example, a business manufactures and sells hardware for sensing the movement of people or traffic through an area. Analytics are performed on the captured data. These analytics can be used to detect trends or anomalies in the movement of people or traffic, which becomes a “service” they can sell to improve the efficiency of other systems. When data arrives at the cloud, a typical task would be for a software application to IoT devices normally send data to the cloud for processing. Its huge processing power enables the execution of complex algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence to extract maximum value from the data. This is where the values of smart buildings and digital twins will be unlocked. Benefits of cloud processing • Huge processing power can perform complex tasks • Data analytics can be performed on incoming data to detect trends or abnormalities Visualisation and presentation The last stage of the process is to present the information in a meaningful way. Depending on the requirements of the project, this could be as simple an action as ringing a buzzer or alerting a user by text that there is an abnormality. More frequently, it is a web page, or dashboard, with a series of graphs showing real-time information from the network. Many cloud platforms now include tools to visualise data. Instead of creating a separate traditional web page to display the data, applications within the cloud ecosystem plot data using different software tools. This may also include twoway communication - the user may wish to input into the system to control the sensors or “an actuator” based on the information they have received. Common software in building management that could integrate data from IoT sensors includes: • Building management systems • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems • Energy performance systems • Computer-aided facility management (CAFM) • Building information modelling (BIM) • Unpack the data • Extract the values of each sensor (for example, temperature, humidity) and • Check that these values are within acceptable ranges. 11
3 Realise the value for IoT within Social Infrastructure Within Scotland, the opportunity exists to realise the value of IoT within our educational or health estate. This section considers the architecture and approach. a) Implementing IoT in social infrastructure The most successful solutions begin by focusing on the problem to be solved rather than on the technology. Look for areas in an organisation where an IoT solution will have a benefit over an existing process. Perhaps manual monitoring could be automated? If maintenance needs could be predicted, costly down time could be prevented. Could more information in a specific area of a business improve a process or service? With the right information, processes can often be improved, efficiencies implemented, and business decisions made easier. Defining the purpose and value of: • What information would be useful to measure? • Is there a business case for the application? • Are there existing systems to integrate with? • Who does it solve a problem for? • Is data already being measured in this application? • What would make an effective proof of concept trial? • Is senior and cross functional organisational support available? There are three parts to developing an IoT system. The more bespoke a system is, the more complex and expensive the development. 1. Hardware Off the shelf hardware - dedicated solutions. Buy it, install it Development boards - this is a half-way house. Kit form solutions with multiple interfaces Custom design - tailored solutions requiring engineering development 2. Networks Use existing networks - Wi-Fi, Cellular, LPWAN, Hardwired (ethernet) Setup own network - manage network server and network hardware 3. Software Database storage - can be as simple as viewing data collected in a spreadsheet Dashboard information - web app to display data. This could be existing building management system or software like building management control interfaces. Custom dashboard development – customised web application or software interface to gather information from multiple buildings into one centralised location. 12
Page 1 and 2: Getting started with IoT for Social
Page 3 and 4: Social infrastructure and connected
Page 5 and 6: ) Benefits for business, industry a
Page 7 and 8: 2 Considerations for implementation
Page 9 and 10: e) Devices/Hardware Sensors As the
Page 11: f) Networks for buildings (LPWANS)
Page 15 and 16: Cold chain monitoring Challenge A c
Page 17 and 18: c) Examples of building hardware an
Page 19 and 20: Glossary TERM MEANING Actuator API

Getting started with IoT for Social Infrastructure

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