In order to maintain viability in today’s business world, many organizations need to focus on the massive amounts of data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT). Proper use of this data can make the difference between a company thriving and being forced to shut its doors. To make use of this abundance of data implies that it needs to be collected and stored for analysis. This is accomplished by the use of data collection software.
Data collection is used in many types of businesses. You may be tracking retail sales, popular menu items, freezer temperatures, stock prices or critical pressure readings. The collection can take place from one central location, such as a shop, or from remote individuals or pieces of equipment spread across the globe.
The accuracy of your collected data can be key to making business or safety decisions that impact your business or the public at large. Harvard Business Review reports that in 2017 almost 50% of Fortune 1000 executives surveyed believe that their companies are achieving measurable results from the use of big data.
When choosing data collection software for your enterprise your first and perhaps most important choice is whether to go with a universal or proprietary data collector. Your choice may depend on the type of business for which you are performing data collection. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of data collection software. Let’s take a look at what they each can offer your business.
What is a Data Collector?
Simply put, a data collector is a software package that allows you to gather information in a systematic manner and log or store it for further analysis. The data can be gathered from individual inputs, typically from customer surveys or employees manually inputting information. It can also be gathered from sensors on field instruments or pieces of equipment that are constantly being monitored and sending measurements back to the home office.
Depending on your data collection package, the data collected can be transformed into custom reports for later viewing or may be used to make immediate decisions based on the specific data retrieved. Data collected from your company’s sales reps will be dealt with much differently than data collected from your power plant’s capacity sensors.
Though in some cases they are taking the place of traditional paper reports, by using images and digital information the type of data collected is more varied and may need to be processed before proper analysis can be performed. Your data collection package may be designed to manipulate the data it has collected to present it to you in a specific and usable format. It may also store your data in files that you can later use to generate reports to your liking.
Universal Data Collector Pros and Cons
Third-party vendors who are developing data collection software are not bound by hardware constraints and allow the customer to decide on the best equipment to employ for data collection. Developers of this kind of data collection software are more likely to have their customers best interests in mind and be willing to modify and upgrade their software to be compatible with new monitoring hardware that becomes available. This is probably the most compelling argument in favor of a universal data collector.
The flip side of this ability to work with many different types of collectors is that some tradeoffs may need to be made in developing a more generic solution to the collection issue. Attempting to offer a solution for all users may lead to a less efficient outcome for certain subsets of customers. While the data collection software will perform to some degree, it will always need to make some concessions to maintain its broad utility.
Proprietary Data Collector Pros and Cons
On the other hand, a data collection software package that is designed to work with the manufacturer’s proprietary equipment can be tailored to that equipment’s exact specifications. If your business uses their equipment there is definitely the potential for increased efficiency and additional features that will be incorporated into the collector software over time. You can expect both the software and hardware to improve at the same rate, with the developer maintaining top-notch compatibility and efficiency. This is one of the main reasons you would be tempted to use a proprietary data collector package.
This tight coupling of software and hardware can also pose problems for the end user. You are essentially locked into using the hardware that the developer supports to the exclusion of other offerings that may be more economical or technologically advanced. Your company’s collection capabilities will be limited to the offerings of one manufacturer, which could put you at a competitive disadvantage.
Using and Moving Your Collected Data
The data your company has collected is one of its most important assets when making business decisions. In some cases, you may simply need to transfer this collected data to existing or proprietary databases using methods that are within the scope of your collection software to perform. You may find that, over time, you need to move or translate your data to a different format. Your collected data may be more valuable and relevant when viewed in ways that your data collection software does not support.
When faced with this situation, you can reach for the solution offered by a universal data connector. The software of this type allows you to translate your data into different formats without needing the addition of proprietary plug-ins or utilities. The flexibility afforded by a universal data connector means that there is essentially an unlimited number of ways you can view and use your data.
As your team develops new methods and uses for your data, the ability to move it into new formats and platforms can be the difference between your business succeeding or be failing. The IoT is constantly expanding and new trends are opening up previously unimagined avenues for business growth. If your data is your primary resource, your ability to use it in new and novel ways will put your business in the driver’s seat.
