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What is an NB-IoT Data Logger?
Data and real-time insights allow businesses to optimize operations, monitor conditions, and make informed data-driven decisions. NB-IoT data loggers play a pivotal role in ensuring businesses are equipped with the right data, at the right time. NB-IoT data loggers allow for wireless, remote data collection from sensors, allowing businesses to capture integral data without any manual effort.
Data loggers that utilize NB-IoT technology enjoy longer battery life with more long-term deployment potential. This is because NB-IoT is a low-power-wide-area network (LPWAN) that allows for device communication over long distances with minimal power consumption. NB-IoT ensures that data can be translated from sensors, to the data logger and then to the cloud in an effective and energy efficient manner.
How Does an NB-IoT Data Logger Work?
An NB-IoT data logger acts as a middleman between sensors and cloud platforms, capturing and transmitting critical data for remote analysis. The choice of NB-IoT ensures that the data logger is energy efficient, can communicate over a long distance and is fit for long remote deployments. NB-IoT data loggers such as the Hawk feature Bluetooth modules which allow for the data logger to communicate with nearby BLE sensor tags. This functionality ensures that data loggers can be used for affordable, non-permanent, and scalable operations.
The main way that data loggers receive data is through the use of sensors. These sensors have specific interfaces that the data logger interacts with, the following are some of the most common interfaces:
- RS485: A communication standard that allows multiple devices to transmit data over a single line. Typically used in industrial and commercial settings, for its ability to transmit data over long distances in noisy environments.
- 4-20mA: An analog electrical transmission for industrial applications.
- SDI-12: A protocol that is used to transfer environmental data such as temperature and moisture.
Benefits of an NB-IoT Data Logger
Utilizing an NB-IoT data logger provides numerous benefits to a business such as data-driven insights, remote monitoring, reduced costs, and increased efficiency.
Data-Driven Decisions
The use of a cellular data logger enhances a business's decision-making process. Now businesses will have data at their fingertips, allowing for more effective data-driven decisions to be made.
Increased Efficiency
NB-IoT data loggers combined with a cloud-based software and sensors allow for automated data collection and analysis. This system reduces the need for manual checks, saving time and resources.
Reduced costs
The use of remote monitoring systems can assist with the early detection of potential issues such as leaks or equipment failures. Detecting these issues early prevents costly repairs and downtime.
Cellular Data Logger Applications
Remote monitoring is utilized by many industries, ensuring the efficient management and operation of systems that would otherwise need manual oversight. The following are some key industries that utilize cellular data loggers and remote monitoring systems:
- Environmental Monitoring: Remote monitoring is used to track critical environmental parameters including air and water quality, enhancing environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
- Healthcare: Medical facilities utilize remote monitoring to track patient vitals and equipment status, enhancing overall patient care and operational efficiency.
- Utilities: Water, gas, and electricity companies cellular data loggers to manage supply networks, detect leaks, and ensure consistent service delivery.
- Agriculture: NB-IoT data loggers help farmers manage irrigation systems, soil moisture levels, and crop health, leading to improved yields and resource management.
The Hawk: Cellular Data Logger for Remote Monitoring
The Hawk data logger designed and manufactured by Digital Matter allows for IoT remote monitoring, the Hawk was designed to optimize operations through reliable data collection. The Hawk features:
Multiple Battery Option: The Hawk features multiple power options, LiPo which is a rechargeable battery, D cell, and, LTC batteries. These power options can boast up to 10+ years battery life ensuring extended operations without frequent recharges.
Customizable Design: The Hawk allows for tailored configurations such as different housing/power options and customizable I/O cards to meet specific monitoring needs and requirements.
Near-Real-Time Data Logging: The Hawk provides continuous monitoring and instant access to data, leveraging LTE-M and NB-IoT for near real-time reliable data transfer.
Durability: The Hawk has multiple customizable housing options that are all waterproof, weatherproof, ultra-rugged, and boasts an IP68 rating. Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance.
NB-IoT Data Logger: Peak HydroMet Solutions
One of our partners, Peak HydroMet Solutions, based in British Columbia, Canada, is an environmental monitoring company that specializes in agricultural weather and water management. They needed a sensor monitoring solution that was robust and could be deployed in a variety of different environments.
The Hawk IoT data logger was chosen to monitor water levels, temperature and salinity. The data provided by the Hawk was invaluable for water resource management and to comply with environmental regulations. With the Hawk, Peak Hydromet could monitor their projects remotely with confidence and improve crop yields.
Summary
Remote sensor monitoring and the use of an NB-IoT-enabled data logger is essential for many industries to improve efficiency, safety, and better decision-making.
The Hawk cellular data logger provides a robust solution that is customizable and a flexible option for your remote monitoring needs. Contact us to discuss your IoT remote monitoring requirements.
