What Is IoT Device Monitoring?
Becklar’s IoT monitoring services protect your most valuable assets 24/7/365. Combining advanced technology and skilled operators, we respond quickly and accurately to signals from any connected device or safety system.
IoT device monitoring continuously collects and analyzes data from connected sensors and systems, tracking critical operational factors like safety, performance, and environmental variables. These IoT devices are used to protect business continuity and prevent small issues from becoming major disruptions.
To help you fully appreciate the benefits of IoT device monitoring, we’ll discuss different types of IoT devices and sensors, how they transmit data, and how using this technology is transforming the way different industries manage safety, maintenance, and critical operational performance.
What Is IoT?
IoT stands for the Internet of Things, which represents a network of physical hardware devices, typically embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity. IoT devices are designed for specific functions and scenarios, typically to collect and exchange data automatically.
At its core, IoT is the extension of the internet we’re all familiar with, beyond computers and phones to include other objects, assets, and environments—so they can connect, communicate, and share data.
IoT is a digital fabric where everyday objects, appliances, and devices send data and receive instructions over the internet, bringing to life a world of new technological possibilities.
What Is an IoT Device?
An IoT device is any physical object equipped with sensors, processors, and communication capabilities that can connect to a network and transmit data. These devices range from familiar tools like security cameras, access control panels, and environmental sensors to broader applications such as connected lighting (smart lighting), HVAC systems, and smart appliances.
While IoT devices can automate and control processes, many of them are used specifically to provide smart monitoring to improve operational efficiency and safety across entire building complexes.
What Is IoT Monitoring?
IoT device monitoring is the continuous oversight of connected devices to ensure reliability, performance, and security across a network. These monitoring devices collect telemetry data, track device health, and generate real-time alerts.
IoT monitoring turns raw signals into actionable intelligence, providing proactive visibility into environmental conditions, enabling rapid incident response, predictive maintenance, and uninterrupted protection of people and property.
IoT device monitoring even provides status details regarding the device itself, to alert when it needs to be replaced, receive a power recharge, or undergo maintenance.
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How Does IoT Monitoring Work?
IoT monitoring is similar to a digital nervous system. It’s a systematic workflow of sensors—much like nerve endings—feeding real-time data into a chain of processes that turn information into data-backed decisions.
This IoT pipeline runs end-to-end, from devices in the field that collect real-time data from automated alerts and workflows, creating a seamless chain that connects devices, networks, and analytics.
IoT monitoring can involve everything from security cameras and access control systems to environmental sensors and crash detection devices. Sensor data flows securely from field hardware through transmission networks into centralized platforms. Analytics detect anomalies, triggering automated responses.
IoT monitoring architecture is built in five layers:
- Device hardware
- Connectivity protocols
- Edge processing
- Cloud analytics
- Alerting systems
Each of these layers has a distinct role in providing constant visibility, rapid incident response, and reliable operations.
1.The Device Layer
The device layer consists of physical sensors, controllers, and actuators that gather and transmit operational data. Devices include everything from temperature and humidity monitors to video surveillance and access control systems.
Every device contains sensors, processors, and communication modules, resulting in autonomous data collection and wireless transmission. Devices are designed with unique hardware with individual identifiers, security credentials, and operational parameters.
They are fitted with sensors like motion detectors, door contacts, temperature probes, vibration monitors, and leak detectors. Every type of sensor generates a unique telemetry data stream.
Because IoT hardware is central to the entire chain of command, it has to be designed to withstand any condition it is reporting on. Devices use batteries with an extended lifespan and are capable of self-diagnosing to report on their own condition so they can be replaced when necessary.
2. Connectivity and Protocols
Secure data transmission requires different types of connectivity, like Wi-Fi, cellular, low-power wide-area networks (LoRaWAN), and Ethernet. The type of connectivity an IoT system uses depends on the requirements for the specific device, including the power required.
Cellular connectivity provides coverage for remote locations and mobile applications, while Wi-Fi offers high-bandwidth transmission for commercial video surveillance. LoRaWAN enables long-range communication for battery-powered sensors requiring minimal power.
Protocols determine how data is transmitted and how data security for that data is handled. Some protocols are designed for lightweight messaging, others for web-based applications, and others specifically for the lowest power usage.
3. Edge and Gateway Connections
Edge devices and gateways serve as local processing hubs that manage localized data from multiple sensors.
Edge devices process data directly on-site. They execute analytics and decisions at the source location to reduce latency and send that data directly to nearby gateways.
Gateways are like local data bridges, connecting edge devices to the broader network. Gateways aggregate sensor data, translate protocols, and transmit secure data between edge devices and the cloud.
Edge devices and gateways together make up a complex, dense network of devices and data hubs that have come to be known as the smart grid.
4. Cloud Analytics
Cloud-based platforms receive, process, and store massive datasets about timed series of events. The cloud not only stores data coming from IoT devices but also processes and analyzes the data to identify patterns and anomalies.
Data ingestion systems manage streams of data from sensors and process that data in real time, cleaning, validating, and providing the structure for that data’s documentation and distribution. AI and machine learning (ML) are used to identify patterns in data and to develop increasingly more accurate predictive insights about systems.
This helps identify the potential need for preventative maintenance, the likelihood of signs of system failure, and other valuable analytics.
The cloud doesn’t just manage and process incoming data: It’s also where all historical data is stored and archived.
5. Alerts and Workflows
Automated alerting systems turn processed data into actionable notifications that are delivered via SMS, email, mobile applications, and integrated alerts used in security management platforms.
This data is automatically parsed, processed, and delivered to different stakeholders based on their organizational roles and responsibilities. Security breaches may be sent to one group, while safety data may be delivered to others, including first responders. The flow of data from alerts and data updates is a sophisticated maze of collected data, automated analytics, routing, and delivery.
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Benefits of IoT for Specific Industries
IoT monitoring delivers unique benefits across different industries through real-time data, predictive analytics, and automated response. The technology allows virtually every sector to develop unique, proactive management strategies to minimize business disruptions and expensive system failures.
Industry-specific applications demonstrate IoT’s versatility in addressing unique operational challenges, from leak detection in multi-unit buildings to refrigeration monitoring in retail environments.
Industry-Specific IoT Device Monitoring
IoT helps industries improve safety and prevent system failures. Below are examples of how this technology is used in unique sectors.
- Construction and Manufacturing: Wearable IoT devices and safety sensors detect falls, toxic gas, or even monitor when an employee enters restricted areas.
- Healthcare Facilities: In hospitals and senior living facilities, sensors monitor critical medical equipment, patient movement, oxygen levels, medication dispensing, and numerous related data to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and patient health is being continuously tracked.
- Retail and Commercial Properties: IoT is used in loss prevention and security in the retail space in several ways. Security cameras with video analytics detect suspicious behavior and theft, while smart sensors are used to monitor inventory and after-hours intrusions.
- Transportation and Logistics: Fleet operators use IoT to track vehicle locations, driver behavior, cargo condition, and equipment status. Sensors monitor fuel levels, optimize routes, and identify the potential need for unscheduled maintenance.
- Environmental: Connected IoT sensors and devices measure soil condition, track water systems, temperatures, and air quality to monitor levels of toxins or chemicals.
What Are Common Metrics Used in IoT Device Monitoring?
While there are numerous types of IoT monitoring devices with the purpose of measuring data for a multitude of industries, the following are common metrics used for:
Device Health and Connectivity
- Uptime
- Availability
- Signal strength
- Packet loss
- Latency
- Battery level
- Power status
- Firmware
- Software version
- Error rates
- Error codes
Performance and Usage
- CPU resources
- Memory
- Storage
- Transmission rates
- Response time
- Motion triggers
- Access control events
- Number of alerts
Environmental and Safety Conditions
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Pressure
- Vibration
- Acceleration
- Leak detection
- Energy consumption
- Door open/close
- Unauthorized access
- Video motion
Use Cases
The following highlight how IoT monitoring turns technical capability into measurable results.
Faster Response Time
Becklar enables immediate alert processing and emergency response coordination for gas and water leaks in multi-unit residential and commercial buildings.
IoT sensors and an integrated monitoring platform help Becklar pinpoint the exact leak location within buildings, so maintenance teams can execute targeted repairs and emergency response teams are protected on scene.
This eliminates expensive and time-consuming searches across multiple floors or units, while reducing response times, property damage, and safety risks for occupants and first responders.
Becklar’s monitoring system includes training and protocols for action plans and automated response, providing first responders with accurate hazard assessment details regarding gas leaks.
Waste Reduction
IoT monitoring provides real-time management of vital core environmental factors like temperatures and energy use—essential safeguards for protecting perishable goods in retail food chains and commercial kitchens.
IoT temperature sensors are used in refrigeration units, freezers, and cold storage, where customizable thresholds trigger alerts the moment systems malfunction or drift outside safe ranges. This proactive monitoring ensures consistent temperature control and reduces energy consumption.
Connected sensors optimize cooling cycles and defrost schedules, while automated alerts notify maintenance teams of deviations so they can respond quickly before they lead to lost produce and costly downtime.
Saving Lives
IoT is used in crash detection to automate emergency response in vehicle accidents. The combination of accelerometers, GPS tracking, and cellular communication detects and transmits location data regarding a collision event, transforming crash detection into a comprehensive emergency response.
Connected devices establish communication with professional monitoring operators who assess data to relay to emergency services so responders can reach the scene quickly and with actionable data about people’s physical condition and potential dangers on the scene. This includes what they are able to assess from vehicle occupants regarding their health and the surrounding environment.
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Learn about Becklar’s IoT Monitoring Solutions
Becklar’s IoT monitoring services protect your most valuable assets 24/7/365. Combining advanced technology and skilled operators, we respond quickly and accurately to signals from any connected device or safety system.
Our continuous oversight ensures issues are addressed proactively, keeping your operations safe and reliable.
Get in touch with one of our IoT monitoring specialists today.