The importance of correct and intelligible presentation of industrial sensor data in applications
by Jordi Torné, 2023-09-18
Data from industrial sensors is a source of valuable information that can be used to improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of industrial processes. However, for this information to be truly useful, it must be presented correctly and intelligibly.
An incorrect or confusing presentation of industrial sensor data can make it difficult or even impossible to interpret, which can lead to errors, lost production, and, in some cases, even accidents.
Why the correct presentation of industrial sensor data is important
Correct presentation of industrial sensor data is important for the following reasons:
It allows engineers and operators to quickly understand the status of industrial processes.
Helps identify potential problems or anomalies before damage occurs.
It allows you to make informed decisions to improve the efficiency and safety of processes.
How to correctly present data from industrial sensors
To correctly present data from industrial sensors, the following factors must be taken into account:
The type of data that is presented.
The objective of the presentation.
The target audience.
In general, industrial sensor data presentations should be:
Visually attractive and easy to understand.
Easily accessible, informative, and concise.
Personalized for the target audience.
Sensor data presentation examples
The following examples are taken from Akalta's avibana and etaggate applications.
Presentation using a gauge
A gauge is very common in industrial installations and has the advantage of fast reading. If it is accompanied by a color code, it can convey to the user the relevance of that data value compared to other values or normal ranges.
It must be completed with precise information on the value collected, the units used, the place, and the date and time of data collection.
Value Trend Presentation
This means of representing values is customary when the value has relevance dependent on previous values, perhaps so that the user can see the evolution that a given measurement has had and intuit future values.
Completing the presentation with detailed information about the measurement allows the user to accurately assess the context and relevance of the data collected
Presentation of Counters
Some data that is commonly represented graphically are counters. Since the relevance is in the exact number, the values must be presented numerically, and accompanied by an indication of what they represent, even symbolically.
Presenting aggregated data using a "pie" or "doughnut"
This type of representation of aggregated data shows collected data in predefined categories and highlights the relevance of these categories in the data set.
In the example, the color and size of each portion of the "doughnut" indicates what category it is and its relevance. The categories correspond to the different active alarms in the different sensors and the size indicates the relative number of said sensors in each category.
Presentation of aggregated information on a map
The great advantage of using a map is that there is a mental representation between the location of the asset or facility and the data represented. In this case, the highest alarm level in an industrial facility.
Some tips for the correct presentation of data from industrial sensors
Below are some specific tips for correctly presenting industrial sensor data:
Use an appropriate presentation format.
Choose a suitable color palette.
Use icons and descriptive labels.
Include legends and explanations.
Indicate units of measurement, origin, and date of the data.
Use filters and zoom to facilitate navigation.
Conclusions
The correct and intelligible presentation of industrial sensor data is an essential part of any industrial monitoring system. An incorrect or confusing presentation can lead to errors, lost production, and in some cases even accidents.
Engineers and operators must ensure that industrial sensor data is presented correctly and intelligibly, using an appropriate presentation format, an appropriate color palette, descriptive icons and labels, legends and explanations, and filters and zoom to facilitate navigation.