What is Telemetry? Technology powers almost everything in the modern world, and through performance data, we can make all kinds of processes more reliable, more efficient and more effective. Tech inside a modern automotive engine leads to better fuel efficiency, and can even identify problems before they cause a breakdown, enabling preemptive remedies before you are left stranded at the side of the road. But to do all that, these technologies must be able to collect and transmit data so it can be used in these processes. For some applications, that is easy, but for a system monitoring engine RPM or oil flow rates in a heating system, it is a little different. These devices are completely inaccessible during normal operation, so they require a system to access and transmit the data to a platform where it can be used. Telemetry is that system. The name is formed from two Greek words, tele, meaning "remote," and metron, meaning "measure". Telemetry uses three pieces of technology, a sensor to record data, a transmitter to send it to be processed, and a data processing unit to receive and utilize that data. The first uses of telemetry were in weather balloons, but today it is found in everything from healthcare to the automotive world. Basic Telemetry Functionality Here’s how each component functions within the telemetry system Sensors — The devices that collect data, whether that is environmental changes such as engine temperatures or processes such as fuel flow. Transmitters — Turn the collected data into transmittable signals so the data can be moved to a more practical location. This can be done by Wi-Fi, cellular, radio or other technologies. Real-time monitoring is possible with the fastest communication platforms. Data Processing Unit — This could be a specific computer, a cloud service or dedicated hardware, and forms the heart of the telemetry system. Here the data is received, then processed into a usable format, and finally analyzed to allow various reports and functionality to be delivered. Below is a simplified telemetry system diagram that illustrates the flow of data between the various components, created based on guidelines from the International Society for Telemetry (IST). Through the integration of these technologies, telemetry allows various systems and environments to be monitored, in real time if required, even when physically accessible. From spotting engine failures before they occur to saving lives in health applications, Telemetry provides crucial information that would be otherwise impossible to obtain. Telemetry in the Real World Knowing how telemetry works is one thing, but what can it actually do? Here are some real-world applications that illustrate the importance of telemetry systems in so many aspects of modern life. Healthcare — Allowing for continuous, real-time monitoring of patients outside the hospital environment for more efficient use of healthcare resources and the ability for patients to enjoy familiar surroundings during care. Early warnings for issues such as heart problems can significantly raise survival rates. Environmental Monitoring — Constant monitoring of environments is essential for wildlife conservation and understanding how we can better protect contained ecosystems. Telemetry is used in this way for tracking endangered species and changes to their habitats. Automotive and Fleet Management — From vehicle health to use optimization, telemetry helps fleet managers maximize efficiency throughout their operations. A report from the International Transport Forum suggests an average of 15% reduction in fuel costs by adopting the technology. Consumer Electronics — Fitness trackers and heart rate monitors use telemetry to provide real-time health information. By presenting data in clear, easily understood formats, they encourage users to adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle. Agriculture — Telemetry is used to monitor things like rainfall, soil quality and so on to maximize output from given resources, with the Food and Agriculture organization finding telemetry allowed for improved water conservation and higher crop yields. These are just some ways in which telemetry is having real-world impact on almost every aspect of our lives. Improving patient outcomes, helping eliminate water waste in farming and saving lives in healthcare are tangible benefits of the adoption of telemetry, lets look at some more. The Benefits of Adopting Telemetry Systems Once we see how telemetry can impact various industries, we can better understand what the benefits of that impact are. Depending on the application, telemetry can offer a broad range of benefits, with the key advantages outlined below: Benefit Description Enhanced Safety Telemetry can provide additional levels of safety in numerous operations, for instance in healthcare it can recognize dangerous symptoms before they manifest, or recognize engine malfunctions in vehicles before they become catastrophic. Increasing Efficiency With data collection and analysis automated, not only is human error eliminated, but also there is no need for downtime or disrupting operations to acquire the information. Effective Monitoring in any Location One of the challenges for environmental study is maintaining accurate data collection in inhospitable locations. Telemetry allows data collection in any environment. Data Driven Decision Making With data available on almost any aspect of any process, environment or technology, telemetry allows for more informed choices in agriculture and many other industries. Cost Efficiency With all operations monitored, it is easier to optimize processes to maximize resource efficiency, adding value to each process and resulting in effective cost savings. Scalability and Flexibility Telemetry systems are easily scaled with additional sensors and transmitters, ensuring that they can grow with the business and maintain essential data capture. Conclusion As data becomes more integrated into almost everything we do, from healthcare and crop growth to conservation and vehicle efficiency, the ability to capture data from inaccessible locations has increased in importance. Telemetry provides the data and insights we need to deliver better products, more efficient operations, deeper insight and heightened understanding of the world around us, the tech we use and even the health of our own bodies.
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