Today, we’ll discuss types of analytics and their importance in turning raw data into actionable insights.

This diagram shows four types of analytics, ranked by their difficulty level and the value they provide. Let’s go through them step by step.

1. Descriptive Analytics: What Happened?

At the base of the analytics hierarchy is descriptive analytics. This is the simplest form of analytics and helps us understand what happened by interpreting historical data.

• Purpose: To summarise past events and identify patterns.
• Example: A smart thermostat that shows last week’s energy usage patterns.
• Methods: Charts, graphs, and dashboards that clearly show past performance.

This type of analytics is great for reviewing the past, but it doesn’t tell us why something happened or what will happen next.

2. Diagnostic Analytics: Why Did It Happen?

Moving up, we have diagnostic analytics, which looks at why something happened. It’s more complex than descriptive analytics because it requires diving deeper into the data.

• Purpose: To discover relationships and identify the causes behind past events.
• Example: Analysing why a specific day’s energy usage was higher than average by correlating data with external factors like weather.
• Methods: Data discovery, drill-down techniques, and correlation analysis.

This stage helps us make sense of the past by understanding the root causes of trends and anomalies.

3. Predictive Analytics: What Will Happen?

Next is predictive analytics, which focuses on forecasting future outcomes. This is where analytics becomes proactive rather than reactive.

• Purpose: To predict what might happen based on current and historical data.
• Example: A smart thermostat forecasting energy usage for the upcoming week based on weather patterns and past behaviour.
• Methods: Statistical modelling and simulations.

By identifying trends and patterns, predictive analytics helps us make informed predictions.

4. Prescriptive Analytics: How Can We Make It Happen?

At the top is prescriptive analytics, the most advanced type. This involves predicting outcomes and recommending actions to achieve desired results.

• Purpose: To decide the best course of action based on predictions.
• Example: A smart thermostat automatically adjusting settings to save energy while maintaining comfort.
• Methods: Machine learning and AI to analyse probabilities and make decisions.

Prescriptive analytics provides the highest value by enabling automated and data-driven decisions.

IoT and Analytics

This diagram also highlights how analytics works in an IoT platform:

1. Sensors: Collect data from various sources like temperature, humidity, or movement.
2. IoT Platform: Acts as a central hub to process and store the data.
3. Analytics Engine: Applies these four types of analytics to generate insights and drive decisions.

Final Thoughts

Each type of analytics builds on the previous one, moving from simple data interpretation to actionable decisions. The value increases as we move up the hierarchy, as does the complexity.

Question to consider: Which type of analytics is most valuable in your industry, and how can you implement it effectively? Let’s discuss it!

[Note: Download IoT Notes by Mazlan Abbas ]

Today, let’s explore why the Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing a surge in awareness and adoption in recent years. The diagram provides five apparent factors driving this growth, so let’s walk through each step.

1. Hardware Advancements

The first driver of IoT adoption is the rapid development of hardware. Devices are now:

• Cheaper: The cost of sensors, processors, and connectivity modules has dropped significantly.
• More Powerful: Today’s smartphones, for instance, are as powerful as the computers that send astronauts to the moon.
• Smaller: Miniaturisation has made it easier to embed technology into all sorts of devices, from wearable health trackers to smart home appliances.

These advancements make IoT devices accessible to more people and industries.

2. Network Expansion

IoT depends on connectivity, and networks have become more pervasive and diverse:

• We now have Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, LoRa, NFC, and even satellite networks connecting devices across the globe.
• This widespread coverage ensures that IoT devices can communicate, no matter where they are located.

Imagine this: You can monitor a sensor in a remote farm or track a shipping container in the middle of the ocean because of this pervasive network infrastructure.

3. Easier and Faster Software Development

Creating IoT solutions has become simpler because:

• Software tools and platforms are now more user-friendly.
• Developers can build and deploy solutions quickly with pre-built frameworks, cloud computing, and open-source libraries.

What used to take months or years to program can now be done in days or weeks, speeding up innovation in IoT.

4. Moore’s Law: The Power of Computation

You may have heard of Moore’s Law, which states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years. This leads to:

• Higher computational power: Devices can handle more complex tasks, such as AI and data processing, on smaller chips.
• Lower costs over time: IoT solutions can scale quickly with more powerful chips becoming affordable.

This exponential growth in computing power has made IoT a reality.

5. The Network Effect

The network effect explains how IoT becomes more valuable as more connected devices. Here’s why:

• Everything is connected: Sensors, devices, and systems communicate and generate data.
• Data generation: The more devices there are, the more data we have. This data can be analysed to gain insights, optimise processes, and improve decision-making.

For example, a smart city network with connected traffic lights, sensors, and cameras can reduce congestion and improve safety by analysing real-time data.

Historical Context

• The term “IoT” was first coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999.
• It took years of technological progress for IoT to become mainstream. By 2020, IoT reached a tipping point, integrating with industries worldwide.

Why Now?

The convergence of cheaper hardware, pervasive networks, faster software development, computational power (thanks to Moore’s Law), and the network effect have created the perfect environment for IoT to flourish.

IoT is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s a reality shaping industries like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Let’s discuss: Which of these factors do you think has had the biggest impact on IoT adoption? How can we use these advancements to innovate further in our fields?

[Note: Download full IoT Notes eBook]

Jakarta, Indonesia — Favoriot, a prominent IoT platform provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PT Lima Dua Satu Teknologi Indonesia on October 7, 2024, to support Indonesia’s ambitious 100 Smart Cities Movement.

This collaboration underscores their commitment to driving technological innovation and sustainable urban development in Indonesia.

Aligning with the 100 Smart Cities Movement

Indonesia’s 100 Smart Cities Movement, initiated in 2017, aims to transform 100 cities into smart, sustainable urban centres by 2045. The initiative addresses key urban challenges such as traffic congestion, inefficient waste management, and limited access to public services by integrating advanced technologies.

Favoriot’s partnership with PT Lima Dua Satu Teknologi Indonesia directly supports this vision by introducing scalable IoT solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indonesian cities.

Dr. Mazlan Abbas, CEO of Favoriot, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact: “This collaboration with PT Lima Dua Satu Teknologi Indonesia represents a shared vision of leveraging IoT to solve urban challenges. Together, we aim to empower city administrators with real-time data and insights to make informed decisions that improve citizens’ quality of life.”

IoT Solutions for Urban Transformation

Through this partnership, Favoriot’s robust IoT platform will be deployed to address core areas identified in the smart city framework:

• Traffic Management: IoT sensors and analytics tools will monitor traffic patterns, helping city officials manage congestion and plan better transportation networks.
• Waste Management: Smart waste bins with IoT sensors will optimise waste collection routes, reducing costs and environmental impact.
• Energy Efficiency: IoT-enabled energy monitoring systems will support smart grid implementations, ensuring efficient use of energy resources.
• Public Safety: IoT devices such as smart cameras and motion sensors will enhance security and emergency response systems.

PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local expertise will facilitate the seamless implementation of these solutions, ensuring they align with each city’s specific requirements.

Supporting Smart City Initiatives in Jatinangor

The collaboration also aims to complement smart city initiatives like the development of Jatinangor in Sumedang Regency.

Favoriot’s IoT platform can support these initiatives by:

• Enhancing Connectivity: Providing IoT solutions to integrate data from different urban systems for better decision-making.
• Improving Resource Management: Offering tools to optimise the use of energy, water, and waste management in growing urban areas like Jatinangor.
• Encouraging Collaborative Efforts: Bridging government and private sector cooperation to accelerate the realisation of smart city goals.

With PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local knowledge and Favoriot’s technological expertise, this partnership can strengthen the foundation of smart city projects in smaller yet strategic areas like Jatinangor, further contributing to the nationwide 100 Smart Cities Movement.

Supporting Indonesia’s Digital Transformation Goals

The MOU aligns with the broader goals of “Making Indonesia 4.0,” a national roadmap that prioritises digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth.

The partnership also aims to build a skilled workforce capable of managing and innovating within the IoT ecosystem by providing training programs and workshops.

This collaborative effort will foster a vibrant digital economy while addressing urbanisation challenges.

Accelerating Smart City Adoption

One of the critical success factors for the 100 Smart Cities Movement is the integration of advanced technologies to create citizen-centric solutions. Favoriot’s IoT platform, combined with PT Lima Dua Satu Indonesia’s local insights, will:

• Empower city governments with data-driven tools for decision-making.
• Enable seamless collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
• Deliver innovative applications that enhance urban living standards.

By focusing on practical and scalable IoT applications, this partnership can accelerate the adoption of smart city initiatives and inspire confidence in the feasibility of achieving Indonesia’s goal of 100 smart cities by 2045.

Looking Ahead

As Indonesia pushes forward with its smart city agenda, collaborations like this MOU are pivotal in transforming urban areas into sustainable and digitally connected communities.

Favoriot and PT Lima Dua Satu Teknologi Indonesia’s joint efforts are poised to set a benchmark for how IoT can address real-world challenges, making the dream of 100 smart cities a reality.