Modern communication protocols and high-performance, specialized NoSQL databases are also the fundament for our Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications. In order to effectively and efficiently master the challenges regarding the amount of data, especially in monitoring, the basis is a Fast Data setup.

The aim of Fast Data is to process and evaluate (sensor) data in real time. In the context of monitoring using weMonitor, this technological orientation is elementary in order to detect deviations from the actual condition of the machines at an early stage and to initiate appropriate preventive measures. The real-time data processing of the module thus becomes a decisive competitive advantage for users.

Communication protocols for trouble-free data transmission

In order to ensure trouble-free data transmission, we rely on advanced and future-proof communication protocols for our applications. These protocols are characterized above all by high efficiency.

For the communication between client and server we use HTTP/2 (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Especially with regard to our Fast Data approach, speed and prioritization of data are essential factors for usage. HTTP/2 offers the advantage of parallel transmission, but only one connection. In addition, there is the compression of the data, which also has a positive effect on the speed. Due to the processing and evaluation of machine and plant data in real time, HTTP/2 as a communication protocol is one of the cornerstones of our modular software.

For serialization we use Protocol Buffers. Due to the binary format, the resulting clarity with high performance and flexibility, this data format is ideally suited to ensure the performance of our product line. It enables us to define the data structure individually and to respond more effectively to requirements. It is closely linked to gRPC, which uses Protocol Buffers as its description language. It is therefore natural for us to use these coordinated technologies for our products to provide users with high-quality software for predictive maintenance tasks.

gRPC can also be used and adapted individually. It not only serves to link various microservices for ideal collaboration, but also enables the connection of connected devices, mobile apps and browsers with the backend. Various programming languages are supported, such as C++, C#, Go, Java, Node.js, PHP or Python.

NoSQL for storage and processing of machine data

We use the highly specialized NoSQL database technology to store and process the machine data. NoSQL is used in our predictive maintenance environment in particular for the acquisition of time-series-oriented signals. The decisive factor is the lack of a fixed table structure, which is why databases are dynamically and flexibly adapted to the respective requirements. This flexibility is also of great importance in condition monitoring, as time series and events are difficult to predict in advance. In addition, NoSQL allows easy extensibility and higher scalability.

InfluxDB is the basis for recording time series and time series analysis in the weMonitor module. InfluxDB is mainly used in the IoT and Fast Data sector. In weMonitor, this technology is used in particular to investigate values over a period of time and thus to identify and predict developments and sudden changes in machine and plant conditions.