Data Acquisition Networks data loggers offer many unique features but perhaps the two most valued by many large organisations is:

1. The visibility of data to all those that have a need to see it and

2. The fact DAN creates permanent data records

DAN systems collect data routinely and send it to a website. The data is secure. It cannot be tampered with and it is available to anyone given password access. Auditors for ISO and other systems also value the fact that DAN data cannot be altered. 

Data Acquisition Networks Pty Ltd (DAN) has developed a flexible remote monitoring system that provides the ability to gather data from remote sites and/or difficult to reach sites and make that data available conveniently on a central web site.  Information can therefore be accessed from anywhere in the world where access to the internet is available, all that is required is a user name and password.  In addition, the system may be extended to incorporate local control, with control variables being altered via the web site.

Data logger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A data logger (also datalogger or Data recorder) is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer). They generally are small, battery powered, portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and sensors. Some data loggers interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze the collected data, while others have a local interface device (keypad, LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device.

Data loggers vary between general purpose types for a range of measurement applications to very specific devices for measuring in one environment only. It is common for general purpose types to be programmable however many remain as static machines with only a limited number of changeable parameters. Electronic dataloggers have replaced chart recorders in many applications.

A special variant of the autonomous data logger is the PDF-logger. This is creating, when plugging into a USB interface, automatically a PDF file with a text and a graphic part of the current measurement data. The PC operating system recognizes the unit then as a standard USB mass storage. This makes it possible for the recipient worldwide, to generate a report without additional software. These devices are used for the worldwide delivery of drugs (Cold Chain) or other sensitive products.

One of the primary benefits of using data loggers is the ability to automatically collect data on a 24-hour basis. Upon activation, data loggers are typically deployed and left unattended to measure and record information for the duration of the monitoring period. This allows for a comprehensive, accurate picture of the environmental conditions being monitored, such as air temperature and relative humidity.

From vast prawn farms to estuarine oyster leases that grow Sydney Rock oysters in 32 NSW estuaries the aquaculture industry uses and needs technology. Prawn farms needs to continually monitor pH and dissolved oxygen whilst oyster harvesting is only permitted during periods of modest or no rainfall which is measured by tipping-bucket rain gauges and by the monitoring of estuarine salinity.

DAN data loggers take the guess-work out of aquaculture and for a very modest cost can automate data collection and send alarms when things go wrong.

DAN data loggers offer a number of benefits over more conventional data logging systems and more than often do so at a fraction of the cost. DAN data loggers are most applicable wherre:

1. There is a need to make routine or regular site visits to a remote location in order to maintain or adjust on site monitoring equipment
2. There is a need to gather information from and/or change control parameters in geographically remote locations or in locations which are difficult to access
3. There is the need to respond to alarm conditions if a site is unattended
4. There is a need to maintain records or log equipment performance due to legislated requirements
5. There is a need for production supervisors to monitor processes where the process is continuous
6. There is a need by senior management of multi-site organisations to compare performance between sites
7. There is a need to gather data from sites where access is restricted
8. There is a need to gather data from a vehicle that is constantly on the move 

The need for gathering information from remote sites has been growing steadily.  Around the world, the use of outsourced managed services, or in the context of DAN’s development ‘HOSTED MANAGED SERVICES” is clearly on the increase.  A recent survey conducted by IDC a large US based survey organisation, showed that the use of hosted managed services in the VOIP market is increasing at 282% per year and by 2008 will be worth US$7.8 Billion in the US market alone.

Unlike those that develop more capable systems by adding to existing technology, DAN has developed a new technology from the ground up while incorporating those elements of existing technology which fit the structure and provide a level of reliability.

The DAN Website communicates directly with the Data Control Centre located in the field. The DAN website hosts all necessary software enabling end users to set up and maintain their measurement or control application, specify alarm conditions, SMS and email addresses for alarm notification and to view measured data. Communication between the DCC and the website occurs via commercial networks including CDMA, Satellite or landline whichever is most appropriate for the particular situation. Within this innovative monitoring system, DAN has incorporated significant novel concepts and technological advancements over existing competitive products. The incorporation of these items has required significant research and testing prior to their release.

The DCC may be located at a remote site where parameters are measured and/or a simple process is controlled. DAN units can accept almost any probed input and where necessary the website can derive measures from various inputs. The DCC has both analogue and digital inputs that support most sensors and probes and 3 digital outputs for performing on/off control operations. The DCC also has the ability to recognise and alert the web site should pre-set alarm conditions be met. Communications with the web site would be via the GPRS network.

DAN has developed and taken to market, a flexible remote monitoring system that provides the ability to gather data from any site including difficult to reach or geographically remote sites and make that data available conveniently on a central and secure web site on a ‘real time’ basis.  Site reporting criteria and alarm notification can be altered and current information accessed from anywhere in the world where access to the internet is available.  In addition, the system may be extended to incorporate local control, with control variables also being altered over the internet via the web site.

New generation data loggers like those provided by Data Acquisition Networks do not require you to go to the data logger to retrieve your data.

 DAN data loggers routinely send data from the field to your PC over the mobile phone or satellite networks so all you have to do is ‘log on’ and your data is available for you to review.

Data retrieval has never been easier!