There are many different ways of gathering data from animals.
However, the important factors are:
Is the data accurate? Can it be accessed? Can it be understood?
Therefore this is an excellent example of a wider technology issue.
1. Define your use case
Before you choose any devices or create your monitoring system, think about what the problem is.
Typically for an animal monitoring system, you may want to:
Monitor the location of the animal.
Access relevant animal data.
Monitor the movement and certain biometric indicators.
Depending on what you want to do, you will need different functions. Choosing a piece of technology without knowing what you want to do could result in gathering irrelevant data.
It is a good idea to write down what data is needed, who will be using it and what decisions you want to make.
2. Know what each technology does
GPS Tracking: Monitor location.
This can help monitor the location of the animal. The main thing to think about is if the location data will be suitable for your use case and environment.
Location data should not be considered as a full picture of what is going on with the animal. It will just answer the question of where the animal is.
NFC Tags: Access animal data.
This can help you access relevant animal data.
However, you need to make sure that the data is accurate, up to date and organised so that the correct people can access and understand it.
Whilst making it digital, if the data is not well maintained you could end up with incomplete or outdated data.
Sensors: Monitor movement and certain biometric indicators.
This can help identify changes that may need further investigation. However, it does not necessarily mean there is a health issue.
The interpretation of the data is important. You need to make sure that people understand the context of the data, what limitations there are on the system and what processes should be in place to address any concerns. An animal should still be checked by a vet if there are any concerns about their health.
3. Consider the data quality
When creating your monitoring system, you need to consider:
Is the data consistent? Are the data records consistent?
Is the data complete? Is the data present for what you want to do?
Is the data up to date? Are the data records updated when needed?
Is the data accessible? Can the right people access it?
Can the data be understood? Do people understand what the data means and what they cannot conclude?
This can help identify if the system is working and giving useful information.
It can also help identify where the problem is coming from. If the data is not accurate then this may be an issue with how the data is being entered/maintained.
4. Be clear with responsibilities
Only when people understand how to use the data will it be useful.
Your monitoring system should make clear who is maintaining the data, who is reviewing the data and what processes are in place to address any concerns. It should also make clear what cannot be concluded from the data.
Depending on how it is implemented, you may also need to consider access controls and data privacy.
This will help ensure that people do not assume the data they have seen means a conclusion has been reached.
5. Consider if the system is doing what it is meant to
Rather than looking at how much data you are gathering, think about if it is doing what it was meant to.
Is the system providing the right location data? Has it improved access to animal data? Has it helped with the review of movement and certain biometric indicators?
Make sure that you are considering what the system is actually meant to do. Don’t assume that adding a piece of technology will improve animal care.
Conclusion
Creating an effective animal monitoring system will depend on how the data is collected, the quality of the data, the accessibility and interpretation.
Each technology (GPS tracking, NFC tags, sensors) can help with different monitoring requirements. However, you need to consider what the problem is, what quality of data you have and who’s responsibilities are.
Animal Watch 365 uses GPS tracking, NFC tags and sensors to monitor.
Overall, the main thing to remember is that the most useful system will provide relevant data for a specific purpose, be clear on the limitations and help with informed decisions.
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