Enabling smarter decision making through real-time data insights using a scalable Microsoft Fabric data platform

A local housing provider launched an innovative initiative to enhance living conditions through real-time environmental monitoring by deploying Internet-of-Things (IOT) sensors across multiple properties.

These sensors track humidity, temperature, and drainage levels—key factors in preventing issues like black mould and costly maintenance. However, the intermediary platform storing the data retained only the last ten messages per device, limiting long-term insights. To maximise the value of this data, a comprehensive repository was needed to store all sensor readings, supporting real-time alerts, trend analysis, and predictive maintenance. C5 Alliance faced the challenge of building this data platform while ensuring seamless integration with live sensor feeds.

The Solution: A Microsoft Fabric-Based Data Platform

Leveraging our expertise in cloud data solutions, C5 Alliance designed and implemented a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Data Platform powered by Microsoft Fabric. This solution followed a structured approach to ensure efficiency and scalability.

• Rapid Data Assessment: A workshop was conducted to evaluate reporting needs, existing systems, and constraints. A sample use case was selected to showcase the automated ingestion, transformation, and visualisation of sensor data in Power BI.
• Infrastructure Build: The data platform was designed using a Lambda architecture, combining a “speed layer” for real-time data processing and a “batch layer” for historical trend analysis. This ensured seamless integration of both immediate and long-term data insights.

The Outcome: Real-Time Insights Driving Proactive Maintenance

The implemented solution achieved a sub-second latency between sensor readings and Power BI dashboard updates. Key benefits included:

• Instant Confirmation of Environmental Conditions: The ability to monitor live data empowered the housing provider to take immediate action, ensuring optimal living conditions for tenants.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Automated data ingestion and reporting reduced manual effort, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than data collection.
• Scalability for Future Growth: The cloud-based platform established a foundation for advanced analytics, including machine learning applications and integration with broader datasets.
• Improved Data Maturity: The initiative fostered a data-driven culture, streamlining reporting processes and standardising data practices across the organisation

A Future-Ready Approach

• Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: The project’s success was driven by a unified “One-Team” approach, ensuring the internal team could manage the platform independently post-deployment.
• Scalable and Flexible Architecture: The Microsoft Fabric solution provided both real-time and batch processing capabilities, accommodating evolving data needs.
• Cost-Effective and Sustainable: By leveraging Microsoft Azure’s scalable services, the housing provider can extend monitoring across thousands of properties without significant infrastructure costs.

This project focuses on solving the customer’s challenge by harnessing real-time data to enhance property management, enabling smarter and more responsive housing solutions through cutting-edge technology.

Ready to harness the power of real-time data for your organisation?

Get in touch with C5 Alliance today to explore how our innovative solutions can help you unlock new insights and drive proactive decision-making.