Big Data, Lighting and Li-Fi are linked, but how?

Big Data, according to Gartmer, is high-volume, high-velocity and high-variety information assets that demand cost-effective, innovative forms of information processing for enhanced insight and decision making. Closely associated with Big Data is the Internet of Things (IoT). These two aspects will change business models in every industry. The problem is simple, how to best use large data sets to supplement or transition existing value propositions to be more profitable and sustainable? In fact, a number of companies are gathering at the invitation only IoT World Forum in Chicago tomorrow to discuss the evolution of this industry. Large corporates and small enterprises are already offering Big Data solutions to improve business processes, logistics, product efficiency, and a host of other areas. IBM, Intel, SAP and others are all offering Big Data solutions for application across multiple industries.

In our previous post we discussed the effect of the humble LED on the Lighting industry. Specifically, the current replacement based business model is expected to go though a short growth period as LEDs replace incandescent, halogen and florescent lighting but decreasing margins will inevitably lead to a new, services based business model. We also discussed the role that Li-Fi can play in transforming and merging the lighting ecosystem with telecommunications in a “Services via Light” approach. So how can Big Data benefit lighting and where does Li-Fi fit?

Lighting is perfectly placed to provide sensor data and be the backbone for data collection. It is logical, therefore, that Big Data will influence the lighting value proposition as the sensory data is analyzed and optimized. Instinctively, data analytics can be leveraged to offer improved building maintenance and lighting performance characteristics. However, what if there was more data available? What if data could be pushed to the customer?

As lighting will provide a backbone for data collection, it can also provide an infrastructure for data dissemination. Li-Fi can convert a collection infrastructure into a truly dynamic network. A lighting provider can now partner with a Tier 1 network provider to offer over-the-top content and jointly leverage the extra user data for enhanced services. In particular, the lighting infrastructure would be installed to facilitate the services and content based business models that would drive revenue generation. In this context, Big Data can be leveraged to create better value propositions based on customer data and behavior rather than simple sensors and building management optimization.

Li-Fi will result in a merger between the lighting industry and the wireless communications industry to create greater value for both.

Li-Fi will result in a merger between the lighting industry and the wireless communications industry to create greater value for both. Lighting would be offered with free “installation” much like Wi-Fi routers are offered free by internet service provider to new customers. Services offer recurring, reliable revenue with profit opportunities grounded in creative work will make the data more valuable than the hardware being deployed.