In Zoho IoT applications, a datapoint can extract and store values in several data types, as listed below:
Numeric: This data type represents numerical values, which can include integers and floating-point numbers.
Numeric data is used for measurements such as temperature, humidity, speed, or any other quantifiable metric. For example, a payload from a temperature and humidity sensor contains temperature and humidity values that need to be stored as numeric data types.
String: This data type consists of text or a sequence of characters.
Strings can be used to store names, descriptions, identifiers, or any other alphanumeric information. For example, a payload from a machine might include a status message like "Running" or "Idle," which should be stored as a string data type.
Enumerated: Also known as an enum, this data type consists of a predefined set of values.
Enumerated data is useful for representing a fixed set of options, such as device states (e.g., ON, OFF, MAINTENANCE) or modes (e.g., AUTOMATIC, MANUAL). For example, a payload from a conveyor belt system might indicate its operational mode as 100/102/103 which is already predefined as "101": "AUTOMATIC" or "102": "MANUAL," and should be stored as an enumerated data type.
Boolean: This data type represents binary values, typically true or false.
Boolean data is commonly used for flags, switches, or any condition that can be either true or false. For example, a payload from a gateway device in a smart building setup might include a door status indicating whether it is "OPEN" or "CLOSED," which should be stored as a boolean data type.
Location: This data type stores geographical coordinates, usually in the form of latitude and longitude.
Location data is essential for tracking the physical position of assets, devices, or sensors within an IoT network. For instance, a payload from the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system of a car might include GPS coordinates, which should be stored as location data points.