Air quality monitoring generates continuous data: thousands of measurements daily from multiple sites. Raw numbers (PM10 5.2 µg/m³, temperature 21.3°C, humidity 52%) lack actionable meaning. Monitoring software transforms raw data into decisions: alerts when limits approach, identifies trend violations, produces regulatory compliance documentation, enables rapid response.
Software Requirements for Construction Air Quality Monitoring
Real-time data display: Current status visible on dashboards (temperature, humidity, particulates). Visual indication of compliance status (green=compliant, yellow=approaching limit, red=exceeded). Mobile app access (field staff view current status, respond to alerts from site rather than office).
Alert management per ISO quality assurance standards: Configurable alert thresholds (project-specific limits). Alert delivery (SMS, email, app notification) to designated staff. Alert history (audit trail of when limits approached, who was notified, how long before resolution). Alert response tracking (staff confirms alert, documents action taken, updates resolution status).
Data logging and export: Continuous data storage (no data loss, complete audit trail). Export to standard formats (CSV, Excel, PDF) for regulatory reporting. Automated report generation (daily, weekly, monthly summaries). Data quality checks (identifying gaps, sensor failures, validation warnings).
Regulatory reporting per HSE reporting obligations: Compliance documentation (proof that monitoring occurred, results within/outside limits, corrective actions taken). Automatic report generation from collected data. Report customization (different report formats for different regulators). Digital certification (digitally signed reports suitable for regulatory submission).
Software Platform Evaluation and Selection
Cloud-based platforms (SaaS): Advantages: accessible from anywhere, automatic updates, no IT infrastructure required, scalable (add sensors without software scaling effort). Disadvantages: ongoing subscription cost (£100-500/month), data privacy concerns (sensitive project data in cloud), internet dependency (monitoring fails without connectivity). Cost: £1,200-6,000 annually. Suitable for: projects with good internet connectivity, organisations comfortable with cloud storage.
On-premise software: Advantages: data remains on-site, no internet dependency, customizable to specific needs. Disadvantages: high initial cost, IT maintenance required, limited remote access. Cost: £10,000-50,000 upfront, £2,000-5,000 annual support. Suitable for: large organisations with IT infrastructure, sensitive data requirements, long-term operations.
Integrated monitoring/building management systems: Advantages: single platform for all facility monitoring (air quality, temperature, humidity, pressure), single alert system, data correlation across systems. Disadvantages: vendor lock-in (difficult to replace components), high cost, complexity. Cost: £50,000-200,000+ depending on system scope. Suitable for: facilities with comprehensive monitoring needs, long-term operations, large budgets.
Basic monitoring (spreadsheet-based): Advantages: low cost (free to £500/month), simple learning curve, complete control. Disadvantages: manual data entry (error-prone), no automated alerts, tedious reporting. Cost: £0-500/month + staff time. Suitable for: very small projects, budget-constrained operations, low-complexity monitoring needs.