FlowFuse
Blueprint: Machine Learning & Predictive Analytics
Description
For a given data stream e.g. numerical data published via MQTT Topic, what can we offer in the sense of predictive analytics.
Packaging
- Could be available within the FlowFuse UI, or available as a pre-packaged FlowFuse node in the Node-RED Editor experience, such that developers/users can use it however they see fit.
Forecast Node
The idea would be such that we could easily project values moving beyond known data in a real-time scenario.
We also need to be clear on any clear error bars/boundaries
"Traditional" Options
- Exponential Smoothing: https://otexts.com/fpp2/expsmooth.html
Machine Learning Options
- TensorFlow.js: Would require separate "Train" and "Predict" workflows/nodes.
###October 2025 edit
With the release of our MCP and ONNX nodes, we are now very well-positioned to offer a predictive analytics solution for FlowFuse Enterprise customers. Our customers are (1) already collecting significant amounts of data from machines and sensors, (2) we have Tables and Dashboard in place, (3) we have FlowFuse AI features that can take data that has been coming in and make predictions about what will occur at various points in time.
As I am conceiving this, it can be delivered as a Blueprint for customers who use Tables. A Node-RED instance can collect data from whatever source the customer would like to have predictive analytics for. The flow will push that data to Tables, and a Dashboard represents the historical pattern of that data. AI analyzes the data and provides predictions about future states. Another dashboard widget shows that future. An alerting mechanism can be configured if a future state is predicted to be too far away from the ideal state.
Which customers would this be available to
Enterprise only
Further work on this today, I now have a prototype node working. Currently, it requires model parameters to be tweaked manually:
But is a fully working implementation of Holt Exponential Smoothing, including damping factor.
Plans to add in the seasonality options (-Winters), and an "automatic" mode for optimising the parameters using SSE
Also want to make this more low-code friendly, so will eventually hide the "Holt Winters" and technical terms from the user, and make only available in "advanced" mode.
Just taking this off the Dev board as it's not assigned to a milestone atm
This may be offered as a commercial feature rather than a generally-available blueprint. Don't ship prior to discussion on that point.
relevant: https://flowfuse.com/blog/2025/09/preventive-maintenance-equipment-failure/#evidence-based-results-from-leading-manufacturers
relevant: https://flowfuse.com/blog/2025/07/quality-control-automation-spc-charts/