A data collection apparatus includes a network of sensing units for sensing a parameter. Each sensing unit of the network of sensing units includes a sensor, a first data storage device, a first receiving device, and a first transmitting device. The first data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The first transmitting device is for transmitting data derived from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a single control unit. The single control unit includes a second receiving device, a second transmitting device, and a second data storage device. The second receiving device is for receiving data transmitted from the network of sensing units. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the network of sensing units. The sensing units of the network of sensing units are each configured so a real time signal triggers a change in at least one from the group consisting of: (a) sensor data handling, (b) sensor data collection, (c) sensor data storage in the sensing unit, and (d) sensor data transmission to the single control unit.