POLAR – Datico News

The integration of Polar Electro’s wearables into the Datico® Wearable Connect solutions creates new possibilities for the privacy-compliant use of wearable data while significantly expanding the analysis options.

Polar Electro is one of the technologically leading providers in the wearable space – with a long history as a pioneer in heart rate measurement. Today, POLAR delivers precise and complex wearable solutions with a wide range of integrated sensors.

Integration into the Datico platform takes place via two solutions:

Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud
Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth

This provides flexible integration paths that cover both real-time scenarios and cloud-based use cases – without the typical limitations of proprietary manufacturer platforms.

Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud: extension of the POLAR Flow cloud solution

Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud extends the classic use of the Polar Flow Cloud with a central, cross-system data processing layer, thereby creating new possibilities especially for clinical applications, scientific studies, and CHM solutions. In these contexts, the platform enables the structured acquisition, management, and evaluation of wearable data across multiple users, opening up significantly expanded options for analysis and control.

A key added value lies in the overarching aggregation and evaluation of data: Data from multiple Polar Flow accounts can be consolidated centrally, prepared in a structured manner, and analyzed in a common context. This enables, particularly in clinical and scientific applications:

the consolidated management of study participants and wearables
the central acquisition and synchronization of measurement data
the performance of overarching analyses across multiple user groups
the structured further processing in external systems

Result: A significantly expanded analysis capability compared to the isolated use of manufacturer platforms.

A second central aspect is the improved data protection classification of data processing: although the initial data acquisition still takes place via the Polar Flow Cloud, the integration into Datico® creates an additional processing layer through which a data processing agreement (DPA) can be concluded.

Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud thus represents a pragmatic approach to extending existing manufacturer solutions with structured analysis and integration options while specifically improving the level of data protection.

Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth: full data control and direct integration

Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth represents the consistently privacy-compliant integration approach and enables direct, fully controlled acquisition of wearable data – without using a manufacturer cloud.

The technical implementation takes place via the Datico® LIFE APP, which acts as the central interface between wearable and platform. The app synchronizes the data directly with the respective device and transfers it in a structured manner into the Datico® system architecture.

A central advantage lies in the fully autonomous data transfer: The data is transferred directly from the wearable into the respective target environment – for example into the IT infrastructure of a hospital, a university, or a company – without external interim storage or forwarding via third-party platforms.

This creates fully controllable data paths, which are essential particularly in sensitive application areas, such as:

in clinical environments with high data protection requirements
in scientific studies with strict regulatory requirements
in security-critical areas such as military, police, or public authorities
in industrial applications with isolated system architectures

Result: End-to-end data sovereignty, maximum transparency over all data flows, and the ability to build fully isolated and privacy-compliant system landscapes.

Extended data collection through combined sensor and feedback data

A key added value of this approach lies in the combination of automated sensor data acquisition and individual user interaction.

Via the Datico® LIFE APP Bluetooth, individual questionnaires and feedback forms can be delivered in a targeted manner in addition to the wearable data. These are flexibly configured via the Datico® Smart Forms Bluetooth and enable:

the collection of subjective parameters (e.g. perceived exertion, sleep quality, well-being)
the supplementation of objective sensor data with contextual information
the individual adaptation to study protocols, clinical requirements, or training concepts

This creates a significantly expanded data basis that integrates both objective measured values and personal feedback and subjective assessments.

From wearable to integrated analysis platform

The data acquired via Datico® Wearable Connect is transferred within the Datico® LIFE HUB into a comprehensive overall context and combined with other data sources, for example:

training and performance data
clinical measured values
environmental and context data
user feedback and progression data

Building on this, powerful analysis and evaluation functions are available:

Datico® Index – aggregation of complex metrics into comprehensible performance indicators
Datico® Reference Sets – classification of measured values into defined assessment contexts (e.g. traffic-light logic)
Datico® IDOL – comparison with individually defined target and ideal profiles
longitudinal analyses – development of parameters over time
benchmarking – comparison with reference and peer groups

In addition, the platform enables:

integration into scientific tools (SPSS, MATLAB, R)
connection to BI systems such as Microsoft Power BI or Qlik Sense
transfer to clinical systems such as HIS or electronic health records

Result: A fully integrated data basis with maximum flexibility in analysis and further processing.

Target groups and concrete added values

The integration opens up specific advantages for different application areas:

Research institutions & universities → GDPR-compliant data collection and flexible scientific evaluation without dependence on consumer clouds
Hospitals & rehabilitation centers → integration of wearable data into existing clinical systems and documentation processes
Companies & CHM service providers → development of scalable health and performance solutions for large user groups
Insurers → use of valid, structured data for prevention and tariff models
Industry & software development → integration of wearables into individual platforms and digital products
Military, public authorities & police → building fully isolated, secure system architectures without external cloud dependencies

This transfers Polar technology into new fields of application.

Datico® Wearable Connect: CLOUD VS. BLUETOOTH

Criterion	Wearable Connect Cloud	Wearable Connect Bluetooth
Data path	Via Polar Flow Cloud	Directly from the device into the target environment
Data protection	Improved safeguarding (DPA possible)	Maximum data sovereignty, no third party involved
Cloud dependency	Yes (Polar Cloud remains a component)	No (fully independent)
Real-time capability	Limited	Fully available
Analysis capability	Extended through Datico	Maximized through direct integration into Datico LIFE APP
Integration of external systems	Possible via Datico LIFE HUB	Possible via Datico LIFE HUB and Datico LIFE APP (integration of additional sensors possible)
Scaling	Very well suited	Very well suited

Frequently asked questions

Which Polar devices are compatible with Datico®?

Compatibility depends on the chosen integration path and differs between Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud and Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth. **Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud:** In principle, all devices from Polar Electro Oy that transfer their data to the Polar Flow Cloud are compatible. This includes in particular Polar sports watches, heart rate sensors, and other wearables connected to the Polar Flow platform. The prerequisite is that the respective devices provide their data via the Polar Flow Cloud. **Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth:** For direct integration via the Datico® LIFE APP, compatibility is based on the Polar SDK. Supported in particular are Polar H10 and Polar H9, Bluetooth-enabled wearables with direct access to sensor data, as well as selected Polar sports watches with open data communication. The decisive factor is whether the respective device can be addressed via the Polar SDK and enables direct access to the relevant measurement data.

How do the integration paths differ with regard to data protection and data control?

The choice of integration path has a direct impact on data protection, data sovereignty, and system architecture. In principle, three approaches can be distinguished: **1. Use of the Polar Flow Cloud (standard approach)** With the classic use of Polar, the data is transferred to the Polar Flow Cloud and processed there. Characteristics: data processing via the POLAR consumer platform, limited options for individual data control, no direct integration into professional IT and system landscapes. Limitation: for many clinical, scientific, or security-critical applications, this approach is only conditionally suitable due to regulatory and data protection requirements. **2. Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud (extended cloud integration)** Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud builds on the existing Polar Flow Cloud but supplements it with a controlled processing layer within the Datico® LIFE HUB. Advantages: conclusion of a data processing agreement (DPA) with Datico possible, structured further processing and integration into existing systems, improved transparency over data flows. Classification: this variant represents a pragmatic, data-protection-optimized approach. **3. Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth (fully autonomous data processing)** Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth enables direct data transfer via the Datico LIFE APP – without using the Polar Flow Cloud. Advantages: full control over the entire data path, no forwarding via external platforms, direct integration into the infrastructure of the respective organization. Particularly suitable for clinical studies with high regulatory requirements, universities and research institutions, military, public authorities, and security-critical environments, as well as isolated system architectures.

Is live transmission and live recording of POLAR wearable data possible?

Yes, Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth in combination with the Datico® LIFE APP Connect provides comprehensive options for the live transmission and recording of wearable data. In principle, two operating modes are supported: **1. Asynchronous data acquisition** – retrieval of data after completed training sessions or measurements, periodic synchronization at defined time intervals, suitable for standardized applications and scalable scenarios. **2. Live data acquisition in real time** – continuous display of sensor data during the measurement, direct visualization in the Datico® LIFE APP, immediate availability for monitoring and control. A particular added value lies in the time-synchronized consolidation of multiple data sources: wearable data can be combined in real time with other measurement systems.

Is live synchronization of Polar wearables with other wearables and systems possible?

Yes, via Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth in combination with the Datico® LIFE APP, time-synchronized live acquisition and combination of data from multiple wearables and systems is possible. Not only Polar devices can be integrated, but also wearables and sensor systems from other manufacturers. The data is acquired in real time, synchronized, and displayed in a common context. A particular advantage lies in the ability to record multiple data sources live in parallel: simultaneous acquisition of multiple wearables per subject or across multiple subjects, combination of devices from different manufacturers in a unified data structure, time-synchronized consolidation of all measured values in the live view. This form of cross-manufacturer, synchronized multi-device acquisition in real time is rarely available in this configuration in the wearable space.

What advantages does the Datico® LIFE APP offer for wearable management?

The Datico® LIFE APP plays a central role in the integration and control of wearables and extends classic device management with key functional and data-protection-related advantages. A central added value lies in direct data acquisition without dependence on manufacturer clouds: the app synchronizes the wearable data directly with the respective end device and enables both live recordings in real time and asynchronous data acquisition. This creates a flexible data acquisition model that can be optimally adapted to different application and study scenarios – while maintaining full control over data transmission. Another decisive advantage is the integration of individual questionnaires and feedback mechanisms: via the Datico® LIFE APP, project-, study-, or application-specific Smart Forms can be delivered, enabling the targeted collection of subjective data.

What analytical added value does the Datico® LIFE HUB offer when using wearable data?

The Datico® LIFE HUB extends the use of wearable data from isolated data acquisition to a holistic, context-based analysis platform. In contrast to classic manufacturer solutions, the data is not merely displayed, but embedded in an overarching context and combined with other data sources, for example clinical measured values, training and performance data, environmental parameters, and subjective user input. On this integrated data basis, powerful analysis functions are available: Datico® Index, Datico® Reference Sets, Datico® IDOL, longitudinal analyses, and benchmarking. In addition, the platform enables flexible further processing of the data in scientific tools, BI systems, and clinical systems.

For which projects are the various integration paths suitable?

The choice between Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud and Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth depends on the respective requirements for data protection, scalability, and system integration. **Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud – suitable for:** corporate health management (CHM) and enterprise solutions, clinical applications with moderate data protection requirements, and scientific studies with existing infrastructure. **Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth – suitable for:** clinical studies with high regulatory requirements, universities and research institutions, military, public authorities, and security-critical environments, as well as individual software solutions and complex integrations.

When should which integration approach be chosen?

The choice between Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud and Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth should be consistently guided by the requirements for data protection, system architecture, and analysis processes. **Datico® Wearable Connect Cloud is the right solution when:** fast and scalable implementation is the priority, existing Polar infrastructures are to continue to be used, central evaluation across many users is required, or the data protection requirements are high but not maximally restrictive. **Datico® Wearable Connect Bluetooth should be chosen when:** maximum data sovereignty and full control over all data flows are required, there must be no dependence on external cloud systems, regulatory or security-critical requirements must be met, or real-time integration and flexible system architectures are necessary.