Using InfluxDB and NODE-RED, developers can create a system that brings IoT data to life by visualizing it and making it actionable. The author sets up a NODE-RED flow with an MQTT broker and creates alerts based on temperature readings from sensors. They use Kapacitor to define alert rules and write custom TICK scripts to refine the alerts and make them more precise. The system is refined further by creating an HTTP endpoint that sends color changes to a GlowOrb, which is controlled by the temperature readings. This project demonstrates how IoT data can be transformed into actionable insights and physical effects using InfluxDB and NODE-RED.