A data collection apparatus includes a data collection section configured to receive sequential time-series output data pieces for each of data sources, a data shaping section configured to perform data shaping processing on the sequential time-series output data pieces based on a predetermined data shaping rule set for each of the data sources such that the resulting data pieces are reduced in number or in data amount as compared with the output data pieces output from the data source, a data transmission section configured to transmit the output data pieces to the monitor control apparatus, and a data shaping rule control section configured to receive the data shaping rule set for each of the data sources from the monitor control apparatus and to set the received data shaping rule in the data shaping section.