What to Consider When Choosing a Passive Temperature Logger
A crucial aspect of the cold chain is the monitoring the temperature of products throughout the process. Packing, transporting, and delivering fresh produce, frozen goods, and pharmaceuticals all require unique temperature data loggers to assure a safe outcome. Many factors such as affordability, reusability, and temperature range may be considered when choosing the right product. Finding the right temperature logger shouldn’t be a difficult task if you ask the right questions. Below are common factors to consider when choosing the best temperature data logger for your business!
Cost:
Considering the cost of a temperature data logger is a main deciding factor when comparing your options. It’s important to understand if it is a one time purchase of hardware or if the product requires a subscription or recurring charge to use the cloud software, apps, or service.
Reusability:
Loggers can be purchased in single use or reusable formats. One option may be more convenient based on the product or shipment process. If the temperature logger is on a returnable shipper, then using a reusable format is the best option. On the other hand, if it is too complex to return the temperature logger or the shipment cost is too expensive, a single use device would be the better fit.
Battery life:
Make sure the battery life of the temperature logger will last long enough to record all the data necessary. It may also need to last long enough to provide data storage life after the use of recording the data. It is also important to consider if the battery is suitable for transportion and ease of disposing.
Ease of use:
Some temperature loggers take several minutes to set up, and other loggers are ready to go within seconds. Additionally, consider what data will be accessible from reading the logger. Will the set up require a computer or additional apps? Is it possible to gang-program more than one temperature logger in a timely manner? Are you able to see the geolocation of the logger when it is scanned? If an app is required to program and scan the logger, is the app available for an iPhone and Android? Knowing this information can allow for an easier set up and usability the data.
Temperature range:
It’s important to know if the temperature logger is able to take the measurements you need. Do you need to measure dry ice, cryogenic, oven or dryer temperatures? Some ultra-low or high heat applications may require the use of a temperature probe cable that can withstand the extreme temperature conditions.
Number of measurements stored:
Consider the amount of available memory needed on the passive temperature logger device. Can you measure multiple days or months consecutively with the preferred measurement interval? Is there a limit to how much data it can store and what will happen when the end of the memory is reached? With Blulog BluConsole cloud server, we offer data storage for 7+ years but some companies may only hold historical data for a particular period of time. Make sure the available memory is enough to keep your product monitored throughout the cold chain and cloud storage duration meets your needs.
Accuracy and Precision:
Depending on the product that you’re monitoring, accuracy of the temperature reading may vary. Life science applications usually require +/- 0.2°C accuracy while food safety is comfortable with +/- 0.5°C accuracy. Resolution, on the other hand, is the vertical temperature measurement step that is charted. A resolution of 0.1°C is typically desired.
Sensor Time Constant & Response Time:
Sensor Time Constant is the time required to measure 63.2% of the total difference between its initial and final temperature when subjected to a step function change in temperature. Response Time is the time for the sensor reading to reach 99.3% of the total step change in the new temperature.
Environmental Protection and Resistance:
Products in transit are subject to environmental changes that may disrupt the quality or temperature. You may need a data logger that has a strong protection from outer environments, such as rain, steam sanitization, or high heat conditions.
Size, weight, mounting:
Consider the size of the temperature logger to ensure it can be used for product shippers without interfering with the shipping of the transport unit itself. Can the logger be adhered to stretch wrap on a pallet or on the outside wall of an isothermal shipper. If there are probes on the logger device, will they interfere with proper closing of the transport unit?
Data Export:
Understanding where your data will be stored and how it can be exported is important to know. Make sure you know how you can get the temperature data out of the logger, and if it is exportable to a different file format. If your logger uses cloud storage, check that it is secure and if you can share it with other parties for easy data transfer.
Data Integration with other Systems:
If you’re interested in getting the data from the cloud server to your own middleware or third party software system, see if the temperature monitoring system service offers an API. Additionally, consider if there is a cost to use the API and check if there are limits of how many API calls that can be requested per hour. Does the cloud server support a messenger broker service to get up to the minute changes in the data?
Understanding the many layers to choosing the right temperature logger is crucial to finding the best product for your business. Blulog’s variety of temperature data loggers are guaranteed to meet all of your needs in an affordable, easy to use, and technologically advanced format. Check out our product pages and store page for more detail, and don’t hesitate to contact Bluline Solutions directly via chat or email with any additional questions!
Bluline Solutions solves cold chain temperature excursion threats by offering its clients cloud connected IoT wireless sensor technologies. Our broad range of active and passive logger devices and sensing options means you can accurately measure what matters and not settle for an approximate or close enough measurement.
Live monitor temperature, humidity or door opening events with Blulog RF and access to your data using our complimentary web dashboard console or mobile app. If you transport temperature sensitive products using a contracted carrier, Blulog NFC technology will record temperatures during transportation and provide any registered system user immediate notification of goods arriving at the point of arrival with a date, time, temperature and geolocation stamp. Both Blulog RF and NFC technologies provide temperature breach notifications, allow report generation, and provide long term subscription free cloud-based data storage.
Blulog is ideal for use in temperature controlled environments, multiple modes of transportation, and commercial retail refrigeration sites. Be confident that your products and perishable items are kept safe and secure with Blulog. Learn more at www.blulinesolutions.com