Temperature is very important, if it’s too hot you’ll feel sleepy, be likely to dehydrate, and become confused. Too cold and your body will start to shut down, you’re likely to contract hypothermia and potentially die. That’s why humans heat their homes in winter and should avoid too much heat in the summer.
However, it’s not just humans that have an issue with temperature. Fresh foods and electronic equipment can also suffer if the temperature is too hot or too cold. This is why temperature-controlled environments have been created. The environment varies from an individual room to a moving truck. But, the issues remain the same, you need to control the temperature and you need to monitor it, ensuring it remains in the right zone.
Hot & Cold
Excess heat can fry the circuits in any electronic item, rendering it useless. The high heat can also rapidly age produce, meaning they are not going to taste good even if the products are still edible.
Of course, the same can be said if the temperature is allowed to go too low. The coldness freezes components and produce. If the process of freezing doesn’t damage the goods then the defrost and subsequent introduction of water will.
Whether your products and equipment are stationary or being transported, you need to be confident that they remain in the right temperature band.
Types of Temperature Monitoring System
The best temperature monitoring systems work wirelessly. This prevents the need for a power source and concerns for power failure. The wireless temperature indicators will send a signal as soon as power is lost or the temperature moves outside of the designated range. This gives you time to react, providing you have a plan to deal with this type of situation.
The main two types of temperature monitoring system are:
1. Room Based
This option monitors the temperature in a room or enclosed space, such as the back of a truck. It’s most appropriate when you’re dealing with multiple items that need to be maintained at the right temperature.
A thermometer in the space constantly verifies the temperature. This thermometer can be digital or analog. The constant monitoring allows it to detect any temperature change. You should note digital thermometers tend to be more precise.
If the temperature moves too far in any direction the thermometer sounds an alert to your system. The alert can be sent wirelessly to your phone or monitoring device. Alternatively, it can be hardwired to a designated alert system.
2. Product Based
This is a particularly useful approach when dispatching goods to a customer or supplier. The temperature monitor is placed directly onto the box with the product that needs to be monitored. The monitoring device will note if the temperature has gone outside the acceptable range and will change color. This shows the recipient that the product has been exposed to unfavorable temperatures. In theory, the recipient should reject the product and the courier company will be held responsible.
How To Choose The Right Temperature Monitoring System
When choosing a temperature monitoring system you need to choose the right type of system and the right quality of system. Here’s how you do that:· Reputation
The most important part of your decision is verifying that the manufacturer of your potential monitoring system is well known and respected. You may have already heard of them. If not, you should contact colleagues or friends and family. It’s possible they have personal experience with the manufacturer.
If not, take a look at social media and online forums, you’ll find a host of opinions that can help you make the right decision.
· Type of System
You need to consider what type of system works best for you For example, if you’re shipping products then you’re going to want individual temperature monitors that will tell you if the equipment has potentially been damaged en route.
You should note that these stickers are fixed to the parcel and can detect excess shock as well as if the package has been dropped.
Of course, if you’re monitoring the temperature of a room then you’ll want a thermometer fitted in the room and the ability to send a signal out. Wireless systems tend to work well with this approach. However, you will need to consider the location of the thermometer. Most spaces don’t cool at an even rate. You need to ensure the products and equipment in the room stay at the right temperature. That means finding the warmest spots and the coolest before you locate your sensors.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the right temperature is essential to the survival and usefulness of many items. In order to get the right system for your needs, you need to be prepared to spend some time thinking about the options. This will help to ensure all aspects are taken into account and you have a system capable of doing what you need it to; monitoring temperature and alerting of any issues.
