The adage, “Good things come in small packages” is truest in the case of cold chain data loggers. They not only form the very back bone of supply chain, temperature data loggers are the steadfast guardians of your shipment’s temperature integrity. For once, all of us will agree that in the world of cold chain logistics, surprises are never welcomed. Temperature monitoring and recording of shipments in transit and storage remove that element of surprise, adding the much needed resilience to any supply chain route involving movement of temperature sensitive shipments. In that context, PDF Data Loggers are the coolest gadgets, providing accurate and reliable temperature data of your precious cargo; tracking their wellbeing, when you can’t.
But even these superheroes of gadgets have their kryptonite. As sellers of Mettemp Data Loggers that are specifically built for cold chain success, almost every day, we resolve queries for our clients about how to correctly use data loggers. Here are the top 5 mistakes people make while using temperature data loggers. These are common errors that the best of us are guilty of.
Is the Calibration Certificate of your data logger MIA (Missing in Action)?
Think about it like this. Your data loggers are like mini thermometers that have been pre-tuned to perform specific functions and record specific temperatures. Ignoring or not checking a calibration certificate is like buying a car without knowing its specs.
Calibration is the heart of temperature accuracy in PDF Data Loggers. A study conducted by Frost et al. (2020) demonstrated that regular calibration significantly improved data logger accuracy, reducing temperature discrepancies by up to 90% in various cold chain scenarios. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, precise temperature control is critical to ensure the potency and efficacy of vaccines and medications. Neglecting calibration can lead to temperature variations that compromise product quality and regulatory compliance.
Did you set the correct alarm threshold in your data logger?
Data loggers have alarms too; some visual, meaning that they will show on your reports marked in red and some with an audible buzzer. Most single use data loggers, like the Mettemp MT 5 model allow setting alarm thresholds up to 5 points, namely H1 H2 H3 for setting the higher side of temperature threshold and L1 L2 for mapping the lower range. Setting the correct alarm threshold enables you to make data driven decisions and in determining the true integrity of your shipments.
Keep a check on battery levels
Low batteries? Keep a prudent vigil on your data logger’s battery levels, like a responsible parent watching their kid’s energy level.
Set up low-battery alerts and swap those batteries like a pro to keep the data flowing. Low battery levels can interrupt data logger operation, resulting in data gaps and compromised temperature monitoring. A study by the Journal of Cold Chain Management (JCCM) emphasized the significance of battery monitoring and proactive battery replacements to avoid data logger downtime.
If you are using Mettemp Data Loggers then all you need is to connect your device with any laptop and open Mettemp Log Software. In parameter header, the battery life is boldly highlighted in Green (if charged) and in red (if depleted).
Inset – Battery Indicator in Mettemp Log interface indicating “Full Battery” of data logger.
Make sure that you set the optimal temperature recording range which best suits the product you are moving or storing. A PDF data logger in its ready-report will show all excursions beyond these values, marked in RED. Therefore giving you a complete visibility on temperature breaches and their duration.
Image: Screenshot of Mettemp Log Free Data Logger Software.
Temperature Data Loggers are your trusted ally in the cold chain, ensuring your temperature-sensitive goodies reach their destination safe and sound. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll unleash the full potential of your data loggers, bettering your efficiency and quality. So, go forth, wise ones, and let your Data Loggers be your guiding light by using them right!
Have a question about how to use Temperature Data Loggers? Connect with us on info@gnv-logistics.com