Whitepapers

Monitoring Methods and Associated Challenges There are two methods for measuring and monitoring temperature – manually and automatically via wireless sensor technology. Both methods present challenges. Traditionally, temperature monitoring has been done manually; someone uses a thermometer to check the temperatures and then logs those temperatures. Not only is this manual process time-consuming, it is also potentially inconsistent and unreliable. An individual must be relied on to actually complete the task in a timely manner, complete the task correctly, properly store the data (whether it be a paper/hard copy log or a computer spreadsheet), and know what to do/ how to respond if the temperature is too warm or too cold. Human error is one of the largest factors in HACCP- related noncompliance. Even when manual monitoring is done consistently and correctly, it only considers the current temperature at the time it was recorded. It doesn't provide real-time data. It also likely does not account for patterns such as when/if the temperature spiked (or dropped), how much it spiked/dropped, and for how long. Having access to real-time data and understanding potential patterns is also crucial to maintaining a proper cold chain. More recently, temperature monitoring is commonly automated by way of wireless sensor technology to monitor, measure, and record real- time temperatures. This automatic method can substantially improve food safety by providing a continuous and consistent data stream of temperatures 24/7, every day of the year. Once collected, this data can be stored in the cloud and accessed from any internet-connected device allowing the retrieval of these temperatures anytime and from anywhere. This enables more immediate action when there is a temperature-related issue allowing companies to be more proactive in solving the problem and decreasing the potential amount of food waste. The main challenge with automatic monitoring is that launching an automated system can be complicated and expensive for a variety of reasons. The food storage/restaurant industry is an especially difficult environment for wireless connectivity due to the overall environment being challenging for RF communications – stainless- steel surfaces, insulated and concrete walls, and a variety of other radio signal obstacles. Pair these with possibly harsh temperatures and moist environments that are typical inside insulated coolers and freezers. And, as if these conditions are not already complicated enough, the potential distance between sensors and the equipment to which they transmit data can add another element of connectivity stress. Aside from harsh and complicated environments, to utilize the full benefits of wireless sensors, a complete end-to-end solution is necessary which requires technology expertise and potential development for your particular cold chain monitoring environment – ranging from the sensors to bridging data via gateways to the cloud and finally the cloud analytics and server pieces to make use of the sensor data itself. More recently, temperature monitoring is commonly automated by way of wireless sensor technology to monitor, measure, and record real-time temperatures. This automatic method can substantially improve food safety by providing a continuous and consistent data stream of temperatures 24/7, every day of the year. Once collected, this data can be stored in the cloud and accessed from any internet-connected device allowing the retrieval of these temperatures anytime and from anywhere. Temperature Monitoring Challenges: • Manual temperature monitoring: Potentially inconsistent and unreliable, time-consuming, and lacks real-time data. • Automatic temperature monitoring via wireless sensors: Expensive and complicated to set up and maintain.

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