5 Features of a Good Cold Chain Data Logger

Whether you've already used a temperature data loggers or just started using one, here are some of the most important features to consider when evaluating the best temperature data logger.

1. Reasonable Accuracy

The accuracy specifications vary widely between different types of temperature data loggers, depending on the intended use.

For example, cold chain data loggers intended for use in the pharmaceutical industry can measure a wider range of temperatures and to some extent measure those temperatures. Compatible products developed for the food industry, such as data loggers, may not be able to measure the same temperature range with accuracy of several degrees.

Needless to say, they are created and charged differently. Therefore, if you know the specific requirements for accuracy and fault tolerance, you no longer have to pay for the accuracy of unwanted data. 

2. Multiple Sensors

Further development of cold chain data loggers is based on measurements of a single parameter, such as b. temperature.

It also has sensors that can measure and record other information, such as humidity, light, physical shock, air pressure and the concentration of certain gases. Additional information is critical for monitoring the transport of certain cold chains, such as vaccine vials, chemicals or other temperature sensitive items that require special care and handling.

These sensors are built into the optimum temperature data loggers, or you can connect other sensors as needed.

3. Variable Sampling Frequency

Most temperature data loggerss are battery-powered portable devices. The more frequently temperature data are measured and recorded, the faster these batteries discharge.

Of course, if you need to record data frequently and use multiple sensors, it is important to adjust the recording interval of the cold chain data logger as needed, while maximizing battery power savings.

For example, if you use a data logger to track the transport of temperature-sensitive drugs, you can set the recording interval to less than 5 seconds. For food shipments, the interval can be set to 30 minutes or longer.

This is also useful if you can set the temperature record interval remotely. If the temperature of the goods or stored goods rises and falls, the temperature must be kept as low as possible to avoid further damage and risk. In this case, it is helpful to increase the number of readings to ensure that there is no longer a temperature peak that is likely to cause irreparable damage.

4. Long Battery Life

The latest portable battery-powered temperature data recorder is an extremely low-power device. However, you can keep up with these low-power devices by using multiple sensors and recording information faster. The latest generation of cold-chain data recorders, such as the bluetooth temperature data recorder, can last for more than a year. However, make sure you can meet your specific requirements without running out of juice.

5. Adequate Data Storage

Most portable cold chain data loggers are designed for long-term deployment and can track deliveries over days or "warehouse and warehouse status over months."

In any case, the temperature data loggers accumulates a lot of data.

Depending on the duration of the deployment, the type of data store, and the transfer supported by the data logger, you will need to evaluate the storage requirements of the device.

Data recorders that store information locally need to transfer data to portable devices (such as laptops and smartphones) via USB, SD CARDS or bluetooth or WLAN for frequent access to information. If the record cannot be retrieved several hours later, there is a risk that it will be overwritten by the new log over time. The few but cheapest cold-chain data recorders can store more than 10,000 temperature readings. Therefore, it is recommended to use buffers.

Make sure your logger has enough storage space to support long-term deployment and reduce on-site access.

In addition, choosing a device with integrated data connectivity and cloud storage ensures that information can always be backed up online and accessed later. This type of hybrid temperature data loggers buffers the measurements when they are not connected, and can stream the stored measurements when they are connected to networks such as mobile phones, wlans, and mobile hotspots.

Regardless of Settings, all data recorded by the recorder is recorded so that the temperature curve does not break.