A guide to finding the right Multi-Channel In-Process Data Logger for your site, with a focus on how your experience might differ depending on the system you select.

The ability to carry out accurate temperature profiling at your food production site will help you to ensure the quality of your product, achieve consistent results, and avoid food safety incidents.

Suited to temperature uniformity surveys and HACCP validation, In-Process Multi-Channel Data Loggers will provide support in all of these areas – allowing you to map the efficiency of your equipment and find out whether or not your processes are operating as they should be.

But, how do you know which logger is suited to your site? Hoping to provide an answer to this question, we have created the following guide. It will take you through every step of the process, highlighting the ways in which your experience might differ depending on the system you select.

Learn more about the Klipspringer Multi-Channel In-Process Data Logger

Finding the right system for your site

When it comes to introducing a new data logger to your site, the first step is to decide on the right system. At this part of the process, you will need to address a number of questions, including:

1. How many temperature points do you require?

This will depend on how many points you want to monitor as you collect product and environmental temperatures. For the sake of comparison, the Klipspringer Multi-Channel Data Logger offers up to 20 temperature points, with many other profiling systems offering just eight.

2. What temperature range will you be working within?

It’s important to establish the temperature range of the logger you are considering, the length of time your data logger will be exposed to this temperature range, and the applications you are carrying out (e.g. cookers and chillers, freezers, deep fat fryers, static and rotating steam ovens).

3. What kind of software is suited to your site?

Next, you need to choose a system that supports the specific needs of your site, whether that’s the processes you carry out, the skill levels of your operatives, or the size of your budget. The right software will also be able to carry out calculations for you, saving you time and effort.

4. What are your requirements in regards to thermocouples?

The Klipspringer Multi-Channel Data Logger offers a wide range of thermocouples for you to choose from. This is true of a lot of Temperature Profiling Systems. However, it is worth noting that some systems are only compatible with thermocouples that have been supplied by specific providers. In contrast, the Klipspringer System is compatible with any Type T or Type K thermocouples thanks to its SMP connectors.

Klipspringer’s Initial Consultation Phase

The Klipspringer Technical Support Team will guide you through the process of finding the right system for your site. The journey will begin with a brief consultation:

This involves the completion of a questionnaire that will match you to your ideal Temperature Profiling System. It will also help to speed up the process if you are able to provide a list of your current processes and equipment settings (e.g. the oven setting you are working with).

If you are unsure about any of your answers, our Technical Support Team will be on hand to help. Depending on your needs, our team can arrange a video call or even an on-site consultation.

Our team can also assist you in reviewing all of the processes currently taking place at your site, along with the current settings of your equipment. This will help you to make the most of your data logger and to prepare for its arrival.

Receiving your quotation

Next, you will receive a quotation for your equipment. If you are working within a tight budget or often struggle to secure approval from senior management, this step has the potential to make or break your project.

Even if you have a fair amount of freedom, you still want to know the system you are buying is fairly priced and you are not being charged for features you are never going to use.

As is standard for a Temperature Profiling System, the Klipspringer In-Process Logging System is bespoke. Because of this, prices will vary depending on the specific requirements of your site. During the initial consultation phase mentioned above, you will be able to share any concerns relating to cost with our Technical Support Team. They will then put together a proposal that provides everything you need, without any unexpected or unnecessary costs.

Receiving and setting up your data logger

Due to the fact that every system is unique, the Klipspringer Multi-Channel In-Process Data Logger has a longer lead time than the products we hold for same day despatch. However, this time frame is shortened dramatically by the fact that the system is manufactured and shipped from the UK. Because of this, lead times typically sit within 4-7 weeks.

The Klipspringer Logger is shipped alongside a factory calibration certificate that is traceable to national standards, with UKAS certification also available upon request.

Once it has arrived on site, you can begin the training process. Instead of managing this independently, Klipspringer’s Technical Support Team will provide ongoing training for you and your team. This training can be repeated as many times as necessary and will typically take place over a video call. However, if it would be beneficial to your operation, there is also the option of arranging a site visit.

Using and understanding your software

The next point to consider is the software that will be used alongside your logger. This is another area where Klipspringer’s Technical Support Team will be able to help, guiding you through the process of setting up and using your Thermal View Software.

As with the logger itself, this software can be adapted to suit the specific needs of your site. All versions are user-friendly, storing the data from previous profiles in a database for easy access. But, it might be that you also want to:

  • Use telemetry for real time data analysis
  • Calculate Pasteurisation and Sterilisation values (Pu/Fo)
  • Produce fully certified and traceable validation reports to meet HACCP requirements
  • Split multiple runs or process steps (cook/chill) in a single run into separate profiles

Repairs, recalibration and services

Finally, you need to evaluate the process for repairing or recalibrating your system, along with the procedure for securing replacement parts.

Your Klipspringer Data Logger can be recalibrated at our in-house laboratory. Based in the UK, our laboratory will typically complete the calibration process within three working days. Loan equipment is available during this time, but due to the fast turnaround, it is rare for a site to make this request.

The Klipspringer Laboratory can also handle any repairs or replacements. This will be a swift process because the replacement parts, such as the thermocouples, are manufactured and despatched from the UK.

No matter how speedy or straightforward the replacement process, having the option to repair the essential parts of your equipment is always wise. After all, this could result in a significant cost saving over time.

Thanks to the unique design of the Klipspringer Logger, repairs should be easy, especially if your system is met with one of the most common faults: an operator pulling a probe out of its connector.

If this happened to another Temperature Profiling System, it is likely that a replacement would be necessary. Often, this process will need to be completed outside of the UK, so will take a significant amount of time. However, if your site is using the Klipspringer Logger, a quick and easy repair can be carried out at our UK Service Department.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the different stages of introducing a Multi-Channel In-Process Data Logger to your site. It should also have highlighted how this project might differ depending on the system you select. From training and software to repairs and recalibration, there are a number of factors to consider.

Learn more about the Klipspringer Multi-Channel In-Process Data Logger

As you work towards finding the right solution for your site, the Klipspringer team is on hand to provide support. You can contact us on 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can use the form below to arrange a consultation. 

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