Temperature Monitoring Explained

What is temperature monitoring?

In straightforward terms, temperature monitoring is the real-time, automated tracking of air temperatures within a sensitive environment.

Fridges or storage areas are typical examples. In these environments, hygiene teams conduct a risk assessment to determine the necessary limits or parameters.

Following this, an alarm system is put in place to alert the team should one of these parameters be exerted beyond a pre-determined length of time. This is implemented through temperature sensors placed in appropriate locations of the storage facility.

Once the temperature monitoring process is complete, the temperature monitoring data is recorded, either physically (often in piles of paper) or digitally (using a computerised management system).

NOTE – temperature monitoring is also commonly referred to as wireless monitoring.

Why is temperature monitoring important?

Recording this information guarantees full traceability. In other words, you can provide tangible proof to auditors that sensitive products are being maintained at safe temperatures.

In doing so, temperature monitoring prevents stored food from falling into the so-called ‘Danger Zone’ – the temperature range within which food becomes unsafe for consumption.

This process allows time to reposition Time Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Products (TTSPPs) in the event of a temperature excursion. As defined by the WHO, temperature excursion is an “event in which a TTSPP is exposed to temperatures outside the range(s) prescribed for storage and/or transport”.

All in all, the overarching importance of temperature monitoring lies in its potential to save companies or individuals significant costs on lost, damaged, or ruined products.

By placing all relevant temperature data in one location, senior management can more easily make crucial decisions around food storage and product quality control.

The benefits of wireless temperature monitoring are well-known. Innovative monitoring systems are proven to provide highly accurate, real-time temperature data, support food safety compliance, and cut costs of loading refrigerated food transportation. BRCGS standards also require the implementation and control of process monitoring to ensure that products are manufactured according to industry specifications.

When is temperature monitoring used?

Temperature monitoring is used across a wide range of applications.

The most typical application is the temperature-sensitive goods in storage or transit for more than four hours. In particular, this involves the monitoring of food and pharmaceutical products in frozen, chilled, and even ambient environments (i.e. it is critical to monitor chocolate storage).

Temperature monitoring is also used in applications such as server rooms, incubators, hatcheries, hospitals, patient rooms, ovens, and calibration laboratories.

The Klipspringer Lab

Unsure of what type of temperature monitoring system best suits your applications?

Click here to use our free logging configurator which figures it out for you in less than two minutes.

What is the process behind temperature monitoring?

The first step is often to carry out a temperature mapping exercise to determine the hot and cold spots in the storage area.

Secondly, temperature recording loggers will be strategically placed in these locations. This allows teams to monitor the most critical areas of the storage area.

After that, loggers are collected, and their data is downloaded. With more advanced temperature monitoring systems, this data is downloadable in real-time with live dashboards or automated alarming.

Which factors should I consider when choosing a temperature monitoring system?

Below is a checklist of nine core factors to consider when selecting a temperature monitoring system. These are based on a webinar our Klipspringer experts hosted in collaboration with Quorn Foods.

Factor #1 – Parameters

Factor #2 – Hardware

Factor #3 – Data Access

Factor #4 – Sensor Connection

Factor #5 – Installation

Factor #6 – Alarm Type

Factor #7 – Calibration

Factor #8 – Cost

Factor #9 – Ongoing Support

Finally, in the below clip Kenny Edwards (Quality Manager at Quorn Foods) outlines the value a wireless temperature monitoring system provided for his team.

What are the costs of temperature monitoring systems?

As touched on in the above clip, the cost of temperature monitoring depends on various factors.

For instance, prices typically increase as the number of wireless loggers increases. The number of monitoring points is usually dependent on the value of the stock or product being monitored, and the size of the area monitored.

Another factor influencing cost is which system you choose. For instance, a system that has recording loggers with manual download will always be cheaper than a system with real-time, wireless loggers.

Example 1:

4 x fridges using a manual download logger = around £400

Example 2:

Full coverage of a large food factory with 25+ rooms/chillers/freezers using automated real-time monitoring = around £15,000

What temperature monitoring options are available?

At Klipspringer, we are naturally biased in favour of our own products. Wouldn’t you be worried if we weren’t?

Nonetheless, we understand that sometimes another provider’s system might be better suited to your applications. Below is a list of several well-rated temperature monitoring systems.

Manual Download Loggers

The EBI300 Data Logger

A steady, cost-saving option opted for by many kitchen teams.

Bluetooth Loggers

Used for storage or in-transit use, Bluetooth-connected loggers like the Verigo offer excellent value for money.

Real-Time Automated Systems

The WatchmanOne Wireless Monitoring System

Offering versatile, instantaneous monitoring, alarm notifications, and full data encryption, wireless systems like the WatchmanOne are the leading industry options.

If you’re still unsure which type of system suits your applications, click here to access the free temperature monitoring configurator.