Due to most systems being priced ‘per sensor’, understanding the situations where an individual sensor can monitor multiple parameters is therefore very important. There are a variety of situations that you may want to monitor, it is also highly important that the sensors in your system can accommodate a variety of parameters, locations and equipment. A good temperature monitoring system that operates wirelessly will also allow for repeaters to boost the signal around thick walls or very large spaces.
Battery life of temperature sensors
The standard life of a battery used within a temperature sensor can seem like a minor detail, however, how the system utilises the batteries and the way that they are sustained and replaced will dramatically impact factors such as cost of ownership. Therefore, ensure you have considered the type of batteries that are required, the replaceability of the battery type, the availability and the cost of the batteries as well as the expected life of the temperature sensors batteries. Avoid companies that cannot advise on best practices for the batteries required as some will operate in very different temperature ranges and therefore deplete fast.
Temperature Monitoring Alerts
All sensors have differing levels or methods of alerting the user if conditions fall outside of the desired parameters. Frequently, it will be separate departments that are responsible for different pieces of equipment, even when located in the same area. Therefore, there needs to be a completely different alerting set up for the relevant departments. Alerts can become critical in scenarios where temperature sensitive products are at risk. Freezers, refrigerators and environmental control systems can and do malfunction and the correct alerting matrix can offer you vital time to intervene to avert a disaster scenario.
Temperature Sensor Calibration/Maintenance
Many governing bodies across various industries are increasing their requirements when it comes to calibration of sensors used within a company’s temperature monitoring system. Some suppliers do not offer a calibration with sensors and where it is offered, the quality of the calibration can differ greatly. Many calibrations will be classed as traceable, however- the level of traceability is something to evaluate, UKAS accredited calibrations often being the gold standard for calibration. It is vital therefore to choose a supplier that can provide this service on an annual or adhoc basis.
Network Requirements for Wireless Temperature Monitoring Systems
With varying company architecture such as Wi-Fi strength and specific IT requirements, there are numerous ways in which a temperature monitoring system can be configured and installed. You will be looking to pair a compatible network and temperature monitoring system so that you gain useful and reliable information. As mentioned previously any good Wireless Temperature Monitoring System will have not only good quality sensors but also the ability to boost the ragne using repeaters.
Wireless Temperature Monitoring Systems Warranty
What is covered from system to system varies greatly. You must ensure that you review the warranty for continuous temperature monitoring systems as the terms of the warranty can have a major impact on costs.
Wireless Temperature Monitoring Systems Support
To get the most out of any wireless temperature monitoring system, training and support are highly important. You need to be confident that the chosen system will come with full support for years following the initial set up. To add, the organisation you work with is must be structured so that it provides you with the ability to meet your needs in efficiently. If you buy a Temperature Monitoring System from outside the UK or indeed via a supplier it is unlikely you will get the same support as going direct to a UK Manufacturer. Companies that manufacture their own units will be able to help if and when things go wrong and with a much faster turnaround.
Wireless Temperature Monitoring Reports
Data preparation and reports should be both simple, and automatic for a continuous temperature monitoring system. Many systems offer the user a flexible process to automatically produce reports on a daily or weekly or monthly basis and should be customisable based on your requirements and preferences.
Cloud Based Wireless Temperature Monitoring Systems
Temperature monitoring systems vary in data logging abilities, ensure your system has triple redundnancy and stores data on the cloud to ensure you can get the best out of your system from anywhere in the world. This is even more important when operating over multiple locations.