CONTRIBUTORS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
the digital output as a door-open
measurement device by downloading
readings and operates as either a
monitor and use the three inputs
it directly to the mobile device.
basic functional device to a more
in different applications such as
Occasionally cargo holding
sophisticated instrument performing
cargo temperature (to measure the
enquirers look for a warehouse solution
multiple and complex functions.
temperature in the refrigerated body
where multiple cold rooms holding
While this may not entirely solve an
of the truck), petrol tank (to measure
perishables, mainly fruit, require regulated
existing problem, the user will be left in
the remaining petrol in the truck’s petrol
temperatures. Here the well-known
no doubt, as to what the temperature
tank), and battery voltage (to measure
sophisticated field-logging device
readings were during storage or during
the truck’s battery voltage).
provides all the requirements; eight
transportation. Purchasable temperature
The user can also choose to configure
one of the inputs to the truck’s battery
configurable analogs for thermocouples,
powerful mathematical functions, USB
data loggers, trucking and logistics
software programs make managing of
The ‘disposable’ cold chain data logger.
power instead of measuring the battery
interface, RS485 interface with Modbus
transportation so much easier. The cold
voltage. This would ensure that the
RTU master or slave and more. This
chain industry comes with highly stringent
measuring device is always on when the
versatile and dynamic instrument remains
procedures and protocols that you
truck starts up as it would be connected
one of the most powerful and simple to
ignore at your own peril as you would
to the truck’s battery, instead of being
operate devices on the market at an
experience when a delivery is rejected.
powered by the AA alkaline batteries.
This measuring device can also be
installed permanently in the truck, either
in the main body or on the dashboard
providing the driver with real time data at
a glance. In the event of measurements
exceeding any one of the three input
thresholds, the buzzer alarm would sound
to alert the driver.
As this measurement device has
radio communication, the user does
not need to plug it into a conventional
computer to extract the data. Instead,
all the user needs to do is to download
the App to a mobile device (with
Bluetooth capability) after which the
Bluetooth will naturally configure the
measurement device to the mobile
device, extracting data from the
exceptionally reasonable price. It does
require skilled technicians to operate it.
The one thing no one can change is
the ‘human factor’. Be it driver texting
negligence, poor roadside technical
repairs, or volatile unlawful roadblocks; all
of these real issues are quietly discussed
behind closed doors. However, the use of
these instruments does demand greater
accountability and helps to improve
temperature transportation awareness.
With climate change on the rise,
weather patterns are changing and
daily temperatures are increasing
incrementally. Data loggers continue
to offer an unprecedented amount of
information to the cold chain industry
as well as in other sectors. Every type of
temperature logger delivers temperature
NOTES:
In addition to our data logger enquiries,
an internet search offers insights from
search phrases for trucking software that
can be researched for further reading
such as:
• Lock cell phone Apps and actions
that should be restricted to enhance
safety and productivity
• How software stops distracted driving
• Reduce workplace accident-stop
texting and driving
• Fail safes real-time reporting and
more
• Truck dispatch software with tracking
• Dashboard camera, routing
and dispatch
• Reefer and shipping monitoring CLA
The field logger-type units are sophisticated
and typically require a technician’s skill to
program and use.
Data loggers
continue to offer an
unprecedented amount
of information to the
cold chain industry
as well as in other
sectors.
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www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2020