CAS DataLoggers recently provided a large-scale beverage supplier with its SwiTrace I-Plug IPST8 Temperature Data Loggers for monitoring its product during transportation to vendors in refrigerated truck compartments.
The shipper needed to electronically document the entire temperature history of its drink product, which contains small amounts of milk, during transit, including data proving it stayed within temperature specification (35°-38°F) throughout shipment to withstand Food Safety Modernization Act enforcement.
“Searching for an affordable solution, the manufacturer contacted several solutions providers requesting a battery-powered device that could record for the whole shipment duration and could produce electronic proof of PQ,” CAS said.
The SwiTrace I-Plug IPST8 is a reliable cold chain validation solution ideal for use in shipping applications, the company said. These single-use data loggers provide vendors with a complete electronic temperature history for food and beverage products, and their built-in USB interfaces make connecting and downloading easy.
When ready to ship, the driver places an I-Plug data logger in the back of each truck with the products, in among the crates and palettes. Placed on a truck, the SwiTrace I-Plugs each measure temperature using meter-long external sensors.
“Over the duration of each trip, the loggers continually monitor the product’s temperature, here configured by users to take an automatic reading once every fifteen minutes,” the company said. “Readings are saved to its large 8,000-point encrypted memory. Operating on its 1-year lithium battery, the data logger is ideal for extended trips to vendors.”
Meanwhile, the I-Plug’s High and Low Alarm LEDs show if there has been a temperature excursion at any point in the trip.
When connected to a PC at the end of the haul, each SwiTrace self-generates a full PDF temperature report to give to receivers. With this electronic report, it’s easy to show vendors and inspectors proof of best practices and product quality.
Auto-PDF file generation makes it easier for drivers to learn and follow the process, CAS maintained. After the driver or vendor connects the I-Plug to a PC via USB, the vendor receives proof of the shipper’s best practices, without the need for proprietary readers, software, recalibration, servicing or battery replacement.
Using SwiTrace’s free online Track & Trace portal, management can send and store data online with a mouse-click. This service also offers a traceable accuracy certificate for full PQ documentation, CAS said.
Using the web portal, users enter the I-Plug’s serial number and verify it has been downloaded by the vendor. If the receiver already selected the ‘Send to the Web’ feature while reading the I-Plug, the user will get instant access to the temperature report.
For more information on the I-Plug IPST8 Temperature Data Logger, the importance of cold chain monitoring, or to find the ideal solution for an application-specific need, contact CAS DataLogger at (800) 956-4437 or dataloggerInc.com.
