Temperature Data Logger - for Logistics Industry

 

A temperature data logger, also called temperature monitor, is a portable measurement instrument that is capable of autonomously recording temperature over a defined period of time. The digital data can be retrieved, viewed and evaluated after it has been recorded. A data logger is commonly used to monitor shipments in a cold chain and to gather temperature. It is to ensure that the temperature provided are according to the specification required.

A variety of constructions are available. Most have an internal thermistor or thermocouple or can be connected to external sources. Sampling and measurement are periodically taken and digitally stored. Some have a built in display of data or out-of-tolerance warnings. Data retrieval can be by cable, RFID, wireless systems, etc. They generally are small, battery powered, portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and sensors. Some data loggers interface with personal computers or smart phones for set-up, control, and analysis.

Some include other sensors such as relative humidity, wind, light, etc. Others may record input from GPS devices.

Depending on the use, governing quality management systems sometimes require calibration to national standards and compliance with formal verification and validation protocols^[1]

Choices of temperature data loggers can be based on many factors, such as:

• Cost
• Reusability
• Battery life
• Ease of use; set-up, readability, download data, analysis, etc.
• Temperature range
• Accuracy and precision - degree of agreement of recorded temperature with actual
• Response time – the time required to measure 63.2% of the total difference between its initial and final temperature when subjected to a step function change in temperature; other points such as 90% are also used.^[2]
• shock and vibration resistance
• Water resistance – humidity, condensation, etc.
• Size, weight, mounting
• Certifications, calibrations, etc.
• Software

GPS Tracking System - Benefits to the Transportation Industry

A vehicle tracking system combines the use of automatic vehicle location in individual vehicles with software that collects these fleet data for a comprehensive picture of vehicle locations. Modern vehicle tracking systems commonly use GPS or GLONASS technology for locating the vehicle, but other types of automatic vehicle location technology can also be used. Vehicle information can be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialized software. Urban public transit authorities are an increasingly common user of vehicle tracking systems, particularly in large cities. It is empirical for FM Global Logistics to understand the whole system, how it works and how it can help them to optimize their cost of operating the business.

- GPS tracking device: The device fits into the vehicle and captures the GPS location information apart from other vehicle information at regular intervals to a central server. The other vehicle information can include fuel amount, engine temperature, altitude, reverse geocoding, door open/close, tire pressure, cut off fuel, turn off ignition, turn on headlight, turn on taillight, battery status, GSM area code/cell code decoded, number of GPS satellites in view, glass open/close, fuel amount, emergency button status, cumulative idling, computed odometer, engine RPM, throttle position,GPRS status and a lot more. Capability of these devices actually decide the final capability of the whole tracking system.

- GPS tracking server: The tracking server has three responsibilities: receiving data from the GPS tracking unit, securely storing it, and serving this information on demand to the user.

- User interface: The UI determines how one will be able to access information, view vehicle data, and elicit important details from it.

A GPS tracking unit is a device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset to which it is attached and to record the position of the asset at regular intervals. The recorded location data can be stored within the tracking unit, or it may be transmitted to a central location data base, or internet-connected computer, using a cellular (GPRS or SMS), radio, or satellite modem embedded in the unit. This allows the asset's location to be displayed against a map backdrop either in real time or when analysing the track later, using GPS tracking software. Data tracking software is available for smartphones with GPS capability.

A GPS logger simply logs the position of the device at regular intervals in its internal memory. Modern GPS loggers have either a memory card slot, or internal flash memory and a USB port. Some act as a USB flash drive. This allows downloading of the track log data for further analyzing in a computer. The tracklist or point of interest list may be in GPX, KML, NMEA or other format.

Most digital cameras save the time a photo was taken. Provided the camera clock was reasonably accurate or used GPS as its time source, this time can be correlated with GPS log data, to provide an accurate location. This can be added to the Exif metadata in the picture file. Cameras with GPS receiver built in can directly produce such a geotagged photograph.

In some private investigation cases, data loggers are used to keep track of a target vehicle. The PI need not follow the target so closely, and always has a backup source of data.

 

Some of the brand available in  Malaysia providing GPS product and services:-

DATA FM

DF TRACKER

MYGPS

SKYTRACKGPS

ASTRATA

GPSTECH

And many others. The most important, those product must match your requirement and budget - not to be under or over specification. It has to balance between customer's satisfaction / KPI and financial impact.....

 

 

 

 

HTC Phone - an options

Hi...I need to get a new HTC phone......current model (HTC Butterfly) has already serve me for 2 yrs++. So reliable until recently the screen was broken after it drop on the pebblestone at the fishing pond (indeed, it was dropped many times before). Any idea which models below will be the best option? Thanks

E-Commerce Transaction

My latest 'E-Commerce' transaction. Business without this features will no longer competitive in this 'world' nowadays....:-)

FM Global Logistics: WMS

FM Global Logistics's Warehouse Management System (WMS) Framework - by INFOR

In modern warehousing and logistics activities, IT has contributed a huge impact in ensuring high productivity and continuity for the industry player. Without any doubt, IT has becoming a 'fundamental enabler' for any successfull organization. Below is an example of WMS framework in FM Global Logistics in order to serve high end requirement from the market. The system was developed and supplied by INFOR. By having this system in place, FM Global Logistics is able to compete at the same platform with other giant  MNC companies such as DHL, CEVA, DB Schenker etc.

 

This blog is pre-requisite for subject MIS 750. Click below for a link access to Dr Norzaidi's blog 

Dr Norzaidi