For companies dependent on cold chain logistics and transportation, a Bluetooth temperature sensor provides the ultimate accessibility to deleted data on the go. The alternative that has been used for many years involves simple logging of the information during transport. While this helps after delivery, these devices do not provide real-time details that can help companies solve problems the moment they occur.
Data loggers have served the industry for decades, but recent improvements in technology boost product and material safety by delivering updates over Bluetooth to the central office. An IoT temperature sensor is an essential piece of equipment for any organization that ships food products and other heat or cold-sensitive items, including vaccines, electrical equipment, and more. With their precise onboard sensors, these small gadgets keep track of temperature fluctuations, humidity, light exposure, and location, so shippers and buyers know if what they are getting is in the best condition possible.
Why Bluetooth Temperature Sensors Outperform Data Loggers
Every company involved with the cold chain system needs to know if the products or materials they receive are safe for use. If they must wait until they receive the items to find this out, the amount of wasted time will impact their bottom line in a big way. Some shipments take weeks from the original source to the final destination.
Imagine the troubles that will arise if the distributor gets a load of rotten fruit and cannot deliver it on time to the retail store. They will need to place another order and perhaps pay for additional services or speed. All this wasted time and money diminishes their reputation as a trustworthy supplier. If they received data from a BLE temperature sensor earlier in the shipping process the moment the problem occurred, they could have another shipment placed the same day and on its way with minimal delays.
A Bluetooth temperature sensor included in a shipment provides touchless data in real-time. There is no need to wait for the device to arrive at the office and be plugged into the computers. They do not even need to wait for retrieval at the port to access information from a mobile device. Instead, all a company needs is a smartphone or in-house system to get the data wirelessly.
How Does a BLE Temperature Sensor Work?
These small devices that can fit easily in the palm of your hand have powerful thermal sensors that take in data about the temperature of the surrounding environment. When tucked into or attached to packages, pallets, or the interior of shipping containers, they get information about the changes that the products or materials go through during the transportation process. This is important for land, sea, and air transport, and these IoT devices can be used for every type.
The sensors record temperature details at regular intervals, such as every 30 minutes or hour. When it comes to lengthy logistics processes, this is as fast as you can get information specific to your products while they are still in the shipment process. It works during every stage from the original packaging in a box, on a pallet, or in a cargo container to the moment it is unloaded on the other end. Therefore, these devices are great ways to manage warehouse inventory as well as shipments.
Most of these devices also measure other data points. This can include humidity, which is especially important for sensitive electronic equipment and perishable goods that are affected by moisture levels. Other possible options include exposure to light, shock detection, and more. These supply chain trackers also offer GPS location information.
Altogether, a Bluetooth temperature sensor gives everyone reliant on the success of each shipment all the information they need to ensure usability of the product or materials. When the data is plugged into the system, it is easy to ensure that all regulatory parameters for quality and safety were met throughout the entire trip. If they were not, then it gives the companies the opportunity to correct the problem as quickly as possible. For example, if frozen food is partially thawed at any time during the shipping process, it cannot legally be sold. Getting this information within 30 minutes of the event helps.
The Real Benefits of Bluetooth Temperature Sensors
The ability to get information quickly and reliably affects every part of the supply chain from the original producer of the goods to the final retail consumer. From a technological standpoint, wireless access to data as soon as it becomes available means faster and safer shipments. It is a modern necessity to stay competitive in any global industry.
From a corporate perspective, however, the benefits of BLE temperature sensors in every cold or heat-sensitive shipment focus more on the bottom line. Ultimately, they save time and money, which are synonymous in most industries. Besides frequent data collection and fast sharing, these devices offer more practical advantages.
Bluetooth connectivity negates the need for cables and equipment at the destination. They can actually save money on overhead and reduce headaches if someone forgets or loses an essential component. All recipients need is a smartphone to access the data. The only drawback that could occur is if the final delivery ends up in a rural location that does not have sufficient wireless coverage. These unique and specific situations may need a different type of device or an old-fashioned data logger to back up the IoT option.
This not only provides a high degree of convenience, but it can also save a lot of wasted time caused by shipment detention. The last thing any supplier or recipient wants is a cargo container languishing in the port and risking further damage or loss of the product inside.
The EELink IoT temperature sensors use the latest technology to provide the fastest and most reliable data possible. Protect your cold chain shipments, minimize wasted time and money, and simplify the entire process from start to finish.
