Over the past few years, technology has helped to transform the warehouse and logistics industry. Wireless technology in particular has aided our ability to gather data from diverse sources and locations for a range of functions.
Investing in new technology is vital to the success of warehouse and logistics professionals, not only to ensure that companies are complying legally, but in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Effective monitoring of goods can provide accurate, immediate and consistent data that can inform significant strategic decisions both for individuals and businesses. However, as with any demanding and busy industry, it can be difficult to keep ahead of new trends and make informed decisions about the options available.
Temperature monitoring is one of the most vital procedures when storing and transporting products such as food, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
It's imperative that the warehouses in which they are stored are carefully controlled. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can have disastrous consequences if they cause medicines to become ineffective, food to spoil or result in the failure of critical equipment. This can be highly detrimental to a company's reputation - never mind costly and time-consuming to replace.
Inconsistencies can occur when racking or shelving causes "hot spots" by obstructing air circulation. Temperatures tend to rocket when products are stored above or next to heaters and plummet when placed near to dock loading bays or where doors are constantly being opened.
The IMC Group Ltd. has developed a highly effective, wireless monitoring and alarm solution designed to determine whether goods have been stored and handled at the appropriate temperature.
The Icespy System5 can be fitted to refrigerators, freezers or cold stores where an external temperature probe, door sensor and relative humidity sensor determines whether products have been exposed to unacceptable conditions.
Data from the sensors is then transmitted via radio to a System 5 BASE where it can be downloaded to a local PC for analysis. The main user will also receive an alert to their mobile phone to advise them of any changes to the predetermined temperature.
The device also has the added benefits of reducing energy costs and alleviating the time spent carrying out manual checks, as well as reducing the number of errors.
It allows the staff to concentrate on other parts of the business without the worry of neglecting a serious health and safety issue, as well as reducing costs and improving customer service.
Another consideration is post-transportation, when goods may have been subjected to unsuitable temperatures, before reaching warehouse premises. An ordinary thermometer probe can test products on arrival to ensure that they have not been spoiled; however in the demanding environment more effective monitoring for storage and transportation is required.
One of the issues is that while manufacturers are acutely aware of the ideal conditions in which their products should be stored, this information is not always relayed fully to transport or warehouse staff who are moving them from place to place.
This is something that should not be left to chance. The IMC Group Ltd. has revolutionised the packaging industry by creating a device designed to record up to eight conditions of temperature during packing, storage and transportation.
The TempMarkā„¢8 device is the latest addition to the ShockWatch range of environmental indicators and provides an insight into the temperature conditions of a journey.
This device allows organisations to determine whether the duration of exposure was long enough to compromise safety and desired characteristics during shipment or storage.
This can be used alongside other products such as the ShockWatch labels, which provide a highly cost-effective indication of mishandling and therefore act as a damage deterrent.
The fact is, how many manufacturers truly know what happens to their goods in the period between them leaving the factory floor and being delivered to a customer's door? It's a frightening thought when you consider what a risk you could be taking in terms of customer satisfaction. And that's not to mention financial, environmental and logistical problems of returning to collect and re-deliver the goods.
It is no longer necessary to take a chance. Technology has enabled us to offer a series of specially-designed solutions to give all parties peace of mind and which don't have to be expensive to install.
For more information, visit www.icespy.com or www.the-imcgroup.co.uk