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Remote temperature monitoring

Monitoring the temperature of goods requiring refrigeration is crucial for their safety and quality. Traditional methods of temperature monitoring are often inaccurate and do not provide real-time monitoring, causing problems in areas such as healthcare, catering and logistics. Remote temperature monitoring offers a solution by allowing organisations to monitor temperature in real time. Through the use of sensors, temperature data can be continuously collected and sent wirelessly to a central platform to immediately detect temperature fluctuations and trigger alarms. Remote temperature monitoring is therefore an efficient and reliable way to ensure the safety and quality of goods requiring refrigeration. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

SenseING products for remote temperature monitoring:

Why temperature monitoring is crucial

Dangers due to temperature fluctuations

Temperature fluctuations jeopardise the quality and safety of goods that require refrigeration, such as food and medicines. They can accelerate the growth of bacteria in food and impair the effectiveness of medicines.

Gesundheitsrisiken für Verbraucher und Patienten

Inadequately refrigerated products can lead to serious health problems such as food poisoning or the loss of effectiveness of medication. This can be life-threatening, especially for patients who are dependent on a constant supply.

Liability risks for companies

The improper storage of products can place a legal and financial burden on companies. They can be held liable for damage, which can lead to high losses, reputational damage and legal consequences. The implementation of a reliable monitoring system is therefore crucial.

Regulations and compliance requirements

In addition to health and financial risks, companies must also fulfil certain regulations and compliance requirements, particularly in the areas of food and drug safety. Temperature monitoring systems play a crucial role in fulfilling these requirements by providing complete recording and monitoring of temperature conditions. By complying with these regulations, companies can minimise the risk of fines, legal consequences and reputational damage.

The advantages of remote temperature monitoring

Real-time monitoring and alarm functions

Remote monitoring enables immediate alarm messages in the event of temperature deviations so that problems can be recognised and rectified at an early stage.

Remote access and data storage

Users can access the temperature data from anywhere and analyse trends to prevent future problems.

Automated reporting and compliance support

Automated reports facilitate compliance with legal regulations and industry standards. Reports can be accessed with one click.

Areas of application for remote monitoring systems

Care facilities and hospitals

In care facilities and hospitals temperature monitoring is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines and the quality of supplies. Remote monitoring systems provide the ability to continuously monitor temperatures in storage rooms, refrigerators and freezers and receive alerts in the event of deviations, allowing timely intervention to protect patient health while relieving staff of manual documentation.

Food industry and catering

In the Gastronomy and the food industry proper food storage is crucial to ensure consumer safety and avoid food waste. Remote temperature monitoring systems allow restaurants, grocery shops and food manufacturers to monitor the temperature in cold storage and warehouses and ensure that food is stored in optimal conditions to guarantee its quality.

Logistics and supply chains

In the Logistics and in supply chains, temperature monitoring systems play an important role in ensuring product quality during the production process. transport. By monitoring the temperature in delivery vehicles, containers and warehouses, companies can ensure that sensitive products such as fresh food or medicines are not exposed to undesirable temperature fluctuations during transport. In addition, the strict transport regulations can be optimally fulfilled with the systems.

Technological aspects of remote temperature monitoring

Remote monitoring systems essentially consist of two components: Hardware and software. The hardware includes Sensors and measuring devices that continuously collect data at predefined measuring points. These sensors send the collected data via the internet to platforms or software solutions where it is analysed, visualised and stored. In cases where the sensors do not transmit via the mobile phone network, the data is typically transferred to the internet via gateways. Various technologies such as WLAN, LoRaWAN etc. are used. LoRaWAN in particular is proving to be especially suitable due to its long range and good penetration in buildings.

When selecting the right technology, it is important to ensure that the hardware complies with the applicable guidelines and standards of the respective industry. Professional advice and support from experts can be helpful to ensure that the remote monitoring system meets the specific requirements and fulfils all legal requirements.

Conclusion

Remote temperature monitoring plays a crucial role in the safety and quality of products in various industries. Through continuous temperature monitoring, potential risks can be detected and remedied at an early stage to ensure product integrity. Companies and institutions should therefore implement remote temperature monitoring systems to replace manual documentation and monitoring processes. As product safety and quality requirements increase, the importance of this technology will continue to grow.

Refrigerator temperature logger: What is important?

In industries where the storage of temperature-sensitive goods is critical to quality, safety and regulatory compliance, refrigerator temperature loggers play a crucial role. Whether in the food industry, healthcare or pharmaceutical facilities, ensuring optimal storage and transportation conditions is not only a business necessity, but also an ethical obligation. In this article, we explain what you should look for when purchasing data loggers to ensure that the storage temperature of your temperature-sensitive goods is always reliably documented.

Offline temperature logger and online temperature logger

Temperature data loggers can be divided into two basic categories: Loggers that are not integrated into a network, i.e. are read out manually via interfaces such as USB, and loggers that are integrated into a network, i.e. send data wirelessly, e.g. to a cloud.

The choice between offline and online temperature loggers depends on your specific requirements. Offline loggers are easier to integrate, but involve considerable effort in terms of evaluation and allocation. Online loggers enable automatic data transmission via the Internet and, depending on the wireless connection, transmission in real time.

Comparison table: Offline vs. online temperature logger

FeaturesOffline temperature loggerOnline temperature logger
Local data storage
Real-time monitoring✓ (Dependent on technology)
Independence from network
Remote access and alerts✓ (Possible via the Internet)

In addition to the general classification into offline or online loggers, other requirements play an important role in selecting the ideal logger for your application.

1. Measuring accuracy

Different areas of application place different demands on the measuring accuracy of temperature loggers. When monitoring the temperature of rooms such as offices or lounges, a measuring accuracy of +/-1 °C may be sufficient. In research laboratories or the food industry, on the other hand, the precession requirements can be considerably higher. When selecting data loggers, it is therefore particularly important to ensure that the devices meet the measurement accuracy required for the respective application. In addition, you can save costs for measuring accuracy that you may not even need.

2. Battery life

Wählen Sie einen Temperaturlogger mit niedrigem Stromverbrauch, um eine längere Betriebsdauer zu gewährleisten und somit die Kosten für Batteriewechsel zu minimieren. Zudem gibt es Anbieter welche im Rahmen eines Servicevertrags Batteriewechsel- oder Wartungen durchführen.

3. Connectivity/Integration

Ensure simple and user-friendly integration of your temperature logger by choosing a system that can be easily integrated into your existing infrastructure. Especially when using online data loggers, choosing the right wireless technology is crucial. For interference-free data transmission, it is important that the wireless network has sufficient coverage. Technologies such as LoRaWAN which are characterized by a long range, low energy consumption and good building penetration. If you already have a software system, make sure that the data loggers can be easily integrated into it.

4. Real-time monitoring and alerting

Check whether an alarm function is required for your application in accordance with the certification requirements. Advanced temperature loggers with real-time monitoring and alarm configuration enable an immediate response to temperature fluctuations or device failures, which helps to minimize potential damage. It should be noted that these alarm functions are only available with online loggers, as a continuous network connection is required for real-time transmission.

Beispielhafte Darstellung eines Laptops auf welchem ein Dashboard zur Temperaturüberwachung Kühlschrank zu sehen ist.

5. Compliance and documentation

Compliance with legal regulations is mandatory in many industries. Your temperature logger or the associated software should therefore have automatic data recording and easy-to-understand reporting functions. This facilitates documentation for audits and inspections.

6. Flexibility for different requirements

Take the specific requirements of your industry into account. Some temperature loggers offer functions that are specifically tailored to the needs of food businesses or care facilities. For example, choose a model that can record multiple parameters to be more flexible and better meet your individual requirements.

Temperature logging with SenseING

We would be happy to advise you on your specific requirements and offer you customized solutions in the field of temperature logging with our products. Contact us for further information and individual advice.

Sustainable technology: data logger with energy harvesting

The omnipresent role of technology extends to all areas of life and plays a central role in industry in particular. However, the use of technology always goes hand in hand with the use of resources and has a significant influence on the shaping of our environment. Against this background, sustainable behaviour and environmental protection are rightly becoming increasingly important. As an innovative company, SenseING also contributes to the development of responsible and sustainable products.

What is sustainable technology?

Sustainable technology is an innovative approach to the development and use of technological solutions that aims to minimise the impact on the environment and promote social responsibility. This approach is reflected at various levels, which can have a positive impact in equally diverse areas.

Renewable energies, for example, are a central aspect of sustainable technologies and include the utilisation of environmentally friendly energy sources such as sun, wind, water and geothermal energy. This form of energy generation reduces dependence on non-renewable resources and at the same time reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The efficient use of energy and resources also plays a crucial role. Technologies to improve energy efficiency in buildings, means of transport and industrial processes help to minimise consumption and thus reduce environmental pollution.

Recycling is another level of sustainable technology. By developing advanced recycling processes and increasing the recyclability of products, resources can be reused more efficiently, reducing not only the amount of waste but also the need for primary raw materials.

Digital technologies also contribute to sustainability by offering innovative solutions for environmentally friendly processes, intelligent urban development and environmentally conscious data collection.

All in all, sustainable technology is a multi-layered approach that works at various levels to promote environmentally friendly, socially responsible and sustainable development.

How SenseING designs sustainable products

Disposable data loggers are frequently used in the transport sector in particular. Although these are practical, their short-term benefits are often at the expense of the environment. SenseING has set itself the goal of solving this problem by using reusable loggers. We develop and produce products that are designed for durability and reliability so that our customers can benefit from our solutions for a long time. In doing so, we actively consider the various levels of sustainable technology:

Energy harvesting: energy from the environment

In its products, SenseING SLC-PV and SNC-PV relies on the integration of indoor solar cells, which enable self-sufficient operation of the data loggers. The use of solar energy has not only ecological but also practical advantages. Thanks to the continuous energy supply, our data loggers can supply themselves with energy over very long periods of time. This not only saves the hassle of changing batteries or recharging, but also significantly reduces the total cost of ownership. Thanks to the intelligent utilisation of indoor lighting in buildings, the data loggers can also be operated in environments where no direct sunlight is available. At the same time, the problem of assigning data to objects is solved, as self-sufficient data loggers can be permanently attached to products such as insulated containers. Manual assignment processes, as required with disposable data loggers, are thus completely eliminated.

Ultra-Low Power

Even the interior lighting in buildings is sufficient to operate the data loggers autonomously.

Die Energieeffizienz unserer Datenlogger ist ein entscheidender Faktor. Dank unseres innovativen Ultra-Low-Power-Designs haben die Logger einen extrem niedrigen Energieverbrauch. Dies ermöglicht nicht nur den Langzeitbetrieb von batteriebetriebenen Loggern über mehrere Jahre, sondern auch den autarken Betrieb mit Hilfe von Energy Harvesting Modulen – selbst in Umgebungen ohne direktes Tageslicht. Die Fokussierung auf Ultra Low Power eröffnet neue Perspektiven für eine nachhaltige und effiziente Nutzung von Energiequellen in verschiedenen Anwendungsbereichen, insbesondere im IoT area.

Recyclable design

SenseING's sustainable approach is also reflected in the hardware of its products. An integral part of the product design is the consistent focus on recyclability. Our products are designed so that they can be easily recycled at the end of their service life in order to minimise the environmental impact and make optimum use of resources. The modular design also allows components such as the housing to be replaced in the event of damage, so that the centrepiece of the hardware, the electronics, can continue to be used.

If you would like to find out more about how our Data loggers and sensors work or how they are used in your industry ,we are at your disposal. Contact us and discover how sustainable technology is revolutionising the way we collect and analyse data.

Food cold chain: key role for freshness and quality

The cold chain of food is of crucial importance to ensure the freshness, quality and safety of products. The correct handling and maintenance of the cold chain plays a key role for the entire food industry. In this article, you will learn what a cold chain is, what challenges exist and how compliance with the cold chain can be documented.

What is a cold chain?

The process that describes the uninterrupted cooling of food or goods requiring refrigeration on the way from production to the end consumer is known as the cold chain. The cold chain extends from production, storage and transport through to storage and display in retail outlets. To ensure that the cold chain is maintained, technologies for permanent temperature control, refrigerated vehicles and insulated containers are used.

Regulations on the cold chain

Die Einhaltung strenger Vorschriften zur Lebensmittel Kühlkette ist von entscheidender Bedeutung, um die Sicherheit und Qualität von Lebensmitteln zu gewährleisten. Ein integraler Bestandteil dieser Vorschriften ist das HACCP-Konzept, das für “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points” steht. Alle Lebensmittelunternehmen, die an der Kühlkette beteiligt sind, müssen diesem systematischen Ansatz folgen, der die Identifizierung und Bewertung potenzieller Gefahren auf allen Stufen der Lebensmittelproduktion, -lagerung und -verteilung vorschreibt. Kritische Kontrollpunkte (CCPs) werden dann definiert, um sicherzustellen, dass Gefahren auf ein akzeptables Maß reduziert werden. Das HACCP-Konzept dient nicht nur der Optimierung von Abläufen, sondern auch zur Eigenkontrolle.

With regard to compliance with temperatures, the Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 stipulates that food business operators must ensure that appropriate measures are taken throughout the food supply chain to ensure that food, particularly perishable food, is stored and transported at temperatures that guarantee its safety and quality. This includes closely monitoring temperatures to ensure compliance with established standards and to minimise the risk of harmful micro-organisms multiplying.

The TLMV stipulates that the basic cold chain temperature of -18 °C may be subject to upward deviations, including short-term fluctuations of no more than 3 °C during dispatch and deviations of no more than 3 °C during local distribution and in retail freezers as part of bona fide storage and distribution procedures. Strict application makes it possible to proactively manage risks, improve food safety and effectively control the entire cold chain process.

Why must the cold chain not be interrupted?

Interrupting the food cold chain can have serious consequences:

Maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain is crucial for the quality, safety and shelf life of perishable food. Any interruption in the cold chain carries the risk of temperature fluctuations, which in turn can favour the growth of microorganisms. This can lead to loss of freshness and even health risks for the consumer. The cold chain must be unbroken from production to transport to storage at retail and finally to the consumer's home in order to avoid premature spoilage, microbial growth or loss of quality.

Challenges in the cold chain

a. Energy consumption: Maintaining the cold chain requires considerable amounts of energy. This high energy consumption raises environmental concerns as it contributes to increased CO2 emissions. The food industry is therefore looking for sustainable solutions to minimise energy consumption while meeting refrigeration requirements.

b. Transport risks: Interruptions during transport pose a significant risk to the cold chain. Power failures, technical defects or unplanned stops can affect temperature control and therefore jeopardise the quality of the food. Companies rely on advanced technologies and monitoring systems to minimise such risks and ensure an uninterrupted cold chain.

c. Temperature documentation: Companies often use disposable data loggers to document the transport temperature. This unsustainable solution generates waste and can be a financial burden. In addition, the manual evaluation of offline data loggers is time-consuming and prone to errors. The lack of real-time monitoring makes it difficult to recognise temperature deviations in good time. In addition, temperature documentation requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, further increasing the need for innovative solutions to ensure quality and safety in the cold chain.

Technology for automatic monitoring of the cold chain

In view of increasing requirements for temperature documentation, companies are increasingly relying on advanced technologies to automatically monitor the cold chain. Intelligent sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) and wireless transmission systems enable a fully automatic and permanent Documentation of the temperature conditions during the entire logistics process. The integration of automated monitoring systems therefore not only improves efficiency, but also the sustainability of the cold chain, as the use of disposable data loggers is reduced.

Conclusion

The cold chain is crucial for the safety and quality of food. By investing in IoT sensors for automatic temperature documentation, companies ensure continuous monitoring of the cold chain. This not only ensures compliance with regulations, but also maintains the freshness and quality of the food - a crucial contribution to consumer safety and satisfaction.

Documentation of the refrigerator temperature

The correct handling of goods requiring refrigeration is not only mandatory, but also crucial for the safety of the goods. Accurate documentation of the refrigerator temperature plays a key role in this. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the aspects that are important when documenting the refrigerator temperature for goods that require refrigeration.

  1. Why does the temperature have to be documented?
  2. What needs to be considered during documentation?
  3. Who has to document the temperature?
  4. How can the temperature be determined?
  5. What regulations are there in Germany?
  6. Temperature ranges for storage

Why does the temperature have to be documented?

Accurate documentation of the refrigerator temperature is crucial for several reasons:

  • Quality assurance: The quality of food, especially sensitive products such as meat, fish and dairy products, depends heavily on the storage temperature. Compliance with the prescribed temperatures ensures the freshness and shelf life of the products and therefore customer satisfaction. To maintain the chemical and microbial stability as well as the pharmacological activity of medicines, which is crucial for patient safety and compliance with manufacturer requirements, they must also be stored refrigerated.
  • Legal requirements: In many countries, including Germany, there are clear legal regulations for the storage of goods requiring refrigeration. Regular documentation serves as proof of compliance with these regulations and protects against possible legal consequences in the event of non-compliance.
  • Avoidance of waste: Precise temperature monitoring helps to avoid unnecessary waste. Products stored at the wrong temperature can spoil more quickly or lose their effectiveness and may have to be disposed of. Accurate documentation helps to minimise losses and use resources more sustainably.
  • Consumer confidence: The transparent documentation of the refrigerator temperature demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and a sense of responsibility towards the consumer.

What needs to be considered during documentation?

Documenting the refrigerator temperature requires accuracy and continuity. It is important to check the temperature regularly and document the results systematically. This can be done with the help of Temperature recording devices or with manual recordings. It is essential to pay attention to the frequency of the recordings in order to be able to adequately trace the temperature curve. When working with data loggers, a recording frequency of 20 minutes is advisable. Ideally, the temperature should be documented several times a day if manual documentation is used. Caution: Temperature fluctuations cannot be traced in this way. It should also be considered whether other parameters such as ambient humidity should be monitored. In the event of temperature fluctuations or deviations, it is important to take immediate action.

Who has to document the temperature?

The need to record storage temperatures depends on various factors, including the type of products stored and the regulations that apply in the respective industry and region. As a rule, companies that store food, pharmaceuticals, biological products or other temperature-sensitive goods must record the storage temperatures. Here are some examples:

Food industry: Companies that produce, store or transport food often need to monitor and record storage temperatures to ensure product safety and quality.

Pharmaceutical industry: Pharmaceutical companies often need to monitor the storage temperatures of medicines and vaccines to ensure their efficacy and safety.

Organic products: Companies that store biological products such as blood samples or other biological materials often need to record accurate storage temperatures to ensure the integrity of these products.

Chemical industry: Some chemicals require specific storage temperatures to ensure stability and safety. In such cases, it may be necessary to monitor and record the storage temperatures.

Responsibility for documenting the refrigerator temperature usually lies with the operator or quality management. It is important that clear responsibilities are defined and that staff are appropriately trained and understand the importance of correct temperature control.

How is the temperature determined?

Accurately determining the refrigerator temperature is crucial. This can be done by using temperature recording devices that automatically record data and send it to cloud storage via the internet. Alternatively, manual thermometers can be used, which are read and documented regularly. It is important to check the temperature measuring devices regularly to ensure their accuracy.

What regulations are there for refrigerator temperature documentation in Germany?

In Germany, the storage of goods requiring refrigeration is subject to certain regulations that serve to ensure the safety of the products. Please note that the following regulations are only an extract:

HACCP concept

Since 1 January 2006, the (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene to draw up an HACCP concept for anyone who handles food or places it on the market.
The HACCP concept consists of seven principles that guarantee the systematic identification, assessment and control of hazards in food production and thus ensure food safety.

Apothekenbetriebsordnung

Pharmacies are equipped with special refrigeration facilities and are obliged to ensure the refrigerated storage of medicinal products in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2a, 4 and 16 of the German Medicinal Products Act. Apothekenbetriebsordnung to document.

Temperature ranges for storage

Medicinal products must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; medicinal products are roughly categorised into the following areas.

FieldsTemperature range
Deep-frozen (e.g. some blood products or vaccines)< -15 °C
Refrigerator temperature (e.g. biologics, insulins, antibodies)2 to 8 °C
Cold or cool8 to 15 °C
Room temperature (usual storage temperature for medicines)15 to 25 °C

Temperature ranges for food storage

ProductRecommended temperature range
Frozen products-18 °C
Raw fish & minced meat+2 °C
Poultry meat+4 °C
Perishable food, fresh meat & dairy products+7 °C
Butter, cheese and cheese preparation+10 °C
These values are general guidelines and may vary depending on regional and industry-specific requirements. It is strongly recommended that you check the exact legal requirements and industry-specific standards and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Documenting the cooling temperatures of goods requiring refrigeration is not only a legal requirement, but also makes a decisive contribution to product safety. Accurate records and compliance with the prescribed temperature ranges guarantee the freshness, safety and highest quality of the products.

Sources:
https://haccp-hygienemanagement.de/was-ist-haccp/haccp_konzept/
https://www.pharmawiki.ch/wiki/index.php?wiki=Temperatur

Refrigerator temperature control with PDF table

PDF table for manual documentation of the refrigerator temperature

For those who still prefer the traditional method of manual temperature documentation, we offer a PDF table to help you record the refrigerator temperature. This chart provides a clear structure to record temperatures correctly. However, we would like to point out that automated systems with intelligent sensors can save resources and increase accuracy.

Download refrigerator temperature control (PDF)


    The following article explains why a PDF table alone is no longer sufficient and the advantages of automated documentation.

    Why manual temperature documentation is not enough and how it works more easily

    In a world where technology and innovation go hand in hand, it's time to rethink outdated methods of temperature control in refrigerators. Many organisations still rely on manual documentation with a thermometer and chart on paper to ensure that their food and refrigerated medicines are kept safe. However, this task is often carried out by staff who are already under a heavy workload. The good news is that there is a better and more cost-effective solution: automated documentation using intelligent sensors. This allows staff to concentrate on their core business again, which ultimately saves time, nerves and money.

    Why the PDF table is no longer sufficient

    Manual refrigerator temperature recording in tables is time-consuming and error-prone. Records can be forgotten, made up or entered incorrectly. This carries the risk of inconsistencies and inaccurate data, which can jeopardise the safety of goods. In addition, manual monitoring can only be done at specific time intervals, which means you may not recognise important temperature fluctuations.

    kühlschrank temperaturkontrolle tabelle pdf

    Networked refrigerators for seamless documentation

    Networking fridges may seem complex at first glance, but in practice it is surprisingly simple. Thanks to modern technologies, refrigerators can be equipped with intelligent sensors that can be integrated into the appliances with little effort. The system consists of three components: The sensors are simply inserted into the fridge, central receiving stations collect the data and forward it to a cloud application. The simplicity of these systems enables particularly cost-effective integration without costly changes to the infrastructure.

    The advantages of automatic documentation with sensors

    In addition to simple and cost-effective integration, systems for automatic temperature documentation in refrigerators offer a number of other advantages.

    Continuous monitoring

    Sensors enable round-the-clock, continuous monitoring of the refrigerator temperature. This allows temperature curves to be mapped precisely.

    Precise data

    Minimising the risk of human error during data capture. This contributes to more accurate and reliable data, which is particularly important in environments with strict quality standards.

    Time saving

    As no manual recording by personnel is required, you save time and resources. You no longer have to deal with tedious documentation.

    Alerting

    You receive immediate warnings in the event of deviations from the specified temperature limits. This allows you to act quickly to solve potential problems.

    Central administration

    The recorded data is stored centrally in the cloud, which enables detailed traceability in the event of inspections or quality controls.

    Personnel relief

    As no manual recording in PDF tables is required, you save time and resources. You no longer have to struggle with tedious documentation.

    Conclusion

    In a world where time and precision are of the essence, manual refrigerator temperature control with pen and paper is no longer fit for purpose.The use of sensors and automated documentation is not only more efficient, but also safer. When it comes to storing goods that require refrigeration and complying with health regulations, you should rely on modern technology. This allows your staff to concentrate more on their core business, which ultimately saves time, nerves and money.

    Digitalisation in the health sector

    The healthcare sector today faces a multitude of challenges that require continuous development in order to meet increasing demands and the shortage of skilled workers. The digitalisation of processes is a promising answer to these challenges. In this article, you will learn how digitalisation can optimise processes in the healthcare sector and thus save costs and relieve staff.

    What does digital healthcare mean?

    Digitisation in healthcare refers to the integration of digital technologies and solutions to improve the efficiency, quality and accessibility of healthcare.

    The applications can be very versatile. In addition to electronic patient shares, telemedicine, robot-assisted surgery, IoT solutions such as wearables and smart buildings also ensure greater efficiency in the healthcare sector. As experts for the Internet of Things (IoT), we will go into more detail below on how IoT solutions can create added value in the healthcare sector.

    Bevor wir uns den konkreten Anwendungen von IoT-Lösungen im Gesundheitswesen zuwenden, ist es wichtig, das Konzept des IoT zu verstehen. IoT bedeutet “Internet der Dinge” und bezieht sich auf die Vernetzung physischer Geräte und Objekte über das Internet. Diese Geräte und Objekte sind mit Sensoren, Aktoren und Kommunikationstechnologien ausgestattet, die es ihnen ermöglichen, ohne direkte menschliche Interaktion Daten zu sammeln, Informationen auszutauschen und auf Befehle zu reagieren.

    Digital infrastructure creates more overview

    In the digitalisation of healthcare, IoT solutions have the potential to improve the efficiency, safety and quality of patient care. This is because by integrating smart sensors that capture data in real time and using the latest communication technologies, IoT solutions enable seamless networking of medical devices, facilities and medical staff. This intelligent networking creates a digital infrastructure that provides a comprehensive overview of the health status of patients, the operation of medical facilities and the use of resources. With this knowledge, decision-makers can make informed, data-driven decisions and optimise processes. The following practical applications show how the IoT optimises everyday processes by networking objects.

    1.Precise temperature monitoring: protection for medicines, samples and foodstuffs

    The temperature ranges of medicinal products specified by the manufacturer may not be exceeded or undercut during storage in pharmacies - this is stipulated by the Pharmacy Operating Regulations.ApBetrO §4, §29The situation is similar for foodstuffs. The EU Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene, which came into force on 1 January 2006, makes it obligatory for everyone who handles food or puts it into circulation to establish a HACCP concept. HACCP concepts are internal self-control systems to guarantee food safety for the consumer and also provide for the documentation and control of temperatures.

    Often, the checks are carried out and documented manually, which is time-consuming and labour-intensive, offers an increased risk of errors and makes evaluation difficult. This is where IoT-enabled sensors provide a remedy. Because they enable precise and automated Monitoring temperatures in medicine cabinets, laboratories and canteens. The intelligent sensors detect temperature and humidity and continuously send data to central platforms. Medical staff and administrators receive immediate notifications when temperatures are outside the specified range. This allows them to respond immediately to ensure the integrity of medicines, samples and food. The accuracy of temperature monitoring contributes to improved patient safety and optimised resource utilisation.

    2. Patient Monitoring

    Wearables in the form of wristwatches and sensors can monitor patients and collect important health data such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and activity level. This data can be transmitted in real time to medical staff to enable continuous monitoring and timely intervention in case of changes in health status or falls, etc.

    3. Smart Buildings: Automated Buildings

    In the building sector, there are numerous IoT applications that can optimise building efficiency, energy consumption, space utilisation and resource use. For example, lighting and air conditioning can be automatically adjusted to demand in order to save energy. In addition, IoT sensors can detect which rooms are currently being used and which are empty. In this way, the use of space can be optimised and it can be ensured that resources are used efficiently. Smart cameras and sensors can also help increase security in medical facilities. They can detect potential security risks such as unauthorised access and inform staff in time to react appropriately.

    4. Networked Medical Devices

    The networking of medical devices through IoT technologies is one of the most advanced applications in healthcare and offers numerous advantages. By integrating sensors and communication functions into medical devices, they can be connected to each other and to other IT systems in the facility. This creates a seamless network that captures, monitors and shares important medical data in real time. This enables a comprehensive picture of a patient's condition to be obtained and informed clinical decisions to be made. This in turn can increase patient safety and improve the quality of medical care.

    5. Air Quality Monitoring

    IoT sensors monitor the air quality in rooms. In doing so, they record the temperature, air humidity, CO2 and volatile organic compounds. In this way, infection risks can be detected at an early stage and appropriate measures can be initiated. Real-time warnings enable quick reactions or the automated control of air supply and exchange.

    Conclusion

    Digitalisation in healthcare and the integration of IoT solutions offer enormous potential to improve the efficiency, quality and safety of patient care. From precise temperature monitoring of medicines, samples and food in pharmacies to real-time monitoring of patients' vital signs through networked medical devices - the possibilities are many. Automating and networking buildings also makes for more efficient use of resources and increased safety. The monitoring of indoor air quality by IoT sensors helps to detect infection risks at an early stage and to take appropriate protective measures. Digitalisation and IoT solutions thus play an important role in the transformation of healthcare towards a connected, efficient and safe environment for patients and medical staff.