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Temperature control - everything you need to know about it

Published on 10.06.2024

Nowadays, temperature control is a crucial factor in many industries, especially in the food industry, healthcare, logistics and catering. Whether it's to ensure the freshness of food or the efficacy of medication, accurate control is essential. In this blog post, we look at the key regulations, methods and benefits of automated temperature monitoring and why a managed service provider can help you to optimally fulfil these requirements.

What is temperature control?

Temperature control refers to the continuous monitoring and documentation of temperature conditionsto ensure that they remain within a specified range. This is particularly important in areas where temperature deviations can lead to significant quality or safety issues. Thermostats, sensors, data loggers or automated systems can be used for temperature control, making it possible to record data in real time and take immediate action in the event of deviations. Temperature control is therefore an essential part of quality management and risk minimisation in many industries.

Who has to check 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: Producers, processors and retailers are responsible for ensuring that food is stored and transported under optimum temperature conditions to prevent spoilage and contamination.
  • Healthcare: Hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies must ensure that medicines and vaccines are always stored within the prescribed temperature ranges in order to guarantee their effectiveness and safety. In addition, the storage temperatures of food must also be controlled in fully inpatient facilities.
  • Logistics company: Companies that transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceutical products must ensure that the cold chain is maintained throughout the entire transport.
  • Gastronomy: Restaurants, cafés and catering companies must regularly monitor the temperatures of their storage and cold storage rooms to ensure the safety and quality of the food.
  • Retail: Supermarkets and other retailers that sell perishable goods are responsible for maintaining the cold chain all the way to the end consumer.

Responsibility for controlling temperatures normally lies with the operator or quality management. It is important to define clear responsibilities and ensure that staff are appropriately trained and understand the importance of correct temperature control.

How should the temperature be controlled?

Temperature monitoring can be carried out in various ways, whereby a basic distinction is made between random checks and continuous monitoring methods.

Random checks

During random checks, manual measurements are carried out with insertion thermometers or infrared thermometers at fixed times. This method is often used in incoming goods and quality control to ensure that the delivered products meet the required temperature standards. Samples can also be taken when food is served to check the heating or core temperature after cooking and to ensure that the food is safe to eat.

Continuous monitoring

Continuous monitoring uses sensors and data loggers that monitor and record the temperature in real time. These systems are particularly important for the transport and storage of goods requiring refrigeration. By automatically recording and storing the data, an alarm can be triggered immediately in the event of temperature deviations and appropriate measures can be taken. These technologies are essential for both storage and transport to ensure the integrity of the cold chain and the quality of the products.

Temperaturüberwachung Kühlschrank: Das Bild zeigt eine Person, welche einen Sensor in einen geöffneten Medikamenten Kühlschrank einlegt.

Temperature control regulations

The requirements for temperature control are specified in various regulations depending on the industry and area of application. In the food industry, for example, the EU-Verordnung 852/2004 on food hygiene and the Food Hygiene Ordinance (LMHV) are decisive. The International Featured Standards (IFS), in particular the IFS Food Standard, which contains detailed requirements for food safety and quality. In the health sector, there are special requirements from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and national health authorities for the storage of medicines and vaccines. The regulations of the International Agreement on the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs (ATP), among others, apply to the transport of goods requiring refrigeration. These regulations ensure that temperature control is carried out at the highest level in order to guarantee the safety and quality of the products.

Manual vs. automated control

As already mentioned in the previous text, temperature control can be roughly divided into random and continuous checks. Spot checks are always carried out manually, e.g. with insertion thermometers. In the case of continuous measurements, a distinction can be made between manual and automated methods.

Manual control

With manual control, monitoring is usually carried out using an offline thermostat that continuously measures the temperature. Staff read this thermostat once or twice a day and document the temperature in a table. This method is simple and inexpensive, but requires regular manual intervention and is prone to human error.

Automated control

Wireless sensors with an internet connection are used for automated control. These sensors continuously record a data point, e.g. every 20 minutes, and automatically send it to a cloud via the internet. There, the data is evaluated, visualised and stored long-term. This method offers a high level of accuracy and enables an immediate alarm in the event of temperature deviations, but requires a higher initial investment and ongoing technical support.

CriteriaManual controlAutomated control
PrecisionProne to human errorHigh accuracy, quality and reliability
Time requiredRegular manual inspection and documentation required Automated data collection and storage. No manual effort
Reaction timeDelayed reaction to temperature deviationsImmediate alerting and response option
QualityTemperature curves not comprehensible due to low density (snapshot)High quality due to high data density (continuous recording)
Technical effortLittle technical effort, simple devicesRequires initial implementation effort, possibly creation of an infrastructure
Field of applicationSuitable for smaller operations or less critical applicationsIdeal for small, medium and large companies, transport of sensitive products
CostsLow initial investmentHigher initial investment depending on the system

Managed service provider - your solution for seamless temperature control

A managed service provider takes over the complete management and maintenance of your temperature monitoring systems. This includes the provision of hardware, installation and configuration of devices, technical support, alarm systems and the annual recalibration of sensors. Such a service offers you the following benefits:

  • All-round carefree package:You don't have to worry about technical administration and can concentrate on your core business.
  • Expert knowledge:Professional providers have the necessary expertise and experience to ensure optimum system performance.
  • Continuous improvementManaged Services are constantly evolving to keep pace with the latest technologies and regulations.

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