When fragile loads are deposited in warehouses, loaded into containers or transferred to lorries for delivery, they are always exposed to potential hazards. Impacts, inclinations, vibrations and temperature fluctuations can quickly lead to damage and render the goods unusable for sale. Supply chain managers are always faced with the question of how they can counter such risks and adequately protect products.
Tracking systems for transport monitoring are the perfect solution here and are easy to integrate into an existing transport chain. But which system is best suited to monitoring my supply chain and what should I pay particular attention to when choosing one? In our new blog article, we explain the different systems and give you tips on making the right decision.
Sensors: data loggers or indicators?
Monitoring systems are available in many versions and with different technical functions. When choosing the right system, logistics managers need to decide whether they want to use a data logger or an indicator in their supply chain first. Both systems are sensors that react to shocks, tilts and temperatures and reliably indicate when limits are exceeded or not reached. However, they function differently and are used for different product and transport requirements.
Monitors (data loggers)
Data loggers can measure shock events during transport across one or more axes. Monitors continuously record critical events and can be set with user-defined parameters. Communication takes place optionally via satellite, mobile radio, Bluetooth, USB and RFID. They are ideal for monitoring the transport of goods, but can also be used for temporary storage or to check devices: Damage caused by shocks and vibrations, for example, is a major hazard during the operation of devices, machines and systems. Cavitation can cause serious damage to pumps and propellers, disturbances can cause problems in cooling systems and vibrations can even damage mining and drilling equipment. By installing a data logger, supply chain managers can be warned of these impending damages and take protective measures in good time - to prevent product or equipment damage in the long term.
Stock indicators
Of course, not every parcel needs to be constantly monitored. Sometimes, as with consumer electronics or certain medicines, go/no-go indicators are sufficient. These indicators change colour if, for example, the goods exceed certain threshold values. Recipients are thus warned to inspect the goods received for any hidden damage. Indicators are the simplest and quickest solution to protect products from damage or to take protective measures in good time. Indicators do not collect any data, but only provide visual reactions and indicate critical events quickly and easily. There is also the psychological effect: statistics show that goods are handled more carefully during transport if an indicator is attached to the packaging or pallet.
Tipping indicators
Shower doors, windscreens and glass panels are sensitive products. If they are stored at an angle - during transport, for example - they can be easily damaged. Refrigerators, switch cabinets and other devices are also sensitive to certain tilt angles. With tilt indicators, this damage can be prevented by giving a visual signal when a certain tilt angle is reached, which can lead to damage. Tilt indicators also make it possible to check goods for damage before a delivery is accepted. Tipping indicators also help with the evaluation and optimisation of supply chains, as they can be used to evaluate the extent to which tipping varies between different shipping methods.
What are the effects of tipping?
Goods are normally most susceptible to damage during transport. During this time, they are loaded, temporarily stored and transferred to other means of transport. All of these situations harbour risks for the products being transported. Certain impacts can be taken into account, but if the force applied exceeds certain limits, there is a risk of serious damage to products and goods. Shock data loggers, such as the ShockLog 298 from manufacturer SpotSee, record these critical events and measure the maximum force, duration and direction of the impact. The advantage: transport managers can better assess what has actually happened, how much damage is likely and carry out an inspection of the goods before they are delivered to the customer.
Stoßdatenlogger
Stoßmonitors ensure greater transparency in supply chains and the entire logistics network. Every handling and every transport environment is recorded and provides responsible transport managers with data for reviewing their transport chain. GPS is one of the important functions offered by bump monitors. By determining the exact position, it is possible to track where critical situations have occurred in order to optimise the supply chain in the long term. Impact monitors can also be equipped with temperature, humidity and pressure sensors and are ideal for special monitoring - for example, for monitoring sea freight transport. For real-time monitoring and wherever satellite services are available, modules with satellite functions are suitable for use. The advantage: if limit values are exceeded, supply chain managers receive alerts in real time and can quickly take action to prevent further damage.
Vibration monitoring for devices and transport crates
Vibration monitoring data loggers are ideal for monitoring stationary objects and are not normally used in supply chains, but on devices. During setup, the vibration monitors are set to the standard operating vibration of the device. This is the only way to ensure constant monitoring and provide warning messages if the vibrations rise or fall above a certain limit value. Common applications include oil and gas drilling rigs, mining silos and aggregate plants. Vibration trackers can also be used to measure pipework vibrations to track the condition of the pump. Using vibration monitoring devices reduces downtime and maintenance costs, ensuring a longer service life for expensive and sensitive machinery.
Making the right choice
Indicators and data loggers for monitoring levels, inclinations, temperatures, humidity and vibrations offer many possible applications within the transport chain. Depending on the choice of sensor, they provide you with a detailed insight into your supply chain and you receive precise data on what happens during transport so that you can intervene in good time to prevent product damage in the event of an accident.
Tracking systems help to optimise your supply chain and monitor important systems and devices. This not only saves you money, but also reduces your downtime and prevents damage to your products during transport. We are happy to offer you free advice on choosing the right solution for your goods and transport requirements.