Data loggers have become an essential tool in today’s data-driven world. Industries are utilizing them to build responsible and aware working structures that ensure better processes.
The data logger industry is home to numerous types of data loggers that come with their own set of unique features. Selecting the correct type of data logger setup is extremely important for any business adding this technology to their tech stack.
What is a chargeable data logger?
A chargeable data logger is a standard data logger with a rechargeable battery backup. The user can quickly recharge the batteries of this data logger by either charging it separately or connecting it with a constant power source.
Many types of data loggers for specific-use cases are available in the market. However, the users need to know their requirements and select the best kind that suits their needs.
Some of the best features one must look for in a data logger are:
Accuracy
For example, data loggers used in pharmaceutical spaces must measure greater temperature ranges, and their accuracy must be prompt within a degree. Data loggers used in the food and beverage industry are not designed to measure the temperature range.
To ensure that your data logger suits your purpose at its best, it is essential to understand your requirements in terms of accuracy and space for minute reading errors.
Easy data reporting and analytics
Data collection and monitoring is the core feature of a data logger; however, one can also look for assistance in data analysis and reporting with the device’s help. Many data loggers come with the feature of simultaneously displaying the minimum average, maximum average, or mean kinetic value of the accumulated data in real-time. Some advanced data loggers log data and indicate temperature excursions with an LED or even send alarmed alerts in case of temperature spikes or falls. These features eliminate the need to constantly attend to the data or connect it to a computer since the device will alert the concerned authorities in case of any issue. Such data loggers are primarily deployed in hospitals for storing sensitive assets like organs, tissues, blood or medical drugs.
Shipping services also use wireless data loggers. They offer real-time access to temperature and other monitored parameters. This data exchange happens with WiFi, cellular, or other communication systems. The data can be streamed and accessed from an authorized and secure web server.
Adequate data storage
Many portable data loggers, like those used for temperature monitoring in cold chains like vaccine transport, are designed for lengthy deployments. They track shipments over days or even months. They are also used to track the conditions of warehouses and storage units. In all these scenarios, data loggers stockpile a lot of data, which is crucial for the safety and monitoring of the goods. Based on the type of storage, duration of the deployment, and transfer functioning of the data logger, you will have to manage the storage capacity of your device.
Data loggers installed for local information storage are accessed frequently for information extraction with the help of USB, Bluetooth, SD card, or WiFi. The data transfers to portable devices like a smartphone or a laptop. But if the users fail to retrieve the collected data in time and the storage capacity gets exhausted, the old data will be erased with every new log. It is, therefore, necessary for a good data logger to have sufficient storage capacity along with some buffer to store additional information before getting overwhelmed.
Good data loggers must have enough memory to support a few site visits, lengthy deployments, and not-so-frequent data transfers. Cloud storage is an excellent option for users who need to store high volumes of data logs and cannot afford to transfer and store data externally constantly. Many data loggers have built-in data connectivity that offers consistent data backup and online upload for comfortable retrieval.
Good battery backup
The increasing demands for data loggers have added to the innovation in the device. Many manufacturers offer modern portable data loggers that are battery-powered and consume low power. However, due to constant and quick information logging and multiple sensors, these low-powered devices also tend to consume batteries at a higher pace. Even though most data loggers with Bluetooth and WiFi facilities have a battery backup of one year or more, you need to ensure that they can meet your specific requirements. You can refer to companies like Dickson Data to surf through suitable quality data loggers with battery backups ranging from a few weeks to a few years or more.
Easy to install and user friendly
Your data logger must be easy to install, so it does not consume extra time and budget at the initial stages. Many data loggers fulfill this requirement and are easy to deploy and operate. They also come with the features to function independently of other devices like a computer. For instance, data loggers used to monitor temperature for shipping units are preprogrammed for the logging process. The user only needs to press the start and stop button to initiate or terminate the course.
Many wireless data loggers do not need dedicated equipment apart from a smartphone or a PC. These readily available devices help configure the data logger and download data from it via an application. This user-friendly and advanced setup helps save resources, money, and time.
Wireless sensor networks with WiFi help with accurate live data transmission for more efficient data aggregation and processing. This transmission can occur from multiple points, receiving the data effortlessly at a central server. Wireless data loggers are easy to use and come with minimum fuss as they do not require complicated wiring or installation of sensors across the base area.
Data loggers are growing in popularity, and more industries are turning towards the technology for its splendid data-centric assistance. All the users need to ensure is that their data loggers comply with their needs and come with the right features that suit the user’s purposes.
