What is a data logger? Applications in cold storage, transportation, and manufacturing.

In the industrial refrigeration industry, even a small temperature deviation can lead to billions of dong in losses due to damaged goods. To control this risk, businesses cannot do without the support of... Data Logger. So What is a Data Logger?How does this device work and what are its practical applications in the cold supply chain? Let's find out with the technical experts at... Tan Long Find out the details.

What is a Data Logger?

Data Logger A data logger (also known as a data logging device) is a standalone electronic device capable of automatically monitoring and recording environmental parameters in real time, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, voltage, etc.

Unlike conventional temperature controllers that only display current parameters, Data Loggers have internal memory to store historical data. This data can then be retrieved as charts or spreadsheets (Excel/PDF) for analysis, traceability, and compliance with quality assurance standards such as HACCP, ISO, or GSP (in the pharmaceutical industry).

Structure and Operating Principle of Data Logger

To ensure accurate and reliable operation in harsh environments such as ultra-low temperature cold storage In humid environments, a standard data logger typically consists of four core components:

• Sensors: This is the "sensory organ" of the device, responsible for receiving physical signals from the environment (temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.). Depending on the needs, the sensor can be integrated inside the device body (internal) or use an external probe to measure in confined spaces or at extremely low temperatures.
• Microprocessor: Acting as the "brain," the microprocessor receives analog signals from sensors, then analyzes and converts them into accurate digital data.
• Internal Memory: The processed data will be securely stored here. Modern data loggers are capable of storing thousands to millions of data points, ensuring uninterrupted operational history.
• Self-sufficient energy source: The device typically uses specialized lithium batteries with a lifespan of 1–2 years. This feature allows the data logger to operate completely independently, ensuring continuous data recording 24/7 even when the factory's main power supply is down. control cabinet There was a problem.

The Data Logger workflow is performed in a closed-loop cycle:

1. Establish: Users set the appropriate "sampling rate" based on the characteristics of the goods (e.g., every minute for transport vehicles or every 15 minutes for storage).
2. Measurement & Recording: At each predetermined time interval, the sensor collects data, the processor assigns a precise timestamp, and stores it in memory.
3. Access: Through communication ports such as USB, Bluetooth, or the system. SCADA/IoT monitoring Via WiFi, managers can extract reports in the form of charts or PDF/Excel files for quality control and management purposes.

The most popular types of Data Loggers currently available.

To meet the diverse operational processes ranging from food preservation to pharmaceutical manufacturing, data loggers have been developed in many specialized lines. Below are 5 of the most popular types of devices you might consider for your system:

Temperature Data Logger

These are the "backbone" devices in the industrial refrigeration industry. They are used to record temperature history in refrigeration systems. cold storageThis includes refrigerated containers or HVAC systems. Continuous temperature monitoring helps businesses detect compressor unit malfunctions early, ensuring goods do not spoil.

Humidity Data Logger

Besides temperature, humidity is a key factor in the preservation of pharmaceuticals, dried agricultural products, and electronic components. This equipment is often integrated into clean rooms or factories requiring strict environmental control, helping to prevent mold and oxidation of equipment.

Industrial data logger integrated with systems

This series is designed to withstand harsh conditions such as electromagnetic interference, strong vibrations, or chemicals. They are often installed inside buildings. control cabinet To monitor the operating parameters of production lines and industrial machinery, and to transmit data directly to the system. SCADA monitoring center.

Multichannel Data Logger

For complex systems such as wind tunnel good IQF conveyorTherefore, using a versatile Data Logger is the optimal solution. This device allows simultaneous connection of multiple types of sensors (temperature, pressure, current, gas pressure, etc.), giving engineers a comprehensive view of the performance of the entire refrigeration system.

Portable Data Logger

With their compact design and high portability, these handheld devices are suitable for routine inspections, field surveys, or use during short-term deliveries. Users can easily operate them and quickly read data without the need for fixed installation.

Each type of data logger has its own advantages in terms of accuracy, measurement range, and connectivity method. Choosing the right device not only optimizes initial investment costs but also ensures absolute security for the company's supply chain.

If you are deciding between traditional surveillance solutions or a system IoT/Cloud For a modern solution, please contact our technical team for advice on the most suitable configuration for your specific operational needs.

Technical specifications to consider when selecting a Data Logger.

Choosing the right data logging equipment not only helps businesses better control product quality but also optimizes long-term operating costs. Based on the experience of our engineering team, we offer this solution. Tan LongInstead of focusing solely on cost, you need to analyze the following core parameters to ensure the equipment operates reliably in harsh industrial environments:

The outstanding advantages of the intelligent Data Logger solution.

A perfect data logging device is not just about powerful hardware; it must also be optimized in terms of its solution to suit the actual operating conditions in Vietnam. The modern Data Logger solution combines internationally standardized industrial equipment with advanced software programming technology from a team of experienced engineers. This solution not only ensures monitoring capabilities. cold storage accurate and also fully compliant with strict legal requirements. Circular 10/2021/TT-BTNMT in environmental monitoring.

Here are the core technical advantages businesses receive when implementing this solution:

• Complete integration and optimized programming: The device is pre-configured with modules for measuring and transmitting polynomial data according to IoT, FTP, Modbus standards, and high-speed 4G connectivity. This ensures absolute compatibility with the central monitoring systems of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, enabling fast, stable data transmission and preventing information loss during system operation. SCADA monitoring.
• The integrated display screen complies with legal regulations: The device is equipped with an intuitive touchscreen display that directly shows measurement parameters in accordance with current regulations without the need for additional monitors. This feature not only makes on-site monitoring more convenient for technicians but also helps businesses significantly save on the cost of investing in external equipment and the space required for installation inside the facility. control cabinet.
• Reliable operation and intelligent handling: Utilizing a stable, dedicated operating system, a high-performance processor, and expandable memory up to 32GB, the device is capable of storing and processing massive amounts of data. Importantly, even when network connectivity is interrupted, the Data Logger continues to continuously record data into its cache and automatically synchronizes as soon as the signal is restored, ensuring a seamless and transparent operational log.
• Absolute reliability and data security: The system meets international standards for information security (ISO 27001) and conformity certifications from the Ministry of Information and Communications. This ensures that all data on temperature, pressure, or fluid concentration are strictly encrypted and secured when transmitted to the control center, preventing any unauthorized external interference.
• Industrial design for harsh environments: Designed to operate within an extremely wide temperature range from -40 to +70°C, the device is exceptionally stable in hot, humid production areas or inside systems. wind tunnel Deep bass. Strong electromagnetic interference resistance and flexible installation design ensure superior durability, withstanding vibrations and strong physical impacts.
• Flexible compatibility with a wide range of sensor systems: With its diverse analog and digital input systems, this solution easily connects to various sensors such as those measuring COD, pH, temperature, flow rate, or ammonia concentration. This flexibility allows for customization of the solution for a wide range of projects, from food and pharmaceutical storage facilities to industrial wastewater monitoring stations.

The ability to provide comprehensive consulting and installation services is key to helping businesses own a synchronized monitoring system that is easy to operate and maintain. The most advanced technological solutions will allow customers to focus on their core business operations, while all technical parameters are tightly controlled, securely stored, and perfectly meet stringent inspection standards.

Practical applications of Data Logger in diverse industries

Thanks to its accurate data recording capabilities and robust performance, the Data Logger has become an indispensable tool, playing a crucial role in product quality control. This is especially true in engineering solutions. Tan Long In practice, this device helps optimize the operational process from the manufacturing plant to warehousing and distribution. The versatility of the data logger is clearly demonstrated through the following typical applications:

• Food and Beverage Industry: This is the most common application area, where Data Loggers are placed within the cold storage Preservation of agricultural products, seafood, and processed foods. The device helps monitor the core temperature of the product during use. IQF conveyorThis ensures that food meets the standards for quick freezing, preserving its cellular structure and retaining its freshness.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Storing vaccines, blood, and biological samples requires extremely strict temperature control. Data loggers play a 24/7 monitoring role in GSP-certified pharmaceutical warehouses, ensuring that temperature-sensitive medications do not deteriorate, providing crucial support for healthcare logistics.
• Cold Chain Transportation and Logistics: Throughout the journey of exporting or transporting goods between provinces, data loggers are often attached to shipments to monitor the actual temperature inside refrigerated trucks or containers. This helps businesses closely control the transportation process, ensuring that transport companies do not arbitrarily turn off the refrigeration system to save fuel.
• Industrial Production and Energy: The device is used to monitor machine performance, supervise oil temperature in compressor systems, or check electrical characteristics in power plants. In large refrigeration systems, data from the Data Logger helps engineers analyze and adjust these parameters. control cabinet The aim is to optimize productivity and save energy.
• High-tech agriculture: Data loggers help record climate change, soil moisture, and light intensity in greenhouses and polytunnels. This data provides a scientific basis for farmers to adjust irrigation water and growing conditions, thereby sustainably improving crop yield and quality.

As can be seen, the presence of data loggers in the operational chain is not simply about recording dry numbers, but also a testament to the transparency and commitment to quality of the business. Regardless of the field, mastering environmental data is always a crucial step to ensuring the success and safety of all industrial engineering projects today.

Experience in choosing the right Data Logger for your project.

Choosing a data logger isn't simply about buying a standalone measuring device; it's about establishing a core information "transfer station," ensuring the transparency and continuity of the data flow. A suitable device must act as a perfect bridge between field sensors and the control center or management agency (such as the Department of Agriculture and Environment). Depending on the project scale, businesses can consider either a standalone data transmission solution (using separate loggers) or a solution that integrates directly into existing systems. control cabinet Available to optimize costs and increase remote intervention capabilities. To make the right investment decision, engineers at Tan Long We recommend that you conduct a review based on the following key technical criteria:

• Define the monitoring objectives precisely: You need to clarify what type of index needs to be recorded as a basic parameter (temperature, humidity, pressure) for cold storage or complex physicochemical parameters (pH, COD, flow rate, etc.) for the monitoring station. Choosing the right specialized model from the outset helps ensure the absolute sensitivity and accuracy of the input data.
• Assess durability and IP protection rating: For outdoor installations, high-humidity areas, or dusty industrial environments, the equipment must have a protection rating of IP65 to IP67. Water and corrosion resistance not only protects the internal components but also ensures the Data Logger operates reliably throughout the project's lifespan.
• Check for sensor compatibility: The device must support a variety of common industrial inputs such as 4–20mA, RTD Pt100, thermocouple, or pulse signals. This compatibility ensures that the transmitted data is free from interference or value distortion, which is especially important in systems requiring high accuracy. IQF conveyor.
• Storage capacity and connectivity infrastructure: Prioritize data loggers with sufficiently large internal memory and support for external memory cards to avoid data loss in case of network failures. Additionally, the device should support modern communication standards such as Modbus RTU/RS485, Ethernet, or GPRS/4G for easy integration into the system. SCADA monitoring The center allows for continuous and timely data reporting.
• Legal aspects and management software: For environmental monitoring projects, equipment must fully comply with the regulations. Circular 10/2021/TT-BTNMT and must be properly calibrated in Vietnam. In addition, the management software must have an intuitive interface, support automatic report generation, and allow users to easily monitor temperature/parameter charts in real time.
• Choose a partner that provides comprehensive services: Instead of purchasing equipment from unreliable sources, businesses should prioritize companies capable of providing comprehensive solutions from design and installation to routine maintenance. A company with in-depth knowledge of refrigeration and industrial electrical engineering, such as... Tan Long This will help you quickly resolve calibration issues, ensuring the system always operates in accordance with legal and technical standards.

In general, an ideal Data Logger system goes beyond mere data recording; it must also be part of an intelligent management ecosystem, enabling businesses to proactively manage all operational situations. At Tan Long, we not only provide equipment but also partner with our clients in building digitized data systems, helping to enhance competitiveness and ensure absolute security for all shipments and production processes.

Tan Long – A reputable company specializing in consulting, supplying, and installing cold storage facilities.

With a solid foundation built since 2005, Tan Long Refrigeration and Electrical Engineering Joint Stock Company We have established ourselves as a leading professional contractor in Vietnam in the field of industrial refrigeration. We not only supply equipment but also provide comprehensive solutions from design consultation and material supply to turnkey construction of large-scale refrigeration systems. Tan Long's reputation is built on the combination of a team of experienced engineers and the application of modern monitoring technologies such as Data Logger and IoT in our operational processes. When choosing services at Tan Long, customers will receive outstanding core values:

• Optimal design solution: All systems cold storage All calculations are carefully based on the specific characteristics of the goods and the required capacity, helping to optimize storage space and minimize operating energy costs.
• High-quality equipment: We provide a complete range of equipment, from refrigeration compressors and industrial evaporators to various other product lines. cold storage door specialized and systems IQF conveyor, ensuring durability and stability for the entire system.
• Intelligent control technology: Tan Long is a pioneer in integrating systems. PLC control cabinet and solutions SCADA monitoringThis allows businesses to remotely monitor temperature and humidity data and receive instant incident alerts over the internet.
• Professional construction services: Our team of technicians strictly adheres to technical safety standards, ensuring rapid delivery and providing detailed operational technology handover support to customers.
• Dedicated after-sales service: Tan Long is committed to supporting businesses throughout the product lifecycle with a policy of regular maintenance and emergency repair services, ensuring that the system is always ready to serve production.

With a modern manufacturing plant in Duc Hoa 1 Industrial Park and a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Long confidently meets the most stringent requirements of customers in the seafood, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and processed food industries. We understand that a stable refrigeration system is the foundation for the sustainable success of a business. Therefore, every detail in the installation process is strictly controlled to bring the highest economic efficiency to our partners. Contact us today! Tan Long Contact us for an on-site survey and to receive a quote for the most optimal cold storage solution for your business.

If you need advice on temperature monitoring solutions or standard cold storage installation, please contact us immediately. Tan Long for best support.

Contact information:

• Headquarters: 86 Dong Den Street, Ward 14, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Hotline: +84 28 3849 4943
• E-mail: info@tanlongvn.com
• Website: tanlongvn.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Data Loggers

How long can a Data Logger store data?

Depending on memory capacity and write frequency. For example, a machine with 32,000 data points, if set to write every 10 minutes, can store data continuously for over 200 days.

How can I know if the cold storage temperature is exceeding the limit when I'm not there?

You should use the IoT Data Logger series. When the temperature exceeds the set threshold (e.g., > -18°C), the system will automatically send an email or text message notification (SMS/App) to the manager's phone.