1. Background
Temperature recorders are regularly used to measure delivery air temperature (DAT) in containers and vessels during transit. Immediate access to these records for the entire voyage is highly valuable for exporters and receivers. In the event of quality issues, temperature records help process claims more efficiently and determine the impact of any breaks in the cold chain on fruit condition.
Exporters have their own policies regarding when and what type of recorder to use. The following are general guidelines to consider when deciding on the use of temperature recorders.
2. Conventional vs Containerised Shipments
- Conventional vessels:
The use of temperature recorders is not standard practice. If a temperature-related quality problem is identified, PPECB can be asked to evaluate the vessel’s logs to determine if the vessel was at fault. - Containers:
Temperature recorders are regularly used. Retrieving temperature logs from a specific container can be cumbersome and may take months, as containers may be shipped to other destinations. Shipping lines are often reluctant to provide these records and may charge a fee (typically $100+). Using independent temperature recorders is advisable for quick access to temperature information.
3. Insurance
Some insurance companies require the use of temperature recorders for marine insurance. Recorder specifications may vary by company. Records from some devices are admissible in court, while others are not.
4. Receivers
Receivers may insist on temperature recorders and may specify the type, depending on available software. In some markets (e.g., the Far East), strip chart recorders are preferred for immediate hard copy records. The trend is toward digital recorders, which allow for data analysis and email transmission.
If the receiver cannot or will not retrieve the data when needed, using recorders is pointless. Clarify this with the receiver before shipment.
5. Commodity
Certain commodities are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The more critical the temperature, the greater the need for a temperature recorder. For example, plums in containers are almost always shipped with a recorder, while some exporters may not use recorders for hard citrus.
6. Practical Considerations
- Loading points are responsible for inserting recorders.
- Using different recorders for different consignees can lead to errors; standardize instructions to minimize mistakes.
- Short-term shortages can be solved by borrowing stock from other exporters using the same recorder model.
- Recorders vary in user-friendliness, affecting the risk of incorrect activation.
7. Service Levels
Service levels differ between suppliers. Considerations include:
- Access to stock on short notice
- Availability of calibration certificates
- Supply of pallet stickers
- Access to software
8. Cost Considerations
- Margins on fruit exports are slim; any unnecessary cost should be carefully considered.
- The exporter must decide if a temperature recorder is essential or optional.
- Costs vary by recorder model/make. Some are reusable but must be retrieved and returned; some can be returned for a small refund (e.g., $2 each).
- Software for digital recorders is usually available at no cost.
9. Technical Features and Options
9.1 Strip Chart Recorders
- Traditional mechanical devices providing a thermal paper report of temperature history.
- Still in use but less common due to newer technologies.
- Economical, easy to use, but must be manually recovered at the receiving site.
- Used mainly to indicate if temperature fluctuations occurred.
9.2 Electronic Temperature Recorders
- Introduced in 1990, now widely used.
- Also require manual recovery at the receiving site.
- Early versions needed special cradles/interfaces and software; recent USB versions are plug-and-play.
- More accurate than strip chart recorders.
- Provide electronic data that can be easily downloaded and emailed.
- Humidity and probe options are often available.
9.3 Radio Frequency (RF) Electronic Temperature Recorders
- Introduced in 2009 to simplify recovery and downloading.
- Require RF reading infrastructure (gateways, base stations, repeaters) at the receiving site.
- Data is transferred via RF when the monitor is in range, eliminating manual recovery.
- WiFi or network capabilities send data to a database, which can trigger email alerts.
9.4 Real-Time Cellular-Based Technology Temperature Recorders
- Became more common from 2016 as costs dropped.
- Record temperature, location, and humidity, broadcasting data via cellular network to a cloud-based system at intervals.
- Real-time capability depends on cellular reception and network availability.
9.5 Data Analysis and Process Improvement
- Latest trends include centralizing and archiving data from electronic, RF, and real-time recorders in databases with reporting and alert options.
- Enables process improvement by identifying trends, problematic routes, service providers, and operational procedures, rather than just accept/reject decisions on arrival.
10. Temperature Management
Objective analysis of temperature data can help proactively identify problem areas and enable early corrective action. Regular or prolonged breaks in the cold chain can seriously affect fruit quality.
11. Conclusion
Many factors influence the decision on the type and technology of temperature recorder to use. Each exporter should consider their circumstances and, using the considerations above, make a clear and practical policy decision.
26/07/2023