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 case of quality problems, temperature records help process claims more efficiently and analyze breaks in the cold chain to determine their impact on product 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 requested 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. Note that records from some devices are admissible in court, while others are not.
4. Receivers
Receivers may insist on the use of 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 electronic sharing.
If the receiver cannot or will not retrieve the data, using recorders is pointless. Confirm requirements with the receiver before shipment.
5. Commodity
Some commodities are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than others. 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, which affects the risk of incorrect activation.
7. Service Levels
Service levels differ between suppliers. Consider:
- 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 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.
9.2 Electronic Temperature Recorders
- Introduced in 1990 and now widely used.
- Early versions required special cradles and software; recent USB models are plug-and-play.
- More accurate than strip chart recorders, provide downloadable electronic data, and often include humidity/probe options.
9.3 Radio Frequency (RF) Electronic Temperature Recorders
- Introduced in 2009 to simplify recovery and downloading.
- Require RF infrastructure at the receiving site; data is transferred automatically when within range.
- Data is sent to a database, enabling 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 networks to a cloud-based system.
- Real-time capability depends on cellular reception and network availability.
9.5 Data Analysis and Process Improvement
- Trends include centralizing and archiving data from electronic, RF, and real-time recorders into databases with reporting and alert options.
- Enables process improvement by identifying problematic routes, service providers, or operational procedures, rather than just accept/reject decisions at arrival.
10. Temperature Management
Objective analysis of temperature data can help identify problem areas and enable early corrective action. Extended breaks in the cold chain can seriously affect fruit quality.
11. Conclusion
Many factors influence the choice of temperature recorder type and technology. Each exporter should consider their circumstances and, using the considerations above, make a clear and practical policy decision.
26/07/2023