Posted on: 18/01/24
Temperature Mapping vs Temperature Monitoring
Temperature monitoring and temperature mapping may sound similar but in reality, the two serve very different purposes. So, let’s get into the basics.
Temperature mapping is an exercise that is carried out to record various temperatures (at different points, over a set time) in a storage area that stores temperature-sensitive products and samples. Incorporating temperature mapping studies as needed into your organisation is considered a good practice and will overall enhance the safety of your samples by risk-assessing where they are stored.
At Contronics, our field engineers perform temperature mapping studies ISO 17025 standard, using high-accuracy data loggers to see if the storage area's temperature is at the optimal level to keep your products and samples safe. Typically, they will look for cold or hot spots or areas that vary in temperature within the sample storage area. Then, you will be presented with a report that has all the necessary data about the mapping exercise that was carried out, including information on the cold and hot spots and how they affect your sample's optimum temperature level.
Temperature monitoring also tracks the temperature inside of your sample storage area however, this is done using a system and is a solution that can be permanently incorporated into your storage area.
Our monitoring systems, ProLog Wired and Wireless, are designed for precisely this purpose. They monitor and measure the temperature inside your storage area or equipment 24/7 to ensure that your samples' temperature stays within its set parameters. In the event of a temperature excursion, the monitoring system will let you and your team know via real-time notifications so that you can react to these changes as soon as possible.
Which solution do I need?
Temperature monitoring and mapping can be carried out together or separately, depending on your organisation's needs. If you're in the market for a new temperature monitoring system to replace an existing one, consider conducting a temperature mapping study beforehand. Or, if you have a system already in place, it's recommended to have a temperature mapping study done frequently, typically annually, to make sure your storage equipment or area is maintaining the required temperature.
Essentially, although temperature monitoring and mapping may sound similar and work with temperature in similar ways, they are separate processes. Temperature mapping is more of a preventative measure that you can carry out on an annual basis to make sure your storage equipment or area is performing as expected for your products and samples. Temperature monitoring, on the other hand, is a solution in the form of a system, which will continuously monitor your storage areas' temperature to safeguard your samples from temperature excursion-related risks.
