Punch Telematix presents its temperature monitoring solution, based on the CarCube onboard computer
17 February 2010 by LS
Real-time remote temperature management
Errors are not allowed when transporting temperature-sensitive goods. To make sure of this, the CarCube connected to wireless sensors inside the refrigerated compartment can tell the driver and the planning team in real time what the temperature is in the trailer, even when it is uncoupled. Perfect for letting you take action at once when needed.The technology used is a radio-frequency link developed by Rmoni, with a transmitter/receiver management mode that works using temperature sensors (sensor tags) placed in the various compartments to be managed. A central receiver installed in the vehicle cab and connected directly to the CarCube onboard computer collects all the transmitted data in real time.
This communication link allows permanent real-time management, checking, monitoring and manipulation of temperatures without any wiring being installed or any holes made in the insulating walls. If temperatures go outside the set limits, alarms are signalled in the cab to alert the driver. These alarms are generated and transmitted in real time to the Punch Telematix Fleetworks application, which is connected to the Sensor2Web program from Rmoni, allowing various temperature data to be managed over a simple Internet connection:
- monitoring the temperatures in the trailers present on the site
- monitoring the temperatures in the vehicles on the road
- sending alerts by e mail or text messaging if the programmed limits are exceeded
- producing tracking reports for the temperatures recorded, which can also be in graphical format
- producing reports giving histories of temperature-controlled transports
- ready-to-use reports for regulatory bodies and internal audits
On the other hand, thanks to the transmitting antenna installed on the vehicles being managed and receivers on one or more buildings at the site, the temperatures of the trailers are permanently controlled, even if the onboard computer is only on standby or if the trailers are disconnected overnight or for the weekend.
Freshness at Java
Dirk Otto, logistics and traffic manager at Java, a distributor that specialises in ultra-fresh food articles and non-food dry goods for the catering sector and catering companies, states: “The priority, in our sector? Keeping the temperature right during transport. So we have to check it continuously. That’s logical: a simple temperature deviation can be enough to affect the quality of our goods. The CarCube is linked up to a temperature sensor from Rmoni. So we know in real time what the temperature is in our refrigerated trucks and we can take immediate action if there’s a problem. The end result? Our transports meet the strictest ISO standards and our clients get fresh, high-quality products.”
Technical information
- Rmoni’s solutions are EN12830 certified and meet the quality requirements of HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, etc.
- reliable data transmission on radio frequency 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802 15.4
- high-power transmitting gateways; robust technology adapted for the transport sector
- IP67 equipment, protected against immersion in water
- different lengths of temperature sensor; two to four sensors possible for each gateway
- sensors with a memory for recording temperatures (for tracking temperatures in disconnected trailers off site)
- sensors with long-life LiTCL batteries, using a single AA cell
About Rmoni
Rmoni develops and manufactures equipment and software for wireless recording and monitoring of critical control parameters. Its unique combination of wireless technology and web-based software means it is very cost-effective and saves time in comparison with manual methods. RMONI was set up in 2005 and since then has acquired a unique level of experience and an impressive number of clients throughout Europe. Sento Gullimex is distributor in Benelux.www.rmoni.com