Selecting the best wireless temperature monitoring system for your food service or health care operations is crucial. When you make the right choice, you’ll rest assured knowing you’re running a safe and efficient operation. Getting it wrong can be very costly and even pose health and safety risks. As a kitchen manager or pharmacist, you want to carefully consider your wireless temperature monitor options before making that critical purchase. Here are 5 points to carefully consider when evaluating wireless temperature monitoring systems:
1. Can the system operate in your specific environment and industry?
- Can wireless sensors coexist with other WIFI and cell phone transmissions in the busy air space of the food service or healthcare environment? Is the system susceptible to noise?
- Are components conformal coated to protect against high humidity?
- Is system rugged enough to withstand extreme high or low temperatures ranges (between -40° F to +185° F)?
- Does their system comply with relevant industry standards such as NAFEM Data Protocol (NDP) and Joint Commission (JCAHO) requirements? Zigbee standards and 802.15.4 protocol?
2. Can the system grow with your needs?
- Is the technology current?
- Does it use an open protocol system for expansion by integrating new sensors with existing systems?
3. Make sure the company has been around and will continue to be around.
- How many years has the company been in business? Credibility and reliability comes from an experienced and quality management team.
4. What is the true cost for the temperature monitoring system?
- Consider the total cost, including the initial purchase price, future expansion costs/options, and ongoing service cost. Is the cost of service included with the temperature monitoring software license or is there a hosting/monthly fee for software use and service/support?
5. Finally, get references and call them. If they are not happy with their choice, most likely you will not be either!
- Ask real customers about their wireless temperature monitoring system experience, including all stages from the pre-sale to post-sale. Does their system perform as they expect and need it to? Is customer service and technical support easily accessible?
Choosing a wireless temperature monitoring system for your operation can be difficult. Consider the tips above and you’re on the road to weeding out undesirable systems and making the best choice for your operation’s wireless temperature monitoring system needs.