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FoodHorizon has teamed with Freshloc Technologies to provide an automated,
wireless temperature monitoring system as a module within its group of
Sentry9000 products. FoodHorizon uses the sensors developed by Freshloc
Technologies to enhance the overall wealth of information that is derived
from a Sentry9000 system. The technology utilized by Freshloc to develop and
manufacture their variety of sensors is second to none in the industry. They
provide a wealth of knowledge, experience and foresight in working with
FoodHorizon to maximize the capabilities of a Sentry9000 system.
There is an array of different sensors to meet the needs of any food plant
environment. Hot, cold, air, liquid, solids and change in surface
temperatures. Some of these are illustrated in the graphic above. The
ice-pick type probe can be used in solids and liquids, and the sensor
hardware is in the handle. The sensor sitting on a post on a round piece of
metal in the left front of the image is used to measure the surface
temperature of grills. The two in the back are for area temperatures and can
be placed within an area or have the sensor outside the area with the
temperature element inside.
The chart above is an example as to how FoodHorizon reports temperatures.
There are several items to point out. First, note that there is a High, Low,
Average and Last reading. You will also note that there is a message "Last
Captured on: 11/30/05 12:04:39 PM". This is available for each of the areas
and is selected by passing the cursor over the site's description.
When you select the "Print coolers Report:", there will be a separate page
open with the readings at that point in time. This can be printed if
desired. An example is shown below.
Also shown below is the data that is used for determining the upper and
lower limits for each area. There is an upper and lower warning limit. The
visual alert is based on Green, Yellow, Red and Blue. The Green squares
shown in the chart above indicates that the temperature is within limits and
is not within the upper or lower warning limits. However, the Yellow
triangle indicates that the temperature has reached the prescribed warning
limits. When the temperature exceeds the lower limits, a Blue circle appears
that indicates a freezing condition could occur within a cooler. When the
temperature exceeds the upper limits, a Red circle appears that indicates
the temperature is too warm (see below). These limits are the basis for the
alarm and alert system which consists of emails, cell phones and email
pagers to designated personnel.
The third graphic below is the result of a query that is available under the
Query link on the top of the chart. A Query can be performed for a selected
date range on each cooler and freezer that is being monitored. This data can
also be copied and pasted to a spreadsheet for any type analyses desired.
The system shown above is for coolers, freezers and cold processing rooms.
Temperatures can also be obtained for hot processes. This may be oven
temperatures, hot food warmers or servers, or the foods themselves while
they are in ovens being cooked. There are different approaches taken to
different processes to achieve the desired results.
Sentry9000.TEMP is an attractive module for all food processors as a module
within the FoodHorizon Sentry9000 system. It can serve to monitor
refrigerated control points and CCP's as well as monitoring hot control
points and CCP's as part of a food safety program. Integrated into a
Sentry9000 system, it can interact with the HACCP program and provide
continuous data for all units being monitored. A Corrective Action form is
automatically generated for reporting actions taken and for interactive
documentation. This level of interaction provides security and documentation
that is not found in stand-alone monitoring systems.
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