Monitoring & metering


everything from hygiene and plant organisation through to maintaining records of production parameters and equipment calibration, as well as the traceability of batches in case a product is recalled. As a result, facilities will obtain a huge quantity of data each week. But for a long time, the industry has relied on manual ways of data logging and moni- toring, usually involving paper. Yet, the experience of other regulated industries is that however attractive paper might seem, digital records will always come out on top. Particularly in the case of audits by the governing regulator.


Take for example, the logging of refrigeration temperature. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) require reliable record-keeping to demonstrate that air temperatures, pack temperatures and door open and closed signals are kept within certain parameters. This is extremely important to prove that safety criteria


Instrumentation Monthly November 2024


for refrigeration during food storage and processing has been monitored and adhered to.


DIGITALISING RECORDS


Keeping paper records onsite without any possi- bility of backup is problematic in any case. For example, documents can be falsified, particularly if operators at various process steps record tempera- ture readings in handwriting.


The solution is the digitisation of data, as well as the automated recording of process data around critical control points. Digitised data is easily transmitted from place to place and may be backed up without compromising integrity. It also creates a ‘digital thread’ running from ‘farm to fork’ that provides suppliers with instant access to critical data for audit and for internal quality check tests. Producers seeking to implement digital data


logging can opt for a system like the F4T temperature controller, which has data logging built in. With these options, users can record pre-set data, cutting down on setup time and hassle. Watlow’s tools also include a list of common setups to help producers find the best way to log data that fits their needs, making implementation as easy as possible. Food safety should be the first concern of any responsible supplier, but with over half a billion people falling ill each year to the food they consume, it’s clear there is room for improvement. The industry must rid itself of all manual and paper processes, and instead implement digital solutions that are reliable, more efficient and make tracking food through the supply chain easier to monitor.


Watlow www.watlow.com 61


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