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Monitoring Technologies during Storage and Shipment: The Halog Revolution

Written by Alessandra Morelli | Sep 13, 2024 1:44:19 PM

Monitoring the conditions of products during storage and shipment has become crucial to ensure their quality and integrity. Various technologies are currently in use for this purpose, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at the main solutions on the market, with a focus on the innovative Halog solution

Traditional Solutions: USB and QR Code

USB Devices: Historically, USB devices have been widely used to monitor a variety of conditions such as temperature, humidity, and shocks during the transport of goods. However, these devices have numerous drawbacks. For example, they must be physically retrieved to transfer data and pose a significant cybersecurity risk as they can easily spread malware if connected to unsecured computers.

Dynamic QR Codes on E-Ink Surfaces: This solution offers significant advantages over USB devices, as it does not require additional infrastructure and can be read by any smartphone with a camera. However, while it solves some security issues, QR codes do not provide real-time data and require manual scanning at each checkpoint and you can't store many informations in a single QR Code.

Wireless Solutions: NFC and Bluetooth

NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC technology offers ultra-secure wireless transmissions and is commonly used in mobile payments. However, NFC devices need to be read from a very close distance, limiting their practicality in some logistical monitoring situations.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth data loggers are small, inexpensive, and easy to deploy. They can be read by smartphones and offer a range of up to 100 feet, although obstacles such as walls can limit their effectiveness. However, they require the installation of a specific app on each device used to read the data.

RFID Technology

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. RFID systems can be either active or passive. Active tags have their own power source and can transmit signals over long distances, while passive tags do not have a battery and are activated by the signal from an RFID reader.

The Halog Revolution: Advanced Monitoring with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Among emerging new technologies, the Halog solution stands out for its advanced and innovative capabilities. Using a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, Halog offers continuous, real-time monitoring of product conditions inside barrier bags without the need to open the packaging. This provides a significant advantage over traditional technologies and RFID solutions.

Advantages of Halog

Real-Time Monitoring: Unlike USB devices and QR codes that require manual data reading, Halog sensors store onboard data and continuously transmit information in real-time via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This allows immediate detection of any deviations from ideal storage conditions, such as temperature or humidity changes, enabling timely interventions.

Direct Installation in Barrier Bags: Halog's ability to be installed directly inside barrier bags is a fundamental innovation. This allows monitoring of the internal conditions of the bag without needing to open it, preserving product integrity and reducing the risk of contamination or damage.

Wide Range of Conditions Monitored: In addition to temperature and humidity, Halog can monitor a wide range of conditions, including light and shocks, providing a comprehensive and detailed view of transport and storage conditions.

Ease of Data Access: Data collected by Halog sensors can be easily accessed from any network-connected device, eliminating the need for complex and costly infrastructure. This makes Halog a scalable solution adaptable to various monitoring needs.

Battery Life and Reliability: Halog devices are designed for long battery life, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. Additionally, the robustness of the devices makes them suitable for challenging transport conditions and long-term use.

Conclusion

While traditional solutions like USB devices, QR codes, and RFID have dominated the market for monitoring transport and storage conditions, the Halog solution represents a true revolution. Thanks to the combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, Halog offers continuous, precise, and real-time monitoring of product conditions, directly inside barrier bags. This not only enhances product safety and integrity but also allows for timely intervention in case of deviations from optimal conditions.