Finding the best monitoring tool for your needs is essential in today’s supply chain environment, especially within the life sciences sector. Choosing the right monitoring equipment guarantees product integrity and compliance whether you are shipping medications, vaccines, or perishable goods.
Understanding Your Options
Temperature Indicator Labels
Temperature indicator labels are single-use, irreversible monitoring tools that provide a clear visual cue when a product has been exposed to temperatures outside specified thresholds. Praxas offers a range of these labels from American Thermal Instruments (ATI), including:
- Freeze Check: Indicates exposure to temperatures below 0°C to -5°C, changing from clear to white.
- FCP (Freeze Check Plus): Monitors descending temperatures between 15°C and -2°C.
- HTA (High Temperature Ascending): Signals exposure to ascending temperatures, with thresholds ranging from 25°C to 53°C.
- Endicate: A programmable temperature indicator that monitors a range from -20°C to +70°C, suitable for various applications.
Cellular-Connected Data Loggers
For ongoing, real-time tracking with location updates, cellular data loggers are the smart choice. Unlike Wi-Fi-dependent devices, these tools don’t rely on local networks, they use built-in cellular connectivity to deliver uninterrupted, remote data access.
Praxas recommends the LT5GEO for advanced, compliant and GPS-enabled monitoring:
LT5GEO: Offers real-time temperature and humidity tracking using cellular connectivity, backed by integrated GPS for live location monitoring. Ideal for high-value or time and temperature-sensitive shipments, this logger is GxP-compliant and works globally without requiring external internet access.
When to Use Each Tool
Indicator Labels: Simple, Fast, Affordable
Perfect for when you just need to know if something went wrong. Use indicator labels when:
- You only need to verify whether a temperature threshold was breached, like if the product was ever frozen.
- You’re shipping lower-cost or bulk items where full data logging would be excessive.
- You’re distributing to multiple end points and want a fast way for receivers to check product viability.
- You want a clear visual pass/fail that anyone can read without needing tech or training.
- The journey is short, and environmental risk is low; an example of this would be final-mile delivery in controlled regions.
💡 Best for: Simple compliance checks, visual confirmation and quick-use packaging with minimal setup.
Cellular Data Loggers: Track, Locate, Comply
Ideal when every degree and every minute counts. Use cellular-connected loggers like the LT5GEO when:
- You need to track exact conditions over time, including when, how long, and how severe a threshold breach occurred.
- You’re shipping sensitive or high-value goods, like vaccines, biologics, or temperature-critical samples.
- You need to prove regulatory compliance or create audit-ready reports.
- You’re shipping over long distances or through unpredictable environments, and need alerts if things go wrong.
- You want live GPS location tracking and real-time alerts through cellular connectivity; without relying on local Wi-Fi access.
💡 Best for: Precision shipping, risk reduction, location visibility and high-value or regulated items.
Using Both Together: Full Control & Instant Clarity
Because sometimes, one tool just isn’t enough. Use indicator labels and data loggers together when:
- You want to empower on-site teams with fast visual checks (labels) while your quality teams get full analytics (loggers).
- The journey includes both controlled and uncontrolled legs; for example, international shipping followed by local hand delivery.
- You’re shipping both high and low-sensitivity products together and want redundancy.
- You want to double down on compliance and quality assurance, particularly for clinical trial samples, transplant materials, or specialty meds.
💡 Best for: Hybrid logistics, mixed product loads and peace of mind — from start to finish.
Which Monitoring Tool Should You Use?
| Requirement | Indicator Labels | LT5GEO Logger | Both Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate visual temperature breach alert | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Continuous temperature monitoring | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Humidity tracking | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Regulatory compliance documentation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost-effective for single shipments | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Real-time alerts and remote access | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Simple implementation without technical setup | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Selecting the right temperature monitoring tool depends on your specific needs:
- For straightforward, cost-effective solutions, indicator labels are suitable.
- For detailed monitoring cellular-connected data loggers like the LT5GEO are ideal.
- For comprehensive oversight, combining both offers the best of both worlds.
Praxas is committed to providing solutions that ensure the integrity of your products throughout the supply chain.