Technology is bringing some pretty amazing problem solving solutions to market, including the advent of monitoring labels commonly associated with climate-sensitive products that must be kept at a certain temperature to maintain a product’s integrity. Below learn how monitoring labels can be used to measure and control temperature to improve cold chain management for applications like food and pharmaceuticals.
What are Monitoring Labels? Monitoring labels, also referred to as temperature labels, have built-in temperature monitors that are usually managed by a couple small, heat-sensitive indicators sealed into heat-resistant and transparent windows. The objective is to manage the temperature and time of perishable items during the distribution and storage aspects of the supply chain process. This is a critical element for industries that deal in perishable products like vaccines, biologics, pharmaceuticals and food. Although many companies are in the process of manufacturing this technology and have some slight differences in terms of how they function or read temperatures, generally they work in a similar fashion to track and monitor temperatures around the packaging. These labels are typically no larger than, say, the size of a sugar packet and are flat despite often having an integrated USB connection point or some type of tracking device embedded in the label. When the temperature drops below a safe level, the label can trigger some type of alarm, including changing color or working with live alarm-based logging technology tied to radio frequency tagging. The technology allows the user to gain information about the package’s history as it relates to temperature and time, including a range of data elements and statistics. The labels that have a USB port integrated helps users go without the need for a reading device and software. These label applications are set to become so sophisticated that consumers, inspectors, and manufacturing employees can inspect the safety of these items by using their mobile phones to read the tag and compliant chip embedded inside the label. As the technology further develops, some companies have moved beyond non-reversible monitoring capability, which means that the label can only be used once. Reversible temperature labels have also emerged, which can be used multiple times for enhanced application and cost savings. Both types of labels have been tested in harsh environments and have been found to withstand environments where they could come in contact with hot water, steam, oil, gasoline or solvents.
In Review
Here is a summary of the main points related to monitoring labels:
- These labels allow the time and temperature history to be traced on perishable items like food, pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biologics.
- There are different types of technology that can be integrated into this compact labels, including USB ports as well as chips or tagging data to use with a reader and proprietary software.
- There are non-reversible labels that can only be used once and reversible labels that can be used multiple times.
High Resolution Printing: Features Of The Foenix FXONE-Touch
Whether you’re a first year start-up, a larger company that has only a small need for high resolution printing or a company that has a large need for high resolution printing there’s a good chance you’re looking for a low-cost way to code your packages. But, of course, you still want to look professional in...Continue reading→
Foenix Coding Printers: What Makes Them Different?
Foenix Printer Features The market is flooded with various models of ink jet printers across a wide range of technologies, brand names and ink types, which can make it challenging to discern what printer is the best for which application and environment. Many in the industrial and commercial marketplace are loyal to Foenix Coding Printers,...Continue reading→
Why Product Labeling Is So Important
Studies have shown that 65-70 percent of purchase decisions are made in-store based on the product packaging and labels alone. With the vast quantity of products available, product packaging is incredibly important! Whether you’re redesigning the look of your existing packaging or launching a new product, there are several tips that will help you produce...Continue reading→
Is Private Labeling Right For Your Business?
Most consumers are aware that there are products generally manufactured by one company but labeled with another company’s brand, aka private labeling. Not only is this beneficial to the manufacturer who profits from the sale of its product but also creates a stream of revenue from the reseller. Meanwhile, the store who is rebranding it...Continue reading→
Hardware Supply Packaging And Labeling
There are many different styles of hardware supply packaging and labeling. Even with the different packaging types, it’s imperative that all your packaging meet a highly regulated set of stringent packaging regulations. Barcodes, sensor codes, warning labels, all must meet retail and wholesale standards – every single time. For instance: Nails – packaged in tubs,...Continue reading→
Labels On Vegan Or Plant-Based Products
Consumers are becoming more savvy with regards to their food choices and many are turning to vegan, or plant-based alternatives. While it may seem these terms are interchangeable, as they both exclude animal products, they are not necessarily viewed the same way, says the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA). Labels on vegan or plant-based products...Continue reading→
Labeling E-Liquids For E-Cigarettes
The demand for electronic cigarettes is on the rise and is showing no sign of slowing down. Without a doubt, ‘vaping’, as it’s commonly called, is gaining popularity. According to one survey, 10% of adults in the U.S. now vape, and the CDC indicates that more than 9 million U.S. adults vape on a regular basis.Continue reading→
Challenges In Labeling And Coding
If the barcode or marking of your product is unreadable, it can result in recalls, unhappy customers, and even fines. It is important to identify these issues early by implementing regular checks and verification to ensure quality.Continue reading→
Security Labels
Unfortunately, brand reputations are being tarnished across the country because of the high-rate of counterfeit products. Consumers are losing trust, even amongst the most well-known brands. As a result, security labels are trending across all markets as a way to better track and prevent counterfeit products.Continue reading→
5 Labeling Trends For 2019
In 2018, product packaging gave manufacturers a lot of innovative ideas and options, both functionally and aesthetically. 2019 promises to be just as innovative, and continue to grow with more color, graphics and material in exciting new ways.Continue reading→
