What is Data Logging ?

Logging (recording) of data (information).

What kind of information do Data Loggers record ?

Primarily temperature, although other units measure Relative Humidity, mV, mA, Volts, Pulses (or counts), Shocks, etc.

Where is Data Logging used?

In virtually all industries, for example: the growing, preparation, storage and transportation of food; environmental monitoring of houses, offices, warehouses or museums; the transportation of easily damaged food, plants, instruments and computers etc; the monitoring of flow levels in pipelines; research in the natural world.

Why should I use Data Loggers ?

In the food industry EC Directive 92/1 indicates that any organisation involved in the preparation, storage or transportation of food should be able to verify that the temperatures have been maintained at the specified levels (Due Diligence). Data Logging can give total traceability from the moment the food is received to the time it is delivered to the customer or supermarket.
Accurate environmental monitoring can assist companies to ensure that heating and ventilation systems are used to maximum advantage, keeping energy use and costs to a minimum.
For growers of fresh produce, Data Logging provides an accurate record of temperatures experienced during the growth, preparation and transportation of their produce.
For shippers, Data Logging verifies that conditions within the transporting vehicles are maintained within the required levels.

How easy is it to use Data Loggers ?

Very easy. The loggers are launched on a PC using GLM software. The user instructs the logger as to how often a reading should be taken, when the logger is to stop and whether there is to be a delay before the unit commences recording. If TINYTAG or TINYVIEW units are used, additional functions can be set such as alarm levels, minimum / maximum readings, etc.
Units can be offloaded (data retrieved) on the PC. Data retrieved can be displayed as a graph, a tabulated set of figures, or statistics. It is simple to zoom into a narrower range of data or back to the entire information.

What is GLM ?

The entire Gemini range of Data Loggers are launched and offloaded using one multi-lingual Software package - GLM. This means that whether a customer is using just one temperature logger, or whether they have many different types of units, the same process is used. The software is Windows based, user friendly and has a valuable help section. The buttons on the toolbar at the top of the screen guide users through the process of setting up loggers and retrieving data.
Using GLM software, it is possible to display the information in any of the three methods indicated above, i.e. graph, statistics, or tabulated data. Since the screens are dynamically linked, when the user zooms into a narrower range of information on the graph, the data shown on the other screens will reflect the range displayed on the graph. Graphs may be overlaid and manipulated to show the relationship between different events and properties. Data may also be exported into word-processing or spreadsheet packages, which makes transferring information into reports very straightforward.

Why should I consider a Gemini Data Logger ?

Gemini are a customer-led company, dedicated to the manufacture of single and dual channel Data Loggers. The entire range of units are based on user requirements. All units are accessed by a single Software package. We have also developed additional software (Re-Educator) specifically to 'personalise' the data displayed by certain loggers within the range. Customers can start logging confident in the knowledge that if their requirements extend into other areas, it is possible to use a 're-educatable' logger with a specialised probe, without the need to retrain staff.

How much will it cost me?

It is possible to start Data Logging for a minimal investment. A starter pack is available for the Tinytag Transit, which gives outstanding value and offers everything you need to get logging quickly: one logger, a full version of GLM software and a logger-to-PC cable. Further Transits can then be added for minimal extra outlay. With the same software and one additional cable you can use Tinytag Ultra which is packed with extra features in several models but still at a very reasonable cost. For more demanding requirements, Tinytag Plus and Tinyview units offer great robustness and an extended memory, they also display readings. We believe they all give great value for money.

How soon can I expect to see any benefits ?

That will depend on the way in which the units are used. However, it is more than possible to start seeing quantifiable benefits from the use of Data Logging within a very short time. Usually, only one or two logging runs are required to pinpoint areas that would benefit from extra attention. This additional focus normally results in either cost savings, an enhanced reputation with customers, or both.