How to Choose a Data Recorder | Check the Key Points in 30 Seconds
A data recorder is a device that records measured values such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and flow rate over time. When selecting a recorder, do not judge solely by the name of the device; first clarify "what needs to be checked, where, at what frequency, by whom, and for what purpose."
- If on-site display and continuous recording are important, a paperless recorder would be a good option.
- If compact size, easy installation, and portability are important, a data logger is a good option.
- If you require features such as alarms, remote monitoring, and multi-site management, consider this as a monitoring system.
- For use in quality assurance and audit compliance: We verify the reliability, calibration, and storage methods of recorded data.
Chapter 1
1. What is a recorder used for?
A data recorder is a device used to record measured values in a time series. For example, it is impossible to confirm whether the furnace temperature rose steadily to the set value, whether the storage temperature did not deviate overnight, or whether there were any temperature changes during transportation without reviewing the records afterward.
Record the changes over time, not just the immediate numerical value.
Thermometers and display are suitable for checking current values. Recorders, on the other hand, record when and how measurements changed. This is useful for investigating the cause of an anomaly after it occurs and for verifying whether quality conditions were met.
Records support quality, safety, and repeatability
In industrial applications, recording measurements makes it easier to identify repeatability of process conditions, variations in quality, signs of equipment malfunctions, and deviations during storage and transportation. Recording and utilizing these measurements, rather than simply taking them, leads to more stable operations.
Recorders play a crucial role in connecting the "measuring" process with the "monitoring," "control," and "calibrating" process. Recording measurement values provides more information that can be used for later analysis.
Chapter 2
2. Differences between recorders, data loggers, and monitoring systems
While recorders, data loggers, and monitoring systems all handle measured values, they are suited to different applications. When selecting a device, it's more important to determine the necessary features—display, storage, alarms, communication, and operational support—than to focus on the device's name.
| Kinds | Suitable uses | Strengths | Points to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperless recorder | Factory equipment, testing equipment, furnaces, drying process, process records | It makes it easy to balance on-site display and continuous recording. It also leads to a reduction in paper records. | Input points, recording intervals, storage capacity, data output models, and communication support. |
| Data Logger | Storage, transportation, on-site inspection, simple measurement, and historical verification over a certain period. | It's small, easy to set up, and convenient for carrying around and temporary measurements. | Power source, battery life, installation environment, retrieval method, and whether real-time monitoring is required. |
| Monitoring system | Warehouse, pharmaceutical/reagent storage, multiple locations, 24-hour monitoring, remote verification | Suitable for alarms, remote monitoring, history management, and centralized management of multiple points. | Communication methods, access control, alarm notifications, back up, and operational structure. |
| Controller/PLC | control of heating and cooling, equipment control, process control | The system provides control output based on the measured values to stabilize the conditions. | Presence or absence of recording function, connection to external recording devices, and division of roles between control and recording. |
When switching from paper records to electronic records
When switching from paper records to electronic records, it's not simply a matter of eliminating paper; you need to check the data storage models, viewing methods, form creation, back up, access control, and alignment with internal regulations. If the records are used for audits or quality assurance, it's crucial to define the necessary record requirements before implementation.
Chapter 3
3. Seven conditions to consider before choosing a data recorder
When selecting a data recorder, it's easier to reduce the chances of failure if you first clarify the purpose of the recording and the field conditions, rather than comparing different models from the start.
| Check items | Content to organize | Impact on selection |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measurement items to record | Temperature, humidity, pressure, flow rate, voltage, current, etc. | Check the compatible inputs, sensors, converters, and input ranges. |
| 2. Input score | How many measurement points are needed? Is there a possibility that the number will increase in the future? | This affects the number channel, expandability, and wiring method. |
| 3. Measurement range and required precision | Typical values, higher limit and lower limit limits, tolerances, and whether or not they are used for audits or quality assurance. | This affects input specifications, sensor selection, and the approach to calibration points. |
| 4. recording intervals and retention period | How often (seconds/minutes) should the recording be made? How many days/years should the data be stored? | This affects storage capacity, data volume, and the ease of anomaly detection. |
| display /confirmation method | Should you view it on-site, from the office, or remotely? | Verify screen display, communication, software, and report output. |
| 6. Alarm, communication, and remote monitoring | Do you need to be notified when a deviation occurs? Do you want to view multiple locations at once? | This affects the need for alarm output, networks, and monitoring systems. |
| 7. Calibration, Auditing, and data management | Calibration certificates, traceability, access control, and back up requirements. | This will affect the reliability of records, operational rules, and maintenance plans. |
Chapter 4
4. How to choose a data recorder based on its intended use
Even with the same temperature recording method, the required functions vary depending on whether it's for factory process recording, storage facility temperature/humidity control, or tracking the history during transportation. For each application, consider the purpose of the recording and the information you want to verify separately.
| Applications | Information to record | Suitable configuration | Points to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory process records | process temperature, equipment status, and history of heating, holding, and cooling. | A combination of a paperless recorder and a controller. | Input score, screen confirmation, recording intervals, data saving models. |
| Heat treatment furnaces and drying furnaces | Furnace temperature, product temperature, temperature variations, processing conditions. | Temperature sensor, recorder, controller, and monitoring as needed. | High temperature resistance, sensor degradation detection, calibration, and recording of abnormalities. |
| Research and testing facilities | Test conditions, environmental conditions, and history for verifying repeatability. | Integration with multi points recorders, data loggers, and testing equipment. | Required accuracy, recording intervals, data analyzing, calibration certificate. |
| Storage of pharmaceuticals, reagents, and food products | Storage temperature, humidity, deviation time, alarm history. | temperature/humidity loggers, monitoring systems, and calibration equipment. | Representativeness of measurement points, alarm notification, retention period, and audit compliance. |
| Temperature records during transport | Temperature changes during transport, presence or absence of deviations, and confirmation data after arrival. | Small data loggers, wireless loggers, and recording devices for transport. | Battery life, retrieval method, installation location, and report output. |
| Equipment malfunction and cause verification | Changes before and after the occurrence of an anomaly, temperature rise trend, and equipment status. | Recorders, monitoring systems, and, if necessary, thermal imaging and non-contact measurements. | recording intervals, alarm threshold, and person responsible for verification to detect anomalies. |
Chapter 5
5. Things to check in the recorded data
Even if you install a data recorder, it won't lead to improvement unless you look at the data. When looking at the recorded data, check not only the average value, but also the magnitude of the fluctuation, the time of deviation, the timing of occurrence, and the recurrence trend.
Range of variation
This checks how much the values deviate from the set values. It serves as an entry point for assessing process stability and inconsistencies in the storage environment.
Time of deviation
We check not only the number of times higher limit and lower limit were exceeded, but also how long it lasted. This is relevant to assessing quality risks.
Occurrence timing
Observing when the change occurs—such as at night, immediately after starting work, after opening and closing doors, or during equipment changes—makes it easier to narrow down the cause.
Measurement location
The recorded values will vary depending on the sensor's position. Check whether the point is appropriate as a representative point and whether you are only looking at localized values.
If recording intervals is too coarse, short-term deviations may be missed. On the other hand, if the period is too short, the amount of data increases, making operation and verification difficult.
Chapter 6
6. Common mistakes in selecting a recorder
When selecting a data recorder, making a decision based solely on the initial requirements can lead to discovering shortcomings after operation begins. Identifying common mistakes beforehand makes it easier to determine equipment configuration and operating rules.
| Common mistakes | Why is this a problem? | Check beforehand |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient input points | It may not be possible to add more measurement points later on. | In addition to the current score, we will also check the possibility of future expansion. |
| recording intervals is too coarse. | Short-term deviations or sudden changes may be overlooked. | Clarify which time range of changes you want to observe. |
| The data retrieval method is incorrect. | The process of verification and documenting is time-consuming, making it difficult to utilize the records effectively. | Check whether USB, network, software, and report output are required. |
| Alarms and remote monitoring will be needed later. | This operational system makes it impossible to notice abnormalities without going to the site. | Determine who will check for the anomaly, when, and where. |
| Calibration and audit preparations are put on the back burner. | It becomes difficult to explain the reliability and proof of the recorded values. | Verify calibration certificates, traceability, retention periods, and access control. |
Chapter 7
7. Recording, monitoring, and temperature control support that Chino can provide.
Data recorders not only record measurements but also serve as an information infrastructure for quality control, anomaly detection, audit response, and equipment improvement. Chino combines temperature sensors, data recorders, controllers, monitoring systems, and calibration to support temperature management tailored to on-site conditions.
| Role | Main equipment and support | To consider |
|---|---|---|
| Measure | Temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and various input devices. | Organize the measurement target, range, accuracy, and installation location. |
| Record | Recorders, paperless recorder, data loggers. | Check the input points, recording intervals, storage period, and data output. |
| Monitor | Monitoring systems, wireless equipment, alarm notifications. | Check remote monitoring, multi-point management, anomaly notification, and access control. |
| Control | Controllers, instrumentation systems. | We will determine how to divide the tasks of recording and control, and confirm whether it can be connected to existing equipment. |
| Calibration | Calibration services, standard sensors, temperature calibration equipment. | To ensure the reliability of recorded values, we need to check the calibration cycle and whether a certificate is required. |
Items to organize before consultation
When consulting about data recorders and monitoring systems, the more specific the site conditions, the easier it is to consider a suitable configuration. Organizing the following items will facilitate the implementation consideration process.
| Check items | Things to organize |
|---|---|
| What to measure | What should be recorded: air, liquids, inside the furnace, piping, storage areas, transported goods, equipment surfaces, etc.? |
| Measurement items | Required input types include temperature, humidity, pressure, flow rate, voltage, and current. |
| Number of measurement points | Current scores, the possibility of future expansion, and the concept of representative scores. |
| recording intervals | Which timeframe do you want to observe: unit, unit, hours, unit? |
| Storage period | Daily reports, monthly reports, unit retention periods, and retention periods required for audits and internal company regulations. |
| How to check | Whether on-site screen, PC, remote monitoring, report output, and data integration are necessary. |
| Alarm | higher limit and lower limit limits, notification recipients, nighttime and holiday support, and whether or not history management is required. |
| Calibration and certification | Calibration certificate, traceability, calibration cycle, and scope of verification including sensors. |
Why not organize your selection of recorders and monitoring systems based on on-site conditions?
The most suitable configuration will vary depending on the items to be recorded, the number of input points, recording intervals, alarms, communication, and calibration requirements. Please consider the entire process, from recording and monitoring to control and calibration, after clarifying the intended use and installation environment.
I would like to consult about recorders and temperature control.Summary
When choosing a data recorder, it's important to consider not only the device name and price, but also the purpose of recording, the number of input points, recording intervals, storage period, alarms, communication, calibration, and audit compliance, all in one comprehensive way.
If on-site display and continuous recording are important, consider a paperless recorder; if compact and easy-to-install recording is the priority, consider a data logger; and if remote monitoring and alarms are also required, consider a monitoring system. Recording measurement values and creating a system that allows for later analysis is the first step in supporting quality, safety, and repeatability.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between a recorder and a data logger?
A. Recorders are suitable for continuous recording while display measurement values in the field, while data loggers are small, easy to install, and used for recording data during storage, transportation, and field surveys. The choice depends on the required number of input points, recording intervals, alarms, communication, and data verification methods.
Q. What applications are paperless recorder suitable for?
A. Paperless recorder are suitable for applications that require both on-site display and long-term recording, such as factory equipment, testing devices, furnaces, and drying process. They are also worth considering when you want to reduce paper records and review history as electronic data.
Q. How often should I record the temperature?
A. The appropriate recording intervals depends on the speed of temperature changes, the time frame over which you want to detect anomalies, the storage capacity, and the purpose of the report. Shorter cycles are needed for process where rapid changes are to be observed, while longer cycles may suffice for checking trends in the storage environment.
Q. Can alarms and remote monitoring be performed using only a data recorder?
A. Depending on the model and configuration, it may be possible to support alarm output, communication, and remote monitoring. If monitoring of multiple locations, email notifications, access control, and long-term data management are required, it is important to consider it as a monitoring system.
Q. Do recorders also need calibration?
A. When the reliability of recorded values is required for quality control, testing, audits, etc., it is necessary to organize the calibration and inspection methods, including not only the recorder itself but also the connected sensors and measurement paths.
Q. What are some points to keep in mind when switching from paper records to electronic records?
A. When switching to electronic records, confirm the data storage models, back up, access permissions, tamper prevention, report output, and compatibility with existing operations. If there are audits or internal regulations, it is important to organize the necessary record requirements before implementation.
Q. What should be checked when it comes to temperature control for pharmaceuticals and food products?
A. We will check storage temperature, humidity, deviation time, alarm history, representativeness of measurement points, calibration certificate, and record retention period. Since the necessary record requirements vary depending on the application and internal standards, it is important to clarify the operating conditions before implementation.
Reference information
This page utilizes AI assistance in the development of configuration and the creation of the main text. The content is based on publicly available information and product and service information from CHINO Corporation. Product specifications, supported inputs, communication functions, calibration range, and support conditions may change, so please check the latest product and service information when considering implementation.
