How Manual Data Logging is Failing Your Organization

Manual data logging is used to monitor and report on the status of mission-critical equipment and assets, and is crucial to everyday operations across all facility types.

Manual data logging has a long history that goes back at least to 1866, when Sir Thomas Clifford Allbutt invented an analog thermometer (see timeline below).

While it's true that many organizations still rely on manual data-logging procedures, the widespread adoption of wireless networks and sensor-based, automated monitoring and data-logging systems is much more cost-effective, reliable, and accurate.

Automated systems provide users with 24/7 web-based access to all monitored locations and data-driven insights detailing an organization's efficiency and efficacy, helping decision makers achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in their respective industries.

From today's perspective, the problems with manual data logging include:

• Manual record keeping is subject to human error, outright neglect, or even falsified reporting.
• Manual inspections, data logging, and reporting are time-consuming tasks that take employees away from their primary responsibilities, and although the devices are inexpensive, they actually cost a lot more in the long run.
• Manual data logging only provides snapshot views of your operations and can give a false impression. 

Why Are Organizations Slow to Implement Automated Monitoring?

Often, it's a case of “we've always done it this way,” or managers may be reluctant to introduce new technology to their organization, fearing a lack of support from their executive team or other departments.

What they don't realize is that automated monitoring is a reliable, mature technology that delivers significant ROI (return on investment) and operational efficiency year after year.

The question facility managers and department heads should be asking is, "Does the technology we employ meet the immediate and future needs of our organization?"

The SoniCloud dashboard provides unsurpassed access and insights about monitored devices.

Automated Wireless Monitoring: What to Know

Thousands of organizations in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food, life sciences, and IT industries have already deployed automatic wireless monitoring, or are planning to in the near future.

If you are unsure whether automatic monitoring is right for your organization, we've outlined key points to consider before making a decision.

1. Automated monitoring provides redundant safeguards for significantly better asset protection and faster response to alerts than manual logging or data loggers.

a) Redundant Alerts: SMART Alerts notify users if temperature, room pressure, sound, or other variables exceed preset limits. Additionally, users are alerted if a power loss, data transmission loss, or low battery charge occurs. If no users respond, all alerts auto-escalate to the next designated user to ensure timely resolution of alarms. System buffers prevent false alerts.

b) Data Protections: If a network interruption should occur, onboard data storage and the DataSync feature ensure no loss of data transmission to the cloud. The system will store all data locally and send it to the cloud when a connection is re-established. The SoniCloud platform features unlimited data storage and is hosted on AWS (Amazon Web Services), the industry leader in cloud data security, redundant servers, and system reliability.

c) Power Redundancy: Sonicu's wireless hardware operates on 110V, battery-operated, or both. Onboard, rechargeable Li-ion battery ensures continuous monitoring, even during power outages! Diagnostic Indicators give instant visibility into power status, connectivity, and battery status.

2. Automatic wireless monitoring is easy to acquire and easy to deploy.

a) Low-cost, wireless sensors installed almost anywhere without building modifications or IT support, and can even stream monitored data into existing server-based BASs (building automation systems) for seamless integration with legacy systems. The Sonicu system scales up easily to add new monitoring or move existing sensors to remote locations as needed. 

b) The Installation Wizard makes setup fast, so you can begin monitoring right away. The software and user interface are logically designed and easy to use. Online training videos and unlimited live support are included.

c) All hardware is fully warranted, and updates and maintenance are performed remotely by Sonicu, so there is no burden on IT. Network options include: Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, 900 MHz, and Ethernet.

3. Automatic wireless monitoring provides data-driven insights into your operation.

a) SoniCloud Dashboard provides unlimited 24/7 access to all monitoring via phone, tablet, or PC. View system-wide info, specific locations, and even specific devices in real time. Powerful analytic and reporting software makes sense of your data to identify trends and problem areas.

b) SMART Tools configure and auto-generate managerial and regulatory compliance reports so reporting is automatic, and the data needed to pass audits for Joint Commission, CDC/VFC, HACCP, and other regulatory bodies is always at hand.

4. Sonicu's automatic wireless monitoring has the lowest cost of ownership and the highest ROI.

a) Choose from Standard, Premium, or Enterprise subscription options to ensure a “best fit” solution.

b) Subscription-based service lowers overhead and includes unlimited users, unlimited data storage, PLUS all software and firmware updates and maintenance are included and performed by Sonicu.

c) The “SNAP” Calibration program (option) automatically provides NIST-calibrated sensors when needed to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.

Simple Calculations for Big ROI

We've outlined a basic example of ROI calculation below, knowing that every organization will have different requirements and labor rates, but using this example, you can quickly use your own information to calculate your expected ROI. Contact us for help calculating ROI for your unique situation. 

Sonicu is the leading USA-based provider of automated remote monitoring solutions for hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, data centers, and more.

To discuss your needs, call: (317) 468-2345 or email: info@sonicu.com.