Temperature acute products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, and some chemicals are generally monitored during shipment and logistics operations. Exposure to temperatures outside of an adequate range, for a critical time period, can possibly degrade the product or shorten shelf life. The regulations and contracts Data logger make temperature monitoring mandatory for some products.

Data logger are generally small enough to be placed centrally an insulated shipping container or directly attached to products in a refrigerator truck or a refrigerated container. These devices monitor the temperature of the product being shipped. Some Data loggers are placed out of the package or also in the truck or intermodal container so that to monitor the air temperature. Placement of Data logger and sensors is critical: researchers have shown that temperatures inside a truck or intermodal container are greatly affected by proximity to exterior walls and roof and to locations on the landing.

The digital Data logger nowadays is very portable and record the real times and temperatures. This information can be used to model product degradation and to pinpoint the location and cause of excessive exposure.

The measured data reveals whether the goods in transit have been subjected to potentially damaging temperature extremes or an excessive Mean kinetic temperature. Based on this data, the options may be:

• If potentially damaging temperature hazards have occurred, thoroughly inspect the shipment for damage or degradation. Possibly accelerate sale and use because of reduced shelf life.
• If there have not been out of tolerance temperatures for critical times, continue to use the shipment, without special inspection
• The time of the temperature extreme, or GPS tracking, may be able to determine the location of the infraction to direct appropriate corrective action.
• The consignee may negotiate with the carrier or shipper or even choose to reject a shipment where sensors indicate severe temperature history

Multiple replicate shipments of Data logger are also used to compare modes of shipment (routes, vendors) and to develop composite data to be used in package testing protocols.