M Motions new Telemotion helps temperature controlled shippers keep their cool

M Motion, the telemetry developers behind leading hooklift weighing systems in the wastes industry, has developed a highly accurate, open interface, track and trace system for temperature sensitive medicines and chilled products, which can be integrated into existing on board vehicle telematics systems or used as a stand alone system.

The Telemotion system communicates wirelessly and in real time, linking time and location with temperature data, to a secure web site or integrated direct to the office based computer system. It also triggers in-cab alarms if the consignment temperature rises or falls outside set parameters.

The system consists of a one-cable temperature sensor bus with up to ten internal and two external temperature sensors. It can be installed quickly and easily, either factory built or retro-fit, without any fuss over cables, no wireless sensors nor battery changes.

Temperature-controls are expected to function accurately and reliably, without the driver having to take any actions. The result is that, when the cargo arrives at its destination – potentially 100s or thousands of miles away – the driver hands over the container or consignment to the customer unseen. This means the contents could have spoiled and in the medical industry, as with food, this could be a dangerous as well as expensive consequence.

"Full history tracking of a consignment is becoming increasingly important, says Seppo Häkkinen, Managing Director of M-Motion, which has its head office in the UK and development facilities in Finland. "People do not want to deal with portable data loggers or watch monitors all the time, but they do want to know when something is about to go wrong, and have the ability to verify the facts when authorities and customers question the integrity of the transport operation.

"The system is unique in that, not only can it be factory-built by the body-builder or retro-fitted by the customer, but it measures temperatures throughout all parts of the load space and outside, in real-time, and gives warnings and alerts to the driver and the offices in real- time. Costs have been minimised as the system, whilst it has been developed from scratch, builds on M-Motion’s long experience in advanced telemetry for the automotive industry."

A comprehensive self-diagnostics is incorporated and any fault is displayed and communicated immediately. The transport temperature range can be set by the customer. The temperature bus is connected to the controller/display unit, no batteries required, system automatically detects if 12 V or 24 V supply in the truck. Automatic summer/winter- time adjustment is incorporated in the real-time clock.

Information provided by Telemotion includes the identity of the vehicle hauling the load, and the driver; when it was picked up and when it was dispatched; which designated route was used, and any variations from that route; and exactly where, for how long and at what temperature the cargo experienced during its journey.

The Telemotion system provides real-time, automatic communications between the vehicle and the transport office or fleet manager via wireless. Satellite ‘location strings’ pinpoint where events actually happened, allowing data to include whether the consignment was in storage or in transit by inextricably linking the vehicle with its load. All data is logged and recorded and can be used by the fleet manager to prepare detailed reports – safeguarding the reputation and integrity of the haulier and protecting the customer.

Through the in-cab alarm system the truck driver receives instant data that may allow preventative action before the consignment is damaged, and this alarm is also communicated to the office-based systems.

"Transport operators are under increasing pressure to safeguard their loads and this is especially true where the cargo is medical supplies, medicines or high-value chilled or frozen foods. The Telemotion system not only provides peace of mind, but also the information to prevent unwarranted claims and increased costs," adds Seppo Häkkinen of M-Motion.