Monitoring warehouse climate protects sensitive products

Published 2025-07-01

Proper storage of products in the life sciences and food industry is directly linked to maintaining your own and your customers’ quality standards and complying with applicable laws. In this text, we highlight how monitoring the storage climate, together with measures such as temperature mapping and temperature alarms, help protect sensitive products.

Shelving systems, packing and picking, inflows and outflows, fill rates… Facility managers, operations managers and warehouse managers have many factors to consider to create stable and efficient storage of sensitive products. One important aspect is that climates are adapted to different products. Therefore, it is crucial that monitoring systems are installed, for example, in cold rooms where temperature-sensitive goods are stored.

Challenges in life sciences

In life sciences – such as the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology and laboratory operations – many temperature-sensitive goods require perfectly temperate climates. These range from vaccines to biological samples, which can also be sensitive to light and humidity. Here are some common challenges:

• Temperature deviations: many substances need to be stored in environments with strict temperature monitoring, e.g. within ranges such as 2-8°C or around -90°C. Even small deviations can render some products unusable.
• Impact of humidity and light: some chemicals and biological materials degrade in high humidity or UV exposure.
• Refrigeration and freezer failures: technical failures or power outages can lead to the loss of sensitive products.
• Cross-contamination: improper separation can negatively affect sensitive materials.
• Requirements from authorities: life science is heavily regulated by e.g. GMP, GDP, EMA, which places demands on documentation and traceability.

Challenges in food

Food products are sensitive to both temperature and humidity. Improper storage can quickly cause bacterial growth and spoil the goods. An effective solution is to install a cold room monitoring system. Here are some common challenges in the food industry:

• Inadequate cold chains: food must be kept within precise temperature limits at all times throughout the supply chain.
• Wrong humidity: low humidity dries out foods, while too high humidity levels can create mold and bacteria growth.
• Poor air circulation and gas environment: many foods require a modified atmosphere (e.g. low oxygen content) to keep longer.
• Poor stock management: without proper rotation (first in, first out), older products can sit around for too long.
• Traceability: regulations such as HACCP and EU regulations require control and documentation at every stage.

How to ensure optimal climate conditions

Protecting sensitive products requires both reliable technology and clear procedures. Here are some measures you should implement:

1. Monitoring with temperature alarms: install data loggers with temperature (and humidity if needed) sensors connected to a monitoring system. The system logs data continuously and alerts automatically in case of anomalies, via SMS and/or email.
2. Quality assured equipment: use calibrated measurement technology in cold rooms, freezers and other storage environments. Calibration ensures that your equipment gives reliable readings.
3. Temperature mapping: performs mapping in both winter and summer to identify temperature variations within storage areas.
4. Backup and emergency solutions: install backup power systems such as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and have access to dry ice or cooling gel in case of emergency.
5. Organized and hygienic storage: apply good storage practices (GSP) – label clearly, separate incompatible substances, keep clean and prevent pests.