Laboratory data loggers: how can measured parameters be recorded and traced?

At the heart of testing, metrology and quality control, the data logger continuously captures critical parameters: temperature, humidity, pressure, CO?, pH, conductivity, and vibration. Whether it’s a standalone data logger, a paper chart recorder or a multi-channel data acquisition system, it ensures traceability, alarms and GxP compliance. Paired with data logger software, you can visualise, analyse and archive your time series with data integrity (audit trail, timestamping). USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet interfaces make deployment easy in incubators, cold rooms, climatic chambers, cleanrooms and temperature-sensitive shipments.

What are the different types of data loggers?

We distinguish several families according to the principle, context and measurement granularity. The stand-alone data loggers USB/Bluetooth store measurements locally (e.g. temperature/humidity) with a configurable sampling rate, visual alarms and long battery life. The connected loggers (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LoRaWAN) transmit in real time to the cloud or an on-premises server for multi-site monitoring and email/SMS alerts. Chart recorders draw a continuous trace on paper, valued for qualification/validation or on critical installations. Software-driven multi-channel acquisition systems offer high speeds, signal synchronisation and advanced analysis.

On the selection side, prioritise the measurement range, accuracy and stated uncertainty, the sensor types (built-in or external probes Pt100, thermocouples, 4–20 mA), memory and battery life, the IP rating, compatibility with your chambers, as well as compliance (e.g. EN 12830 for the cold chain, 21 CFR Part 11 on the software side). In metrology, insist on an ISO 17025 calibration certificate. Finally, consider lifecycle: replaceable or rechargeable battery, maintenance, and environmental impact (paper vs fully digital).

Type	Principle	Applications
Stand-alone USB/Bluetooth data logger	Local storage, PC/app readout	Cold rooms, incubators, transport
Chart recorder (paper)	Continuous trace on chart/disc	Qualification/validation, critical processes, field audit
Connected IoT data logger	Real-time network transmission	Cleanrooms, multi-site, 24/7 alarms
DAQ + software	Fast multi-channel acquisition	R&D, characterisation, dynamic processes

In which fields are data loggers used?

• Life sciences : CO?, O?, temperature and humidity monitoring of incubators, cryopreservation, LN2 monitoring and biobanks.
• Pharma/biotech : GxP compliance, GMP/GLP, auditable reports, 21 CFR Part 11, ICH stability studies, climatic chambers.
• Agri-food : HACCP, cold chain, warehouse data logging, tanks/vessels, in-house checks and logistics traceability.
• Environment : weather stations, air and water quality, piezometry (groundwater level monitoring), low-power field campaigns.
• Chemistry : reactors, heat-up/cool-down, pressure, process safety and batch validation.
• Cosmetics : stability studies, accelerated ageing, environmental control in grey/clean rooms.
• Healthcare & hospitals : vaccine fridges, pharmacies, operating theatres, 24/7 alerts.
• Transport/logistics : USB in-transit data loggers, tamper-evident seals, instant PDF reports on receipt.

Available data loggers and software

Frequently asked questions about data loggers

How to choose the right data logger?
List the parameters to monitor, the required accuracy, range, sampling rate, battery life, IP rating and compliance (EN 12830, 21 CFR Part 11).

Accuracy, resolution, uncertainty: what’s the difference?
Accuracy is closeness to the true value; resolution is the smallest readable increment; uncertainty aggregates all error sources. Check calibration and tolerances.

At what sampling interval?
Match the process dynamics: slow (5–10 min), non-steady/fast-changing (1–10 s). The faster you log, the more memory and power you’ll use.

Is an ISO 17025 certificate necessary?
Required in regulated or critical environments. It ensures metrological traceability and a documented measurement uncertainty.

Is the software 21 CFR Part 11 compliant?
Ensure named user accounts, electronic signatures, an audit trail, secure time-stamping and integrity of exported files (PDF, CSV).

How should alarms be handled?
Set high/low thresholds, delays and hysteresis. Prefer local LEDs/buzzer plus email/SMS alerts, with acknowledgements and escalation.

Paper or fully digital?
Paper is readable without a PC and reassures during audits, but it consumes resources. Digital centralises, alerts in real time and reduces the paper footprint.