The purpose of a mapping study is to measure the temperature and relative humidity accros the entire warehouse or storage space, more specifically how the storage space maintains its temperature and relative humidity conditions also taking into account extreme external temperature conditions.
We do this by recording the values of temperature and relative humidity, in multiple points of the storage space, simultaneously, using temperature and humidity dataloggers.
How many dataloggers? We determine how many dataloggers and each specific matrix through our own calculations and procedures, using as refference WHO Technical Report Series, No. 961, 2011, Technical Supplement 8 (May 2015), applied to each storage space with it’s particular attributes.
In short, through temperature / relative humidity mapping:
– we ensure the optimal preservation of the products stored within the warehouse, so that they will not be altered.
– we point out the weakest spots of the warehouse (too high/too low temepratures and humidity values) so they can be constantly monitored and quick action can be taken to correct such zones.
This here is a standard mapping cycle for a new warehouse:
1. Pre-mapping study – performed with an empty warehouse (no products). This study can be done in any season (summer or winter).
2. Mapping study with the current load, performed chronologically in the first extreme available season – summer or winter.
3. Mapping study with the current load, performed chronologically in the next extreme available season
(if the first mapping study was done in the summer, then the second mapping study will be performed in winter time, and vice-versa).
4. On request, a separate FULL LOAD mapping study can be carried out, and in order to ensure the accuracy of the study, dummy loads can be used to fill up the space.
What you need to know:
1. The standard period for a temperature and relative humidity mapping study is 7 days minumum (that means 7 full days / 24 hours x 7 days).
2. On request, the mapping study can be extended to 14 days, taking into account a longer execution/delivery time and higher costs.
3. The mapping process is seasonal and must be done in both extreme seasons of the year: summer (June, July, August) and winter (December, January, February).
4. In an existing space, typically the mapping study measurements and tests are carried out with the present load.
5. For a new storage space, an empty load mapping (pre-mapping) study can be performed on request.
6. The mapping needs to be renewed every 3 to 4 years, depending on each specific audit request.
7. The mapping also needs to be renewed any time the space/warehouse is structurally modified in such a way that it affects it’s internal conditions.
Examples of this could be:
- adding new shelves or changing shelves positions
- creating or covering entrance spaces or windows / building new closed spaces within the previously mapped space
- changing HVAC systems in any way (add or remove)
Once the sensors have been collected and the data processing, evaluation and analysis is complete, we look at the results and make recommendations accordingly. In case Deviations appear, we recommend corrective measures within our Temperature and Relative Humidity Mapping Study REPORT.
The Mapping Report will include:
- Results and Conclussions of the specific Mapping Study
- Mapped Space Description
- Datalogger Matrix and Diagram
- Datalogger Classification based on results for temperature and relative humidity – such as first 10 highest/lowest temperatures on the lower/mid/top level
- Determinations of Monitoring Points – specifying how many, what type and where the future monitoring dataloggers will be installed
- A diagram of the future monitoring system
- Temperature Graphs for each level (low, mid, top)
- Humidity Graphs for each level (low, mid, top)
- Temperature & Humidity Graphs graphed against outside temperature and relative humidity
- Uniformity graphs.
- Temperature and Humidity Distribution Maps/Charts
- Minimum/Maximum/Average tables for each level (low,mid, top)
- Detailed measurement analysis and conclusions
- Detailed Recommendations
- MKT Distribution maps (applicable to temperature only)
- Definitions and Description of concepts and dataloggers used throughout the mapping study
- Copies of all uptodate calibration certificates of the dataloggers used within the mapping study