In today’s industrial landscape, precise measurement, continuous monitoring, and reliable control are essential to maintain high quality, boost performance, and ensure the safety of every process. Central to achieving these goals is the data logger, a compact but powerful device designed for accurate data acquisition, storage, and analysis. Whether you are dealing with temperature, humidity, voltage, pressure, or other environmental conditions, choosing the right data logger is crucial.
With an expanding range of devices available, how do you select the one that fits your industrial requirements? This guide will help you navigate the key technical criteria for choosing a data logger tailored to your needs.
What Is a Data Logger?
A data logger is a standalone device used for logging and recording physical measurements over time. Through internal or external sensors, the logger collects data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and voltage, and stores it in onboard memory. This information can later be extracted and analyzed via specialized software.
Modern loggers are used in countless applications, from monitoring cold chain conditions in logistics to controlling energy output in power systems. Whether wireless or wired, these devices empower industries to measure, monitor, and ensure stable environmental and electrical parameters in real-time or over extended periods.
Key Criteria for Choosing the Right Data Logger
Types of Measurements
First, identify what physical parameters you need to record. Different types of data loggers support a variety of sensors and measurement functions:
- Temperature (internal or external probes)
- Humidity and dew point
- Pressure
- Voltage, current, or analog signals
- Digital inputs for event-based logging
Advanced systems allow multi-channel data acquisition, enabling the integration of several sensors into a single device, perfect for complex applications.
Accuracy and Resolution
High quality measurements require precision. Inaccuracies of even a few millivolts or degrees can distort the results. Always evaluate the accuracy and resolution of a logger before purchasing, especially for real-time monitoring and critical supply chain uses.
Memory Capacity
Memory is the heart of any data logging solution. Whether using internal storage, USB drives, or SD cards, the capacity determines how long and how often you can record. Industrial-grade devices may feature expandable storage up to several terabytes, ideal for long-term and high-frequency logging.
Interface and Software Compatibility
Usability is key. Choose products with:
- Clear displays (LCD/LED)
- USB, wireless, or Ethernet interfaces
- Software that simplifies monitoring, data export, and graph visualization
Your ability to configure the system, set up logging intervals, and integrate into broader control systems will greatly influence performance and efficiency.
Power Supply and Portability
Depending on your use case, choose between AC-powered or battery-operated devices. For field applications and mobile monitoring, opt for a compact logger with long battery life and wireless connectivity. This is especially useful in remote environments where stable energy supply is not guaranteed.
DUNASYS: Your Partner in Smart Data Logging
DUNASYS, a French leader in embedded systems, delivers cutting-edge products like the DUNADIAG-2 and DUNALOG. These high-performance loggers support a wide range of sensors and communication protocols including CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and Ethernet. Whether you’re monitoring temperature, voltage, or environmental conditions, we offer devices with large memory, real-time control, and robust design.
Ideal for predictive maintenance, system diagnostics, and industrial applications, we also provide custom solutions to meet specialized requirements.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Real-Time Insight
Choosing the right data logger is more than a hardware purchase, it’s a long-term strategic decision that impacts the quality, safety, and performance of your industrial systems. From temperature to humidity, from pressure to voltage, the correct logger will ensure that you always have accurate, actionable data at the right time.
Evaluate the types of measurements, power options, storage capabilities, and sensor compatibility to match your exact needs. With the right data logger, you gain control over complex processes, elevate product reliability, and support high-value operations across the supply chain.