A temperature mapping study, from plan to report.

1. Define the question and the approval path

In this example, a warehouse operator has changed a rack layout and wants evidence for a review of the usable storage area.

Write the brief

Record the changed layout, intended products, required storage conditions and decision owner. The example asks whether the proposed storage positions stay within its illustrative 15–25 °C limits under the conditions studied.

Agree on the conditions

The fictional study covers the normal loaded arrangement. Identify any empty study, seasonal work, door-opening test or power-loss challenge separately. Agree on duration and recording interval after reviewing the operating cycles; there is no duration that suits every site.

Approve before execution

The responsible personnel agree on the criteria, treatment of uncertainty, deviations, responsibilities and report format before deployment. A quote defines the service; it does not approve the protocol or authorize product storage.

2. Turn the site survey into a location register

Use the actual storage footprint and working heights, then add locations that address specific risks. The diagram below shows only three selected plan positions and five example measurement locations.

Measure and annotate

In the fictional area, note the receiving door, both racks, an air supply outlet, the return and the existing control sensor. Record rack loading and obstructions. A drawing needs to show where the instruments actually sit, not only the room dimensions.

Give each location an identity

A01 and A02 are at different heights on Rack A. B01 and B02 are on Rack B. D01 is a selected location near the door. Each record connects the location ID, coordinates or description, mounting height, logger serial number and calibration certificate.

Justify the full deployment

These five entries illustrate the records, not adequate coverage of a 12 × 8 × 4 m space. The actual number, horizontal spacing, vertical levels and additional risk locations need justification in the protocol from the site survey and applicable requirements.

3. Deploy, record and retrieve

Check the instruments

Match the instruments to the planned temperatures, recording interval and study length. Verify calibration evidence and logger identities, align timestamps and time zone, and record the actual placement before starting.

Keep an operating log

For this example, staff record receiving-door activity and changes to the loaded arrangement. Record any unplanned interruption, moved instrument or missing data as well. A planned challenge must follow the approved method; an unplanned event needs review.

Preserve the evidence

At retrieval, reconcile instruments with the location register and retain the original exports. Record the start and end times, any excluded stabilization period and the reasons for exclusions. Keep the raw files separate from the working analysis.

4. Review time series before summarizing

The invented summary below covers three selected locations. It deliberately includes an excursion and a missing interval so that a reassuring average cannot stand in for a review of the data.

Check completeness first

Confirm units, time alignment, calibration references and coverage for each location. B01 has an invented 20-minute data gap. Its available readings cannot establish what happened during that interval; record the limitation and decide whether more evidence is needed.

Investigate the exception

D01 reaches an invented 26.2 °C against the example’s 25 °C upper limit. The event log records a receiving-door opening near that time. This is a possible explanation to investigate, not proof of cause or permission to accept the excursion.

Compare locations and time

Review the full curves, the duration and recurrence of excursions, and differences between heights and positions. A01’s summary sits within the illustrative limits, but that single location cannot establish acceptance of the whole area.

5. Assemble a report that can be reviewed

Connect the report to the protocol

State the objective, approved method and conditions actually observed. Include the location drawing and register, instrument calibration evidence, original readings, time-series plots, analysis, operating log and documented deviations in the agreed deliverables.

Separate findings from recommendations

The fictional findings are the D01 excursion and B01 data gap. Possible next actions include investigating door operations, reviewing storage near the door and gathering evidence for the incomplete interval. State the limits of the study instead of declaring the area compliant from a summary table.

Route the decisions

Assign technical review and customer approval. Your responsible personnel decide on deviation acceptance, product disposition and authorization to use storage positions. The report supports these decisions; it does not make them automatically.

6. Put the findings into operation

Own the actions

Record an owner and review date for each agreed action. Update controlled storage drawings or operating procedures only through your approval process. Define any repeat study or additional condition in a separate, approved plan.

Connect to ongoing monitoring

Use the reviewed distribution findings to assess routine sensor locations and alarm procedures. Continue monitoring and response after the study; mapping is evidence for the conditions tested, not a guarantee about future operation.

Prepare your own project

Send your location, dimensions, required temperature range, reason for the study and deadline. Mention the loading state, drawings and approval requirements you already have. ATEK will review availability, scope and deliverables with you.

Continue planning your study