14
Jun
2012
WSL Introduces DataTrace to the UK & Ireland
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The
team at Withnell Sensors are proud to partner with American firm Mesa Labs to
bring DataTrace Data Loggers to the UK and Ireland. The range of loggers offer
customers the perfect balance of versatility and reliability. Sales Manager
Philip de Freitas talks about the recent addition to their product offering ‘We
are very excited about the DataTrace product, take the RF wireless loggers for
instance, this product alone will present our customers with a new experience
in validation-removing the need for thermocouples, we know this is what our
customers want.’
Looking
to the future-wireless Logging for Real-Time Data
The
team recently travelled to the US to improve their knowledge and experience
with the product range. DataTrace is an established brand and already has a
worldwide following in various industries. Known by many as the pioneers of wireless
loggers, DataTrace supported other companies with the development of their own
wireless systems but has since focused on further developing their product in a
market where competitors have stood still. These loggers are now more versatile
and reliable than ever and operate in conjunction with comprehensive, multi-functional
software. The range of RF loggers cover temperature, humidity and pressure
offering real-time data alongside an exceptional technical specification. The
engineering team told us ‘There are so many applications that these loggers are
suited too, probably one of the most beneficial for our customers would be the
validation of steam autoclaves where at present other wireless systems just
don’t offer reliability’.
DataTrace
also offer a range of self contained wireless loggers which are equally a great
product in their own right. These loggers cover temperature, humidity and
pressure. One of the first things that strikes you with this range is how
compact they are, it’s really quite hard to put them into perspective. Their
‘dinky’ size means that the sensors can be closer to the product offering more
valid data. The compact loggers can still pack a decent punch on the
specification side, collecting up to 16,000 data points, fully traceable and
calibrated and of course FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliant. All of the DataTrace
products are intrinsically safe allowing them to be used in various
applications including more hazardous environments.
Offering the
full Service Solution
Existing
customers will already appreciate Withnell Sensor’s commitment to customer
service. Philip de Freitas is quite passionate when he discusses this aspect of
the business ‘We aren’t just here for the short sell, on-going service has
always been hugely important to our business. Part of this on-going commitment
is ensuring that we can provide support for our customers after the product has
been implemented. We also want customers to share the confidence that we have
in this range by delivering repeatable service results’
Many factors
influence service decisions including cost, turn-around time, flexibility and
quality. Regulations within the pharmaceutical industry recommend annual
calibration of most validation systems. With this in mind Withnell Sensors are
working towards offering a UK based, UKAS accredited calibration of the
DataTrace products which are currently calibrated in the USA. The Quality
Manager, Samantha Smith informs us ‘We already operate a successful UKAS
accredited facility and we know that offering a competitive service solution is
fundamental to the success of introducing these products. A UK calibration will
minimise down-time, offer a facility that our customers can easily access and
provide certification from an accredited body that our customers are familiar
with.’ Withnell Sensors are working closely with Mesa Labs and other
calibration providers to enable them to offer an effective service from summer
2012.
New Prospects
Withnell
Sensors has long been associated with offering validation service solutions to
the Pharmaceutical and BioTech industries. The introduction of this versatile
product to their portfolio will present opportunities to extend their
comprehensive service to other industries. These industries can benefit not
only from the quality and reliability of the DataTrace range but also from the
expertise of the UK based field service engineers.
Everything
considered we are confident that we will see more companies adopting the
DataTrace products for their future data logging requirements.
29
Mar
2012
Validator 2000 Critical SRAM component failure
Withnell Sensors continues to deliver cost effective services to Kaye equipment users with the offering of the latest component swap out. Customers with a Validator 8 years or older, ( Currently Validator Serial numbers beginning '99', '00','01','02','03','04') were recently informed that the manufacturer had identified electronic board components within the Validator that have a limited lifespan.
The component in question is a SRAM memory module that stores critical data such as Calibration Coefficients , Serial number and other system critical parameters. Within this chip there is a battery that provides a constant voltage which keeps the memory 'active'. The life of this internal battery is between 8 & 10 years. When the battery fails the volatile memory stored within is erased causing this critical data to be lost.
The engineering team have carefully assessed this issue and are able to perform this repair to manufacturers standards. The best part is, they are able to perform this at a fraction of the cost currently being quoted by competitors. The work is conducted in the laboratory at their main site in Withnell by experienced engineers. They recommend that the most sensible option is to have this work carried out around the same time as the annual calibration.
To date we are well on our way to sucessfully completing 100 of these chip upgrades. Each unit has an 'As Found' performed. (This is only done if the chip has not already failed). Once complete the main board is reworked. On reassembly the Validator is re-characterised and then calibrated. An 'As Left' is performed as part of the calibration which completes the process. Due to the nature of the work involved and the calibration process required this upgrade can only be performed here at Withnell Sensors Lab and cannot be performed on customer site.
Philip de Freitas, Sales Manager talks to us about their service providing ‘It is important that customers are aware that there are alternative Kaye service providers in the market, offering good technical support. This is just one of the reasons that we value each customer individually and always strive to offer the right balance of value and service’.
If customers are concerned about the status of their validator or want to confirm whether or not this component issue may affect their equipment then feel free to contact us.
WSL Introduces DataTrace to the UK & Ireland
The team at Withnell Sensors are proud to partner with American firm Mesa Labs to bring DataTrace Data Loggers to the UK and Ireland. The range of loggers offer customers the perfect balance of versatility and reliability. Sales Manager Philip de Freitas talks about the recent addition to their product offering ‘We are very excited about the DataTrace product, take the RF wireless loggers for instance, this product alone will present our customers with a new experience in validation-removing the need for thermocouples, we know this is what our customers want.’
Looking to the future-wireless Logging for Real-Time Data
The team recently travelled to the US to improve their knowledge and experience with the product range. DataTrace is an established brand and already has a worldwide following in various industries. Known by many as the pioneers of wireless loggers, DataTrace supported other companies with the development of their own wireless systems but has since focused on further developing their product in a market where competitors have stood still. These loggers are now more versatile and reliable than ever and operate in conjunction with comprehensive, multi-functional software. The range of RF loggers cover temperature, humidity and pressure offering real-time data alongside an exceptional technical specification. The engineering team told us ‘There are so many applications that these loggers are suited too, probably one of the most beneficial for our customers would be the validation of steam autoclaves where at present other wireless systems just don’t offer reliability’.
DataTrace also offer a range of self contained wireless loggers which are equally a great product in their own right. These loggers cover temperature, humidity and pressure. One of the first things that strikes you with this range is how compact they are, it’s really quite hard to put them into perspective. Their ‘dinky’ size means that the sensors can be closer to the product offering more valid data. The compact loggers can still pack a decent punch on the specification side, collecting up to 16,000 data points, fully traceable and calibrated and of course FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliant. All of the DataTrace products are intrinsically safe allowing them to be used in various applications including more hazardous environments.
Offering the full Service Solution
Existing customers will already appreciate Withnell Sensor’s commitment to customer service. Philip de Freitas is quite passionate when he discusses this aspect of the business ‘We aren’t just here for the short sell, on-going service has always been hugely important to our business. Part of this on-going commitment is ensuring that we can provide support for our customers after the product has been implemented. We also want customers to share the confidence that we have in this range by delivering repeatable service results’
Many factors influence service decisions including cost, turn-around time, flexibility and quality. Regulations within the pharmaceutical industry recommend annual calibration of most validation systems. With this in mind Withnell Sensors are working towards offering a UK based, UKAS accredited calibration of the DataTrace products which are currently calibrated in the USA. The Quality Manager, Samantha Smith informs us ‘We already operate a successful UKAS accredited facility and we know that offering a competitive service solution is fundamental to the success of introducing these products. A UK calibration will minimise down-time, offer a facility that our customers can easily access and provide certification from an accredited body that our customers are familiar with.’ Withnell Sensors are working closely with Mesa Labs and other calibration providers to enable them to offer an effective service from summer 2012.
New Prospects
Withnell Sensors has long been associated with offering validation service solutions to the Pharmaceutical and BioTech industries. The introduction of this versatile product to their portfolio will present opportunities to extend their comprehensive service to other industries. These industries can benefit not only from the quality and reliability of the DataTrace range but also from the expertise of the UK based field service engineers.
Everything considered we are confident that we will see more companies adopting the DataTrace products for their future data logging requirements.
Validator 2000 Critical SRAM component failure
Withnell Sensors continues to deliver cost effective services to Kaye equipment users with the offering of the latest component swap out. Customers with a Validator 8 years or older, ( Currently Validator Serial numbers beginning '99', '00','01','02','03','04') were recently informed that the manufacturer had identified electronic board components within the Validator that have a limited lifespan.
The component in question is a SRAM memory module that stores critical data such as Calibration Coefficients , Serial number and other system critical parameters. Within this chip there is a battery that provides a constant voltage which keeps the memory 'active'. The life of this internal battery is between 8 & 10 years. When the battery fails the volatile memory stored within is erased causing this critical data to be lost.
The engineering team have carefully assessed this issue and are able to perform this repair to manufacturers standards. The best part is, they are able to perform this at a fraction of the cost currently being quoted by competitors. The work is conducted in the laboratory at their main site in Withnell by experienced engineers. They recommend that the most sensible option is to have this work carried out around the same time as the annual calibration.
To date we are well on our way to sucessfully completing 100 of these chip upgrades. Each unit has an 'As Found' performed. (This is only done if the chip has not already failed). Once complete the main board is reworked. On reassembly the Validator is re-characterised and then calibrated. An 'As Left' is performed as part of the calibration which completes the process. Due to the nature of the work involved and the calibration process required this upgrade can only be performed here at Withnell Sensors Lab and cannot be performed on customer site.
Philip de Freitas, Sales Manager talks to us about their service providing ‘It is important that customers are aware that there are alternative Kaye service providers in the market, offering good technical support. This is just one of the reasons that we value each customer individually and always strive to offer the right balance of value and service’.
If customers are concerned about the status of their validator or want to confirm whether or not this component issue may affect their equipment then feel free to contact us.
