What is a data logger and how does it work?

What is a data logger?

A data logger or data recorder is a device that continuously records data over time in a certain location. Instead of just displaying a variable, like how a thermometer displays temperature, a data logger measures data at particular intervals and then stores the data.  The device uses either a built-in instrument or an external probe. The most common type of data measured is temperature and humidity, but data loggers can measure a range of variables such as voltage, pressure, dew point or PH.

What are the different types of data loggers?

If you are thinking about monitoring variables like temperature and humidity for your business, you should be aware of two very different kinds of data loggers: stand-alone loggers and web-based systems.

Stand-alone data loggers are compact, portable, and low cost devices. Most have internal sensors for monitoring and storing data but some are compatible with external probes as well so you can monitor at some distance from the logger. The downside of stand-alone devices is that most communicate with a computer via a USB interface. This means that every time you want to look at the data that has been recorded, you have to remove the device, plug it into a computer, download the data and then place the logger back in its monitoring location. This can be very time consuming if you have multiple data loggers monitoring different locations (e.g., multiple different fridges, storage areas or art cases). Another downside is that you have to travel to the location in order to collect and analyze the data. You can’t monitor environmental conditions from a home office or different business location -- you have to be at the site of the logging.

The other type of data logger is a robust, web-based solution. Web-based data logging systems enable remote, around-the-clock, internet-based access to environmental conditions via GSM cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet. These systems transmit collected data to a secure web server for accessing the data. Typically, these systems have a concentrator or gateway that connects to a number of sensors. This way, multiple locations can be easily monitored with one system. Also, this allows the system to scale up or down; you can easily add a new sensor or move a sensor to a new location. Most of these web-based systems come with built-in alert functionality. If the sensors detect a reading above or below the normal threshold, an alert will be sent via email or text message. At ACL Solutions, we only manufacture web-based solutions. We believe a web-based solution is the right choice for professional, easy monitoring of multiple locations.

How much do data loggers typically cost?

Stand-alone data loggers can cost between $200-$1000 USD each depending on the sophistication of the device. A device with multiple different channels or a higher degree of measurement accuracy will cost more. 

Web-based data loggers are typically much more expensive than stand-alone devices. Typically the gateway or console is purchased separately from the sensors. A gateway can cost $2000-$5000 USD while sensors can cost $100-$400 each. For more complex systems, the solution can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, most companies charge a fee for cloud storage of data. Dickson One charges $999/year for five devices and an additional $60/year for each additional sensor.

ACL Solutions has developed an enterprise data logging solution at a fraction of the typical cost!

We achieved this by combining recent technology price performance improvements, robust open source software, and decades of software development and integration experience.