When setting up equipment for the Ecolab Remote Equipment Monitoring (REM) system, you'll need to add the equipment in the Ecolab KitchenIQ™ app, claim sensors by scanning their QR codes, and install each sensor securely in the appropriate location for accurate data reporting.
To edit Remote Monitoring settings, you must have the "Edit REM" permission. For more information on different role permissions visit Edit Role Permissions.
Plan Sensor Placement
- Determine your measurement goal:
- Ambient temperature: refers to the temperature of the surrounding air
- Surface temperature: refers to the temperature of a particular surface
- Choose placement based on use-case:
- Cold storage monitoring
- Warmer/hot box monitoring
- HVAC monitoring
- Door open/close monitoring
- CO2 level monitoring
Add Equipment and Claim Sensors
When adding equipment and sensors, it is highly encouraged that you physically install each sensor immediately after completing steps 1-6 below. Physically installing each sensor immediately after it has been added to the equipment helps to ensure that the sensor isn't mixed up with other sensors during the install
To add a sensor to new equipment:
- From the Menu, tap Remote Monitoring
- Tap the + icon in the top right corner
- Tap Add Equipment
- Name the Equipment and select a template, then tap Save and Continue
- The camera should activate automatically
- If a pop-up appears stating that KitchenIQ would like access to the camera, select allow
- Point the camera at the QR code and adjust for clarity
- Wait for the scan to complete, then the sensor should be listed in the equipment details
- With the equipment created and sensor added in the app, we recommend that you install that sensor right away
- Installing the sensor now helps to ensure that this sensor isn't mixed up with other sensors during the install process
Newly added equipment and sensors can take 30-60 minutes to display data. If a sensor still does not display data after 60 minutes, move the Cloud Connector closer to the sensor showing No Data, and wait another 30-60 minutes to check for data again.
Add a Sensor to Existing Equipment
When adding equipment and sensors, it is highly encouraged that you physically install each sensor immediately after completing steps 1-6 below. Physically installing each sensor immediately after it has been added to the equipment helps to ensure that the sensor isn't mixed up with other sensors during the install
- From the Menu, tap Remote Monitoring
- Search for and select the desired Equipment
- Tap the + icon next to Attached Sensors
- The camera should activate automatically
- If a pop-up appears stating that KitchenIQ would like access to the camera, select allow
- Point the camera at the QR code and adjust for clarity
- Wait for the scan to complete, then the sensor should be listed in the equipment details
- With the equipment created and sensor added in the app, we recommend that you install that sensor right away
- Installing the sensor now helps to ensure that this sensor isn't mixed up with other sensors during the install process
Newly added equipment and sensors can take 30-60 minutes to display data. If a sensor still does not display data after 60 minutes, move the Cloud Connector closer to the sensor showing No Data, and wait another 30-60 minutes to check for data again.
Preparing Surfaces for Sensor Installation and Mounting the Sensor
Select a location where daily activities like moving food in and out of coolers or freezers will not disturb the sensor.
- Clean the surface thoroughly with an alcohol wipe
- Completely dry the cleaned surface using a clean, dry disposable towel
- Remove the adhesive backing and affix the sensor to the clean and dry surface
- Firmly press and hold the sensor in place for 10-15 seconds to allow the adhesive to cure
- You can use zip ties or super glue if necessary
Best Practices for Ambient (Environmental) Temperature Monitoring
- Install sensors on interior walls or central columns
- Avoid placing sensors near:
- Heat-emitting devices: Installing the sensor near these devices can lead to false readings due to their radiant heat output
- Direct sunlight: Sunlight exposure can cause temperature spikes and fluctuations, making it an unreliable location for ambient temperature measurement
- Exterior walls: Placing sensors on exterior walls can expose them to outdoor temperature fluctuations, affecting the accuracy of humidity and temperature measurements
- Areas with concealed pipework: Installing the sensor in these locations can lead to inaccurate temperature readings as it may measure the temperature of the concealed pipes rather than the true ambient conditions
- Ventilation units: Sensors placed nearby may record temperature variations influenced by the hot or cold air expelled by these units rather than the actual ambient temperature
- Areas with excessive air movement: In such locations, air drafts can disrupt temperature measurements, leading to inaccurate data affected by air movement
- Windows: Unsealed windows can introduce temperature variations, influenced by outdoor weather conditions, affecting sensor readings
- Position sensors at chest height on central columns or interior walls, maintaining normal air circulation, and avoiding proximity to hot or cold equipment.
Cold Storage Monitoring
- For accurate ambient temperature measurements in refrigerators, freezers, and cooling cabinets, be sure to use the included (and pre-in-stalled) range extender mount. This accessory insulates the sensor from the materials to which it is affixed, eliminating metal interference and enhancing wireless range.
- Due to extreme cold storage conditions, the sensor’s adhesive may not securely attach to the Ambient Range Extender, increasing the risk of it falling and getting damaged. We recommend using super glue for a more secure installation.
HVAC Monitoring
- When it comes to HVAC Temperature Monitoring, it’s crucial to overcome connectivity challenges, especially when sensors are placed inside metal shafts. To address this issue effectively, consider the use of the Ambient Range Extender, as it will ensure that your HVAC system’s temperature data remains reliable.
Measuring Surface Temperature
- Temperature sensors, with their small size and rapid heat absorption, are suitable for measuring the surface temperature of most equipment. Applying them to flat surfaces is easy due to their adhesive backing. However, on metal surfaces, connectivity issues may arise, and uneven surfaces can lead to adhesive problems or thermal connection issues. Careful placement is crucial in such situations to ensure accurate readings.
Configuration
- The Wireless Temperature Sensor uses Heartbeat Interval (HBI) to transmit a message notifying the system that it is present and operational, which is set by default to 15 minutes.
Settling Period
- Once the sensor has been installed, and the Cloud Connector has sucessfully established a cellular data connection (with a solid white light), you can typically expect to see sensor readings displayed in the app within 30-60 minutes.
Confirm Connectivity
- From the Menu, tap Remote Monitoring to open the Equipment List
- Each piece of equipment with a sensor added should display sensor data to the right
- For equipment with multiple sensors, you'll see a status summary
- From the Equipment List, tap on the Cloud Connector to ensure it shows signal strength above 20%
If sensor data is missing:
- Sensor data may take 30-60 minutes to appear
- Refresh the equipment screen every 5-10 minutes until data is displayed
- Ensure the Cloud Connector shows a solid white LED light
- Check that Cloud Connector signal strength is consistently above 20%
- If the LED light is not solid white or signal strength is not above 20%, see Cloud Connector Offline or Not Reporting Consistently
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