Setting Up Temperature Monitoring

Overview

VeriFood’s automated temperature monitoring system helps you track temperatures 24/7 without manual logging. This guide covers everything from sensor installation to alert configuration.

What You’ll Need

Hardware:

• VeriFood wireless temperature sensors (1 per monitoring point)
• WiFi network with internet access
• Smartphone or tablet for initial setup

Information:

• Location of all refrigeration units and hot holding equipment
• Critical temperature ranges for each unit
• Team members who should receive alerts

Quick Setup Guide

Step 1: Unbox Your Sensors

Each sensor package includes:

• 1 Wireless temperature sensor
• 2 AA batteries (pre-installed)
• 1 Mounting bracket
• 2 Screws and anchors
• Quick start card

Battery Life: 12-18 months under normal use

Step 2: Power On the Sensor

1. Remove the battery tab on the back of the sensor
2. The LED will flash blue, indicating it’s powered on
3. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue (about 10 seconds)

LED Indicators:

• Solid Blue: Ready to pair
• Flashing Green: Connected to WiFi
• Solid Green: Operating normally
• Red: Error or low battery

Step 3: Add Sensor to VeriFood

Using the Mobile App:

1. Open the VeriFood app on your smartphone
2. Tap Settings → Sensors
3. Tap Add New Sensor
4. Scan the QR code on the back of the sensor

Or enter manually:

• Sensor ID (8-digit code on device)
• Location assignment
• Equipment type

5. Tap Continue

Step 4: Connect to WiFi

1. The app will scan for available networks
2. Select your WiFi network
3. Enter the WiFi password
4. Wait for confirmation (30-60 seconds)

Troubleshooting WiFi:

• Ensure sensor is within 30 feet of router
• Use 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz)
• Check that network allows IoT devices

Step 5: Configure Sensor Settings

Name Your Sensor: Give it a descriptive name for easy identification

• Examples: “Walk-in Cooler #1”, “Prep Fridge - Kitchen”, “Hot Holding Station”

Set Temperature Range: Configure the safe operating range for this location

Equipment Type	Recommended Range
Walk-in Freezer	-10°F to 0°F
Walk-in Cooler	34°F to 38°F
Reach-in Refrigerator	32°F to 40°F
Hot Holding	140°F to 165°F
Cold Prep Table	32°F to 40°F

Set Alert Thresholds:

• Warning Level - First notification (e.g., 41°F)
• Critical Level - Urgent alert (e.g., 45°F)
• Delay Time - How long out of range before alerting (e.g., 10 minutes)

Step 6: Mount the Sensor

Best Placement:

For Refrigeration Units:

1. Place sensor in the warmest area (usually top shelf, near door)
2. Avoid placing directly on cooling vents
3. Keep away from door seals
4. Ensure sensor is visible for battery changes

Mounting Options:

Option A - Magnetic Mount (Recommended):

1. Clean the surface with a dry cloth
2. Press sensor firmly against metal surface
3. Test that it’s secure

Option B - Screw Mount:

1. Mark mounting holes with pencil
2. Drill pilot holes if needed
3. Insert anchors into holes
4. Screw bracket to wall
5. Clip sensor into bracket

Option C - Adhesive Mount:

1. Clean surface with alcohol wipe
2. Remove adhesive backing
3. Press firmly for 30 seconds
4. Wait 1 hour before use

Step 7: Configure Alert Recipients

Set up who gets notified when temperatures go out of range:

1. Go to Settings → Alerts
2. Select the sensor you just added
3. Click Add Recipient

Configure for each person:

• Name and contact method (Email, SMS, or App)
• Alert types (Warning, Critical, Offline)
• Notification schedule (24/7 or business hours only)
• Escalation (notify after X minutes if not acknowledged)

Example Alert Setup:

Primary Contact: Kitchen Manager
- Method: SMS + App notification
- All alert types
- 24/7 monitoring

Secondary Contact: General Manager
- Method: Email + SMS
- Critical alerts only
- Escalate after 15 minutes

Step 8: Test Your Setup

Run a Test Alert:

1. In sensor settings, click Test Alert
2. Verify all recipients receive the notification
3. Confirm alert displays correctly in dashboard
4. Test acknowledgment process

Verify Data Logging:

1. Wait 15 minutes for initial readings
2. Check dashboard shows temperature graph
3. Confirm readings match equipment display
4. Verify data updates every 5 minutes

Advanced Configuration

Setting Up Monitoring Schedules

Create custom monitoring schedules for different scenarios:

Business Hours Monitoring:

• Active monitoring: 6 AM - 11 PM
• Quiet hours: 11 PM - 6 AM (critical alerts only)

Seasonal Adjustments:

• Summer: Tighter temperature ranges
• Winter: Adjusted for ambient temperature changes

Calibration

Calibrate sensors for maximum accuracy:

1. Place sensor next to a calibrated thermometer
2. Let both stabilize for 15 minutes
3. Note any difference in readings
4. Go to Settings → Sensors → Calibration
5. Enter offset value (if needed)
6. Save changes

Most sensors are accurate within ±0.5°F and don’t need calibration

Integration with Checklists

Link temperature sensors to daily checklists:

1. Create or edit a checklist
2. Add “Temperature Check” task
3. Select Auto-populate from sensor
4. Choose which sensor to pull from
5. Set acceptance criteria

The system will automatically fill in temperature readings, reducing manual entry.

Monitoring Multiple Locations

For multi-location businesses:

Dashboard View Options

By Location:

• See all sensors at one location
• Compare trends across similar equipment
• Location-specific alert settings

By Equipment Type:

• All walk-in coolers across locations
• All freezers company-wide
• Hot holding equipment overview

Centralized Alerts

Configure alerts to route to:

• Location managers (for their location only)
• Regional managers (for multiple locations)
• Corporate team (for all locations)

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular Maintenance

Monthly Tasks:

• Check sensor LED is green
• Verify temperature readings are accurate
• Test alert system
• Clean sensor exterior if dusty

Annual Tasks:

• Replace batteries (when LED shows yellow)
• Recalibrate sensors
• Update WiFi credentials if changed
• Review and update alert contacts

Common Issues

Sensor shows offline:

1. Check LED status
2. Verify WiFi connection
3. Check battery level
4. Restart sensor (remove and reinsert battery)
5. Check if router is working

Temperature readings seem incorrect:

1. Compare to manual thermometer
2. Check sensor placement (not on cooling vent)
3. Calibrate if needed
4. Contact support if issue persists

Not receiving alerts:

1. Test alert system
2. Check notification settings
3. Verify contact information is correct
4. Check spam folder for emails
5. Ensure phone can receive SMS

Video Tutorials

• Sensor Installation (3:15)
• Configuring Alerts (2:45)
• Reading Your Dashboard (4:20)

Related Articles

• Understanding Temperature Alert Types
• Best Practices for Sensor Placement
• Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
• Replacing Sensor Batteries

Need Help?

Technical Support:

• Live Chat: Available 24/7
• Email: support@verifood.com
• Phone: 1-800-VERIFOOD

Installation Assistance: Request a video call with our team for guided setup: [Schedule Installation Support]

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Last Updated: January 2025