Monitoring Technology Terms
Accelerometer (Tri-axial): A sensor that measures acceleration forces in three planes (X, Y, and Z axes). Impactograph digital recorders use these to determine the exact direction and magnitude of a shock.
Analog Recorder: A mechanical device that uses a stylus to create a physical trace on chart paper, providing a time-stamped record of impacts without requiring batteries or digital interfaces.
G-Force (Gravitational Force): A measurement of acceleration. In shipment monitoring, it represents the intensity of an impact or vibration.
Impact Threshold: The pre-set G-level at which a device is triggered. For example, an Omni-G sensor might be set to 10g, meaning it only activates when an impact exceeds that force.
Mechanical Indicator: A non-electronic sensor (like the Omni-G) that uses physical components—such as spring-loaded steel balls—to provide a visual “go/no-go” signal of mishandling.
Piezoelectric Sensing: A method used in digital sensors to convert mechanical stress (impact) into an electrical signal for high-precision data logging.
Sampling Rate: The frequency at which a digital recorder measures data (e.g., 1,000 Hz). Higher rates capture “microsecond” events that lower-frequency sensors might miss.
Tilt Activation: The specific angle (typically 80° for Impactograph tilt labels) at which a sensor triggers to indicate that a “This Side Up” requirement was violated.
Logistics & Transport Terms
Accountability Chain: The documented trail of responsibility for a shipment. Using impact indicators creates “visible monitoring,” which encourages carriers to handle goods more carefully.
Cold Chain Integrity: The maintenance of a temperature-controlled environment for sensitive goods (pharmaceuticals, food). Impactograph’s Digi-Shock GT monitors both shock and temperature to ensure this integrity.
Deterrent Effect: The psychological impact on freight handlers when they see a “Monitored Shipment” label, which significantly reduces the statistical likelihood of rough handling.
Event Timestamping: The correlation of a shock event to a specific date and time. This is critical for identifying exactly which carrier or transfer point was responsible for damage.
Hidden Damage: Structural or internal damage to a product that is not visible on the external packaging. Impact sensors alert recipients to inspect the contents even if the box looks intact.
Lashing & Securing: The methods used to keep cargo stationary. Sensors help engineers determine if current lashing techniques are sufficient to withstand transit vibrations.
Peak G-Force: The maximum acceleration recorded during a single event. This is the primary metric used to determine if a product’s fragile internal components have been compromised.
Resettable vs. Single-Use: Resettable devices (like the Omni-G) can be used for multiple “missions,” while single-use indicators (like Protect-A-Pak) are designed for one-way journeys.
Compliance & Export Terms
ASTM D4169: A standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and systems. Impactograph data is often used to validate that packaging meets these laboratory standards.
Certificate of Conformance (CoC): A document provided by the manufacturer certifying that the monitoring device meets its stated specifications and calibration standards.
EAR99: A classification for items subject to U.S. Export Administration Regulations that do not require a specific export license for most countries. Most Impactograph devices are EAR99, simplifying global deployment.
ECCN (Export Control Classification Number): The alphanumeric code used to categorize items for export. Knowing this number is essential for compliance teams to avoid customs delays.
ISTA Standards (International Safe Transit Association): Industry-standard testing protocols for packaging. Digital impact recorders are used to “bridge the gap” between ISTA lab tests and real-world shipping conditions.
IP67 Rating: An international standard for “Ingress Protection.” Devices like the Digi-Shock XT are rated IP67, meaning they are dust-tight and protected against immersion in water.
NIST Traceable Calibration: Certification that a device’s accuracy has been verified against standards maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Zero-Friction Customs: A logistics goal where all hardware (including sensors) has pre-cleared regulatory documentation, preventing shipments from being held at borders due to “dual-use” technology concerns.
Protective Packaging & Engineering
Cushioning Factor: A numerical value representing a packaging material’s ability to absorb energy. Engineers use Impactograph data to determine if current cushioning is over-specified (wasting money) or under-specified (risking damage).
Fragility (G-Factor): The maximum acceleration a product can withstand before functional or structural failure occurs.
Interface Control: The process of inspecting sensors at every “hand-off” point (e.g., from warehouse to truck) to document exactly when a threshold was exceeded.
Resonant Frequency: The specific vibration frequency at which a product or package naturally vibrates with high intensity. Sustained transit vibration at this frequency can lead to “fatigue failure” even without a high-G impact.
Vibration Damping: The use of specialized materials (foam, springs, or rubber mounts) to reduce the intensity of vibrations during transport.
Environmental & Cold Chain Monitoring
Desiccant: Drying agents used inside crates to prevent moisture damage. Monitoring sensors often include humidity data to track if these agents have reached their saturation point.
Inertial Navigation: Using digital sensors to track the orientation of a shipment. If a crate is flipped, it can cause fluid leaks in machinery or the settling of heavy components.
Relative Humidity (RH): The amount of water vapor in the air compared to what it can hold at that temperature. High RH can lead to corrosion in electronics or mold in textiles.
Temperature Excursion: Any event where a shipment falls outside the required temperature range (e.g., a vaccine exceeding 8°C).
Thermal Lag: The delay between an external temperature change and the internal temperature change of the product. Sensors help determine if a brief excursion actually compromised the cargo.
Specialized Industrial Applications
Commissioning: The process of bringing a piece of equipment (like a massive power transformer) into service. Impactograph analog recorders are often left on transformers until commissioning is complete to prove no damage occurred during the final “last-mile” install.
In-Cabin Monitoring: Placing a recorder inside the driver’s cabin to correlate road conditions or driving behavior (harsh braking) with cargo impact events.
Laboratory-to-Field Correlation: The practice of comparing controlled ISTA/ASTM lab tests with real-world sensor data captured during a live shipment to refine packaging standards.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): A reliability metric. Excessive vibration during shipping can “age” a product prematurely, lowering its MTBF before it even arrives at the customer site.
NEMA Rating: Standards for electrical enclosures. Many Impactograph digital recorders are designed to fit within or meet these industrial housing requirements for rugged environments.