When choosing the ideal environmental monitoring system for your lab or facility, it's crucial to understand your business needs to make an informed decision. Finding the right environmental monitoring system with so many options and varying capabilities can be overwhelming. In the checklist below, we'll guide you through the various factors to consider, ensuring that your choice aligns with your operational and regulatory requirements.

What Is an Environmental Monitoring System?

An environmental monitoring system (EMS) is a network of sensors and software that tracks and records critical environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and air quality. These systems ensure compliance, protect sensitive assets, and maintain optimal conditions in regulated environments like laboratories, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing plants. 

Now that we’ve established what an EMS system is, let’s examine the seven key considerations and features below that will help you identify the right one for your lab or facility.

1. Identify Your Monitoring Needs

Understanding the purpose and functionality of an environmental monitoring system is the first step. To select the ideal environmental monitoring system, it’s essential to first clarify the specific conditions your facility needs to control. Begin by outlining the environmental parameters critical to your operations, as this will guide your system requirements. These parameters can vary widely based on the industry and use case but typically include the following:

• Temperature and Humidity: Crucial for pharmaceutical labs, food storage, and manufacturing.
• Air Quality: Important for cleanrooms and healthcare settings.
• Pressure and Motion Detection: Useful for security and operational efficiency.

If your facility requires monitoring multiple parameters, consider a comprehensive system like Mesa Labs' ViewPoint VPx Pro 6. This system can track up to 12 parameters with a single sensor.​

2. Evaluate System Scalability

Growth and change are inevitable in any facility, so choosing a scalable environmental monitoring system is vital for long-term success. A system that can expand alongside your operations ensures you won’t outgrow its capabilities or face costly replacements down the line. To future-proof your monitoring setup, prioritize features like the following:

• Modular Design: Allows easy addition of sensors or probes.
• Cloud Integration: Ensures centralized data management for multi-site facilities.

For instance, the ViewPoint Cloud Continuous Monitoring Software by Mesa Labs provides scalable, cloud-based solutions, enabling real-time data collection and reporting from any device.​

3. Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards

Compliance with industry standards is non-negotiable in regulated environments, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Choosing a complete continuous monitoring hardware and software system that aligns with these regulations not only safeguards your operations but also simplifies audits and reduces the risk of penalties. Look for systems that meet the following guidelines:

• USFDA's 21 CFR Part 11
• GxP guidelines
• CDC Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

Systems like the ViewPoint(R) VPx Pro 6 with ViewPoint(R) Cloud software ensure compliance with these standards, providing an immutable audit trail and automated reporting to streamline regulatory adherence​.

4. Assess Alert and Reporting Capabilities

Real-time alerts and robust reporting capabilities are critical for any reliable environmental monitoring system. These tools ensure that you’re immediately informed of any parameter excursions and can provide detailed documentation for audits and reviews. To maintain operational integrity and compliance, prioritize systems with features such as:

• 24/7 Alerts: Immediate notifications via email, SMS, or audible alarms for parameter excursions.
• Customizable Reporting: Tailored reports for audits and internal reviews.

Advanced systems like the ViewPoint VPx Pro 6 with ViewPoint® Cloud software provides local audiovisual alerts and cloud notifications, ensuring you're always informed about environmental changes.

5. Analyze Installation and Maintenance Requirements

The ease of installation and ongoing maintenance are key factors in the long-term success of your environmental monitoring system. A system that is simple to set up and maintain minimizes disruptions and ensures consistent performance over time. Pay particular attention to features such as:

• Battery Life and Replacement: Long-lasting batteries and simple replacement processes reduce downtime.
• Calibration Services: Regular calibration ensures consistent accuracy.

Mesa Labs offers MesaCare™ service agreements, covering everything from installation to ongoing maintenance, providing peace of mind for users​.

6. Compare Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a crucial consideration when selecting an environmental monitoring system, as it impacts both installation and performance. Different facilities have unique requirements, so it’s essential to choose a system that aligns with your network infrastructure. Depending on your environment, consider options such as:

• Wi-Fi Systems: Simplify setup using existing networks.
• 900 MHz RF: Offer robust communication in environments with potential interference.

Mesa’s ViewPoint® VPx Wi-Fi Sensor combines flexibility and ease of use, making it ideal for facilities with established Wi-Fi networks​.

7. Understand Data Management and Security

Effective data management and security are essential for maintaining the integrity of your monitoring system and the sensitive information it handles. A reliable system ensures that data is continuously logged and securely stored, even during network disruptions. Look for modern features that offer advanced data management, such as:

• Onboard Storage: Provides data logging during network outages.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Protects sensitive information with encryption and automated backups.

The ViewPoint® systems provide robust data storage and ensure that your data is always safe and accessible.

Choosing the right environmental monitoring system is pivotal for maintaining the integrity of your operations. Making an informed decision when choosing the right environmental monitoring system for your lab is easy when understanding your specific needs and evaluating systems based on scalability, compliance, alert capabilities, and connectivity.

Discover how Mesa Labs' Continuous Monitoring Systems can simplify your environmental monitoring. Visit our ViewPoint Continuous Monitoring Systems site to learn more about tailored solutions for your lab or facility.