Shock Indicators Part 1 - Why Monitor Shipments?
This is part 1 of our article series on shock indicators. Here, we cover why you should use shock indicators on your shipments. Part 2, which deals with how to use them correctly, can be found here. Part 3 is about how to choose the right sensitivity, and you can find it here!
Shock indicator, impact sensor, cargo monitor, Shockwatch – these devices go by many names, but what are they and why should you use them?
With the high growth of e-commerce and the exponential number of goods being shipped, we believe many could benefit from having their packages monitored for hard knocks and impacts. Shock indicators contain a small glass ampoule or a mechanical spring, precisely calibrated to detect a specific g-force that could potentially damage your goods during transport or storage. The springs hold a steel ball in place. When an impact occurs that exceeds the g-force level of the calibrated springs, the steel ball will dislodge and indicate that your package has been subjected to a major impact. In the case of ampoules, a thin glass wall will break, and the ampoule will fill with a red liquid.
So why would you bother monitoring your shipment? We have all experienced that carriers do not always treat cargo as if it were an irreplaceable Ming vase. Damaged products are a major cost for businesses worldwide. Customers lose both time and money because the products they receive do not work or are damaged upon arrival – and suppliers lose money replacing damaged goods.
Shock indicators should be considered for all products that have the potential for damage from impacts in the transport chain. This applies to fragile products as well as delicate electronic components.
Here are some good reasons to use shock indicators:
- Acts as a visual deterrent against mishandling
- Reduces mishandling through awareness
- Provides indisputable evidence of mishandling
- Reminds the recipient to inspect goods and equipment for potential damage before acceptance
- Promotes accountability for all product handling
- Confirms the effectiveness of the packaging
- Helps identify problems in the supply chain from production to transport to storage
- Reduces costs associated with damages occurring during operation, shipping, handling, and storage
Protect-A-Pak (PAP) is our most popular Impact-O-Graph monitoring device, not just for all the reasons listed above, but also for visual indication, low cost, efficiency, and accuracy. Its dual-axis design is a step above basic shock labels, providing superior impact detection. If you are not monitoring your shipments with a shock indicator, consider taking that extra step to monitor your packages for added visibility during transit. Your customers will be glad you did.
The tilt indicator is another type of indicator that shows whether your shipment has
tipped over during transport or storage. This indicator is tamper-proof and provides a clear red warning when it has been tipped. Products such as monitors and large screens are often packed in narrow, tall boxes that tip easily, making them perfect examples of products that should use tilt indicators. Often, the damage is not visible until you plug in the screen.
Do you have questions about how to use shock indicators, or do you want to test how much your product can withstand before it sustains critical damage? Contact us by email, and we will guide you!
