FreshMon Kit Q&A
FreshMon Kit
Q: What is the FreshMon Kit?
A: The FreshMon Kit is an integrated monitoring solution designed to track environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and other parameters depending on the sensor type. It is ideal for cold chain, food storage, and logistics environments. The kit includes sensors, a gateway, a mobile app, and a cloud-based management platform.
Q: What is included in FreshMon Kit?
A:
FreshMon | Grocery Kit | Restaurant Kit |
Android Gateway with display | X 1 | X 1 |
LoRa Temperature Sensor | X 3 | X 3 |
LoRa Temperature & Humidity Sensor | X 2 | X 1 |
LoRa Temperature Sensor without Probe | X 1 | X 2 |
External Probe TMP117 (measuring range -55℃~150℃) | X 1 | X 1 |
External Probe PT1000 (measuring range -50℃~300℃) | – | X 1 |
Q: Can I add more sensors to the gateway?
A: Yes. Each gateway can support up to 200 sensors. If you have specific requirements for sensor quantity or sensor type per gateway, please contact your sales representative for support.
Knowledgebase Article required:
Kit Setup / unpacking (Topics included)
- Gateway product overview – USB slot, SIM Card slot, Ethernet port, power button, reset button.
- Basic navigation – Sensor screen, Setup screen, Settings screen
- Sensor screen – changing view, changing temperature unit of measure
- Setup screen – overview of options – no configuration steps
- Settings screen – Overview of options – no configuration steps
- Other Tab – Accessing Network Settings – setting up WiFi connection
- Sensor Product overview – Tamper button, power button, Mounting plate
- How to power on
- Connecting a probe (if sensor is equipped)
Sensors
Q: What do the FreshMon sensors do?
A: FreshMon sensors collect real-time environmental data, such as temperature and humidity, to help ensure proper storage and transportation conditions.
Q: How are sensors installed?
A:
- Place sensors in the monitored environment (e.g., refrigerator, warehouse, transport container).
- Ensure they are within the communication range of the gateway.
- Secure them using mounting accessories if provided.
Q: How do the sensors communicate?
A: Sensors transmit data wirelessly to the FreshMon gateway using LoRa communication, using both 2.4ghz and 900mhz
Q: How do I replace the sensor battery?
A: The sensor is sealed for waterproof protection with an IP68 rating, so the battery is not replaceable. Battery life is approximately 3 years when reporting data every 5 minutes.
Q: How often do sensors send data?
A: The data transmission frequency can be configured, such as every 1 minute or every 5 minutes. Default settings may vary depending on the deployment scenario.
Q: What should I do if a sensor goes offline?
A:
- Check battery level
- Ensure it is within gateway range
- Restart the sensor if possible
- Verify gateway connectivity
Q: How do I install the sensor?
A: Each sensor comes with a base plate. First, secure the base plate to the desired installation location, such as a wall, using screws or double-sided tape. Then, align the sensor with the base plate and snap it into place. Finally, slide the sensor to lock it securely onto the base plate and complete the installation.
Q: Will I receive an alert if someone removes the sensor?
A: Yes. The back of the sensor includes an anti-disassembly button. When the sensor is installed on the base plate, the button remains pressed. If the sensor is removed, the button is released, and the device automatically sends a notification to the system. You will then receive a disassembly alert.
Q: How do I turn on a sensor?
A: Press and hold button on side until the LCD display flickers twice, then remove your finger as the sensor is starting up.
Q: How do I connect a new sensor to the Gateway?
Gateway
Q: What is the function of the gateway?
A: The gateway acts as a bridge between the sensors and the cloud platform. It collects sensor data and uploads it to the FreshMon management system via the internet.
Q: How is the gateway Setup?
A: Please refer to the Knowledgebase Articles of kit setup
Q: What connectivity options are supported?
A: Common options include:
- Wi-Fi
- Ethernet
- Cellular 4G (optional)
Q: How do I know if the gateway is working properly?
A:
- Check gateway indicator
- Verify status in the app/platform dashboard
Q: What options do I have during a power outage?
A: If the Gateway is one that doesn’t include a Battery or 4G module:
- Purchase an external Battery Backup UPS (for power)
- Purchase an external Cellular Modem (for internet connectivity)
A: If the Gateway includes the battery and 4G module:
- Ensure there is a SIM card installed and a data plan in place- this will provide internet connectivity
- The battery will continue to keep the Gateway powered for up to 8 hours
Alert
Q: Is alerting automatic? Do I need to monitor it?
A: Yes. FreshMon’s alerting is fully automated. Once you configure the alert rules—including thresholds, delays, notification methods, and recipients—the system continuously monitors your assets 24/7 and automatically notifies you when an alert condition is triggered.
Q: Will I get spammed if the same point keeps being abnormal?
A: No. FreshMon includes a configurable Repeat Interval setting that prevents excessive notifications. The same alert type will only be sent again after the defined interval has elapsed. Combined with the Alert Delay feature, this helps reduce unnecessary notifications and allows time for temporary issues to self-recover.
Q: What should I do if I receive a false alarm?
A: There are several ways to manage false alarms:
- Configure Tolerance Rules (recommended) to automatically filter temporary or non-critical events.
- Mark the alert as a false alarm in the FreshMon user interface after it is received.
- Adjust alert thresholds or disable specific alert types if they are not relevant to your application.
Q: Can I configure different alert rules for individual sensors?
A: Yes. Alert settings can be configured individually for each sensor, allowing you to customize monitoring based on specific application requirements. Each sensor can have its own:
- Alert enable/disable settings
- Alert delay time
- Repeat notification interval
- Notification recipients
- Notification methods
This flexibility allows you to tailor alert behavior to different operating conditions and monitoring needs. Sensors associated with the same asset are managed independently, so the settings for one sensor will not affect the others.
Mobile App
Q: What is the FreshMon App used for?
A: The FreshMon App is used in the following ways:
- It allows users to monitor real-time data, receive alerts, configure devices, and manage sensors and gateways.
- Allow for Gateways and Sensors to be grouped by Location for multi-location deployments
- Allows push notifications to your mobile device when there is an issue or a sensor is out of acceptable temperature range.
Q: How do I set up the app?
A: Steps
- Download the FreshMon App
- Create or log into your account
- Add your gateway and sensors via QR code or manual entry
Q: Can I view historical data on the app?
A: Yes, the app provides charts and logs of historical readings for analysis and compliance tracking.
Management Platform (FreshMon Pulse)
Q: What is the FreshMon management platform?
A: The FreshMon management platform is a web-based system that provides centralized monitoring, reporting, device management, and analytics for all deployed FreshMon devices.
Q: What features are available on the platform?
A:
- Real-time monitoring dashboard
- Historical data reports and exports
- Alert configuration and audit logs
- Multi-location and multi-user management
- Device status tracking
Q: How do I access the platform?
A:
- Log in via a web browser using your account credentials
- The platform URL is provided during onboarding
Q: Can multiple users access the platform?
A: Yes, administrators can create multiple user accounts with different permission levels.
Configuration & Maintenance
Q: How do I configure alert thresholds?
A:
- Go to settings in the app or platform
- Select the sensor
- Set minimum/maximum thresholds for parameters
Q: How often should devices be maintained?
A:
- Sensors: Check battery periodically
- Gateway: Ensure stable connectivity and firmware updates
- Platform/App: Keep updated to latest versions
Q: Does the system support firmware updates?
A: Yes, firmware updates for sensors and gateways can be applied via the platform or app.
Troubleshooting
Q: Why am I not receiving alerts?
A:
- Check alert settings
- Verify notification permissions on your device
- Ensure sensors and gateway are online
Q: Why is data missing or delayed?
A:
- Network connectivity issues
- Gateway offline
- Sensor battery depletion
Q: What happens if there is a power or network outage?
A: If the gateway is connected to the management platform, you will receive a failure alert by, email, or APP notification. If the gateway supports 4G connectivity and has a backup battery, FreshMon can continue operating normally during the outage.
Security & Data
Q: Is my data secure?
A: Yes. Data is encrypted during transmission and securely stored in the cloud.
Q: Can I export data?
A: Yes. Data can typically be exported in formats such as CSV or PDF for reporting, analysis, and compliance purposes.
Quick Start Summary
- Install sensors in the monitored area
- Set up and connect the gateway
- Download and configure the app
- Register devices
- Monitor data via app or platform
- Configure alerts and thresholds