2094-BM03-M is the difference between EMS and CMS?
Answer: Environmental monitoring systems and continuous monitoring systems are essentially the same type of system. Many viewLinc CMS users refer to their system as EMS. At Vaisala, we decided to call the viewLinc system a continuous monitoring system to emphasize its ability to ensure data integrity. Environmental monitoring GxP facilities sometimes include microbial monitoring in water (and other activities), which is beyond the scope of our Vaxala viewLinc system, so we refer to it as a CMS (Continuous Monitoring System).
Question: If you already have a BMS system, wouldn’t it be more cost-effective to combine a monitoring system with a BMS? You will also need to use data history to collect data to meet the requirements of CFR Part 11, but these are available…
Answer: At first glance, it makes sense to think that existing BMS will become a more cost-effective monitoring system. However, implementing and validating a dedicated continuous monitoring system may be less costly and take less time. Verification is the key; Validating Vaisala viewLinc CMS takes less time and costs less than v1756-L81E-NSE alidating existing BMS systems.
A typical building automation system is a custom system designed for a facility and therefore requires complex verification. New non-custom continuous monitoring systems, especially those with executable verification protocols, will save validation time and effort.
With regard to data history, it is true that you can try to make up for the deficiencies of the BMS (which do not meet the compliance requirements of Part 11) by using data history, but the data history system still needs to be validated. In addition, it does not provide data integrity traceability for data that has been collected by BMS because the data is not well controlled before it is sent to the data history.
In terms of simplifying verification efforts, a standalone system that records all data and incorporates a simpler IQOQ at implementation ensures more effective compliance with Part 11 and Annex 11 requirements than purchasing, validating data histories and validating existing custom systems (BMS).
Question: One of the advantages of BMS is related to the size of the sensor, as they can easily fit into c1756-L81E-NSE ertain chambers. Given the apparent size of Vaisala’s sensors, this can be a challenge. Does Vaisala offer a small size option to simplify installation?
A: Some Vaisala smart probes are thicker than standard RTD sensors, about 1 cm thick and 6 cm long. However, the thicker probe size also has some advantages, for example, due to their independence from the data logger, these probes support easy calibration in a hot-swapable manner.
Vaxala data loggers can also be equipped with a standard RTD probe if required, and the probe can be used via a cable extension for easier installation. Our customers can easily place these sensors and probes into the chamber using the probe ports available on most Ctus.
If you cannot fit the probe into the chamber, simply place the entire data logger into the chamber or use a flat cable instead. Another option is to use a reliable Vaisala VaiNet wireless system, so that the data logger does not have signal problems when operating in the chamber.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of wireless CMS systems?
A: The first benefit of wireless systems is that they are easy to install. Wireless systems require fewer communication cables and are used only for network access points that communicate with multiple data loggers. True wireless data loggers can also run on batteries, meaning that each sensor does not require a power cable, making sensor deployment faster and more flexible.
However, data loggers connected to the network via a wired system are generally considered more secure. Influenced by past experience with traditional Wi-Fi technology (including smaller ranges and security concerns), this perception persists. While many of the Wi-Fi issues have been addressed, its coverage is still small, sometimes requiring more than 20 times the number of Wi-Fi gateways. For example, consider how many spheres with a radius of 20 m can fit into a sphere with a radius of 100 m. Due to the high power requirements of Wi-Fi, this type of installation also relies on a power outlet.
