Table of Contents
Components for Install
BZ Gateway | B Sensor |
Z Screen | Z Sensor |
Handheld Probe | Zip Ties, Zip Tie Anchors, and Velcro Strips |
Temperature Monitoring Overview
The image below shows an example of grocery temperature monitoring.
A) B Sensors
B Sensors are small-footprint, wireless, NSF-certified sensors for placement in food contact areas.
B) Z Sensors
Z Sensors are typically used in environments that require radio communication through thick metal or concrete. Z Sensors also include a wireless and detachable screen.
C) Handheld Probes
The wireless handheld probe is used to complete digital HACCP SOPs and other repeatable tasks.
D) Gateways
Once gateways are installed in an area with good cellular coverage, they will automatically pair with sensors and report to the dashboard.
SmartSense Sensor Installation Best Practices
Begin sensor installations using the included installation sheet.
After installing the sensor(s), record the device ID and asset name on the installation sheet.
Check the sensor connectivity when you are done.
Please install the sensor on a permanent fixture that is unlikely to be removed from the unit.
Any B Sensor in service cases should use a zip tie near the product level.
B sensors should be installed behind the honeycomb airflow vents or at the back of the case just below the product level.
In open cases with a load limit (bunkers, etc.), make sure the B Sensor is located below the load limit line and the product is not stacked too high as this can negatively impact the B Sensor signal.
Sensor Count Per Case or Coil
In this example, you can see the case break circled.
Cases should have one B Sensor per case.
B Sensors should be installed central to the case (indicated by the red line).
In this example, a 3-door freezer is shown, but this is one case.
Cases should have one B Sensor per case or coil.
Zone 1: Low Complexity (1-4') should have 1 B Sensor
Zone 2: Medium Complexity (5-11') should have 2 B Sensors
Zone 3: High Complexity (12' and above) should have 3 B Sensors
B Sensors should be installed central to the case or coil as shown in the image below.
In this example, a portable horizontal display case is displayed:
The case break is on the left and circled in green.
Cases should have one sensor per case or coil.
The sensor should be installed beneath the wire rack with a zip tie and p-clamp.
The sensor should be central to the case at the front near the divider to the air return
Incorrect Installation Examples
These B Sensors are installed incorrectly on the honeycomb of a case.
This is the coldest part of the case.
The B Sensor should be installed behind it to properly monitor case temperature.
This B Sensor is incorrectly installed in a deli case.
The B Sensor should be low and close to the product but is installed too high in a case.
Installing properly helps to avoid warm air pockets.
BZ Gateway Installation
Remove the BZ Gateway from its packaging.
Plug the BZ Gateway into a designated outlet to charge. The outlet should be unswitched. The BZ Gateway must always stay connected to AC power during normal operation.
Note: Your BZ Gateway may need to charge for 30 minutes before moving on to step 4.
Plug the power adapter into the BZ Gateway, using enough force to provide a friction fit. Gently tug the power adapter cable to make sure the connection is secure. AC power is indicated by the blue LED next to the power adapter connector.
Use Signal Finder Mode (SFM) on the BZ Gateway to determine an install location with the best cellular signal strength.
a) To enter Signal Finder Mode, hold the power button for 3-4 seconds then release the button.
b) A white LED will flash repeatedly to indicate you are in Signal Finder Mode.
To achieve the best connectivity, move the BZ Gateway around the install location until the white LED begins to quickly blink (a blinking red LED indicates a poor cellular signal). Maximum signal strength is represented with a white LED flash every 200ms (the faster the white LED blinks indicates a stronger cellular signal).
Once a good location has been found, quickly press and release the power button to exit Signal Finder Mode.
Attach the provided Velcro strips to all four corners on the back of the BZ Gateway.
If installing on metal, concrete walls, or any porous surface that could retain moisture, install the BZ Gateway using the bracket and mounting screws (SKU: TM-GW-VZ-VZW-C, available upon request).
Install the BZ Gateway onto a clean wall surface, six feet off the ground, pressing the device firmly against the wall to ensure the Velcro fully adheres.
Once the BZ Gateway is installed, use wire mounts and zip ties to neatly manage the wiring and prevent snagging or damage to the BZ Gateway.
Reference the included LED status guide below to confirm the BZ Gateway is communicating.
B Sensor Installation
Your SmartSense B Sensor arrives powered off.
To turn your B Sensor on, hold the button for approximately 3 seconds until the green LED blinks then immediately release it.
The green LED will remain on for 5 seconds to indicate that it is powered on and broadcasting. Under normal operation, these are the only times the LED will illuminate.
Once your B Sensor is powered on it cannot be turned off.
Select the warmest location in your cooler. This is often near the top and close to the door.
Use the included zip tie to mount the B Sensor. The zip tie should be threaded through the mounting loop at the top of the sensor and attached securely to a mounting point so that the sensor is hanging vertically and facing toward the door of your case.
If a suitable mounting point does not exist, use a zip tie anchor by removing the cover of the double stick tape and adhering the anchor to your preferred location. Attach the B Sensor to the anchor.
B Sensor Installation - Reach-in Coolers & Freezers
Install the B Sensors close to the top center of each cooler or freezer so they are hanging and facing forward. It is recommended to use zip tie mounting whenever possible.
The B Sensor should be installed central to each case or coil.
Attach the p-clamp to the B Sensor.
Install the B Sensor a few inches behind the honeycomb using a zip tie or pre-existing screw.
DO NOT INSTALL SENSORS WITH A DRILL (NO DRILL BITS OR NEW SCREWS).
B Sensor Installation - Portable Event Cases
Install the B Sensor central to the case on the return air side near the product.
Make sure the B Sensor is located on the same side of the case divider as the product and not in the return air grate.
The B Sensor should be attached with a zip tie or pre-existing screw.
B Sensor Installation - Satellite Cases
Install a B Sensor (alternatively, you can install a Z Sensor) to the wire rack in these units using a zip tie.
The image shows the B Sensor in a satellite unit (Z Sensors should be installed similarly).
The sensor should be located centrally in the cooler/freezer and away from the door opening.
B Sensor Installation - Bunkers
Install the B Sensors central to the case and below the load limit. The B Sensor should be installed on the return air side of the bunker, so they are hanging and facing forward.
Attach the B Sensor to the p-clamp, and then attach the B Sensor to the bunker below the load limit and on the return air side with a zip tie.
A zip tie or pre-existing screw can be used if needed.
Ensure the B Sensor hangs down in the case, not the return air vent.
B Sensor Installation - Service Cases
In meat/deli cases, install the B Sensors low, near the product level.
Attach the B Sensor using a zip tie on a permanent fixture.
In this example, only one B Sensor is used because this is one case.
Please use the proper number of B Sensors based on the example above.
Z Sensor Installation - Walk-In Coolers & Freezers
Install the Z Sensor at least 3 feet from the door opening and above the height of moving racks to avoid potential damage to the sensor.
Do not install the Z Sensor at the back or deep into the walk-in unit as it may struggle to connect to the gateway. Ensure the antenna is pointing up.
For best results, the Z Sensor should be placed as close to the product as possible.
Either attach the Z Sensor using its magnetized back or zip tie it to a permanent secure fixture (i.e. wire rack).
This image shows the Z Sensor installed on a wire rack with zip ties.
This image shows the Z Sensor installed near a door with a magnetized back.
Make sure the Z Sensor is not obstructed by too many objects and cannot be knocked off by moving objects, carts, etc.
Press the Z Sensor's power button to turn it on.
Note: Generally, magnets are the best attachment method, but zip ties can be used in cases with wire racks if necessary.
Place the Z Screen outside of the unit near the door opening.
Pairing a Display Screen with a Z Sensor
Your Z Sensor should have arrived from the factory pre-paired. Quickly hit the power button on the wireless screen to search for its paired sensor. If this doesn't work or if the Z Sensor and Z Screen become un-paired, follow steps 2-6.
Press and hold the power button on the Z Screen until you hear two separate sets of beeps, then let go. You may need to hold the Z Screen to your ear to hear the beeps. If you still can't hear them, try holding the button for about 6 seconds and let go.
The Z Screen display should show a message indicating that it has entered "Pairing Mode."
Take the Z Sensor and quickly press and release the power button. The lights will go on and then off. The green light will start flashing, indicating that the sensor is searching for a connection.
You'll know the Z Screen and Z Sensor are paired when the Z Screen displays the temperature. Confirm the Z Screen is paired with the correct Z Sensor by matching the 20-digit number located on the Z Screen and the barcode sticker on the side of the Z Sensor.
You can switch from a Fahrenheit display to Celsius by holding the Z Screen power button for 3 seconds, or until you hear a beep, and let go.
BZ Gateway Mounting Bracket Installation
Remove the BZ Gateway and mounting bracket from their respective packaging.
Insert the included thumbscrews into the back of the BZ Gateway.
Using the mounting bracket as a guide, mark and drill two holes in the wall.
Be mindful of the surface you are drilling into and what might be behind it.
These steps should be completed only after confirming power availability, cellular signal, and device reporting health for all associated sensors.
Using a hammer, tap drywall anchors into the holes until flush with the wall.
Install the mounting bracket to the wall using the included screws.
Attach the BZ Gateway to the bracket by inserting it from the top and sliding it down to seat the BZ Gateway into the indent on the bracket.
The mounting bracket may also be installed on a rack or shelf using zip ties.
LED Reference Guide
Status | White LED | Red LED | Description |
Power on | ⬭ | - | 1 long white LED flash |
Last upload successful | ◯ | - | 1 short white LED flash every 30s |
Low battery | ◯ | • | 1 short white LED flash followed by 1 short red LED flash, every 30s |
Low battery preventing communication | - | • | 1 short red LED flash, every 30s |
Low cellular signal | ◯ | •• | 1 short white LED flash followed by 2 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
No cellular signal | - | •• | 2 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
Contact SmartSense support | - | ••• | 3 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
Hardware failure | - | ••••••• | Continuous blinking red LED |
Verifying System Connectivity
Locate your dashboard instructions for detailed login directions and how to view sensor temperature data.
View the data age on the web portal once all B Sensors, Z Sensors, and BZ Gateways have been installed and uploaded.
All B Sensors and Z Sensors should have reported to the dashboard within the last 30 minutes.
Z Sensor Troubleshooting Guide
LED | 1 Blink | 2 Blinks | 3 Blinks | Fast Blinking |
Green Status LED | Last transmission successful | Last transmission successful, but low signal | N/A | Attempting to transmit to a Gateway |
Yellow Information LED | No external sensor | Low battery | N/A | N/A |
Red Failure LED | Not registered to the SmartSense Dashboard | No signal | Failed to communicate with wireless radio module | N/A |
For more details, please see this article.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your SmartSense Gateway is not reporting, please confirm the following:
The proper LED light sequence based on gateway type.
The gateway's power cable is not cut or damaged (if so, you will need to purchase a replacement).
The gateway's power cable is plugged in and the power source has not been compromised.
The gateway is mounted securely and high on the wall in an upright position. If the gateway is located behind connectivity-blocking objects (metal walls or other units), this can affect connectivity.
If your SmartSense Sensors are not reporting properly, please confirm the following:
All gateways are powered on and reporting properly. Please ensure this before troubleshooting sensors.
Confirm the sensor type.
If you are troubleshooting B Sensors, confirm that the sensor is located in a clear line of sight to a gateway - ensure the gateway is not installed behind commonly closed doors, walls, piping, etc. B Sensors will report at all times and do not have an on/off switch. You can remove the B Sensor from the unit and place it near the gateway to confirm it is still reporting properly. If the B Sensor still does not report, please contact SmartSense Support.
If you are troubleshooting Z Sensors, confirm that the Z Sensor is powered on by pressing the power button on the front face of the sensor.
Final Checklist
Before you finish:
Record all device names/locations with their respective sensor serial numbers on the installation sheet (Download the installation sheet here).
Are all sensors securely and properly installed?
Are all gateways installed central to the sensors, high on the wall, unobstructed, and out of the way of customers?
Did all sensors report in the last 30 minutes?