16 June 2025
Summer mapping: maintain the quality of temperature-sensitive products
Discover how temperature mapping works and why it is essential to address the challenges of controlled environments. We’ll share best practices for conducting effective summer mapping.
Summer is coming
Ensuring the quality and safety of critical products is essential all year round. Not only the production process, but also storage and distribution can affect product safety. That’s why it’s important to control certain parameters throughout the entire chain – such as stable temperature and humidity levels. One way to maintain that control is by conducting an annual summer mapping.
What is summer mapping?
Summer mapping is a crucial part of complying with GMP guidelines. Parameters such as temperature and relative humidity must be monitored and controlled – not just during production, but also during storage and distribution of pharmaceutical and other temperature-sensitive products. Summer mapping refers to a specific type of temperature mapping that focuses on the challenges posed by summer conditions. These include fluctuating temperatures during storage and transport, which may impact products subject to GMP requirements. A summer mapping contributes to the monitoring of temperature and humidity during extreme weather conditions. Is product quality still guaranteed when there is a significant difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures? For example, temperature sensors are placed throughout a warehouse to assess whether required conditions are still met. Summer mapping also helps identify any risks, for which improvement proposals can be drawn up.
Summer mapping – where is it needed?
Summer mapping (and winter mapping) is necessary in areas that are exposed to outdoor temperature fluctuations. These are typically storage spaces with at least one outer wall, making them more susceptible to the impact of external climate conditions. Examples of such spaces include warehouses, cold storage rooms, and distribution centres. In all these environments, summer mapping is essential.
When is temperature mapping required in these areas?
A mapping study is required whenever a space exposed to external temperatures is first put into use. It is a key part of the initial qualification process. Mapping must also be repeated when such areas are modified – for instance, when a new production line is installed or internal walls are removed.
Why is summer mapping so important?
Summer mapping is a form of temperature mapping that is carried out annually. Summer weather conditions can affect the climate inside a building, especially when it borders an outside wall. As soon as outdoor temperatures rise, summer mapping is scheduled to verify that storage or distribution areas remain unaffected by external heat. The summer season presents several challenges for companies in the life sciences and high-tech sectors. A key challenge is maintaining a stable temperature in controlled environments. High temperatures can also lead to equipment failures, which may in turn affect the storage of temperature-sensitive products. Another critical parameter that is monitored during summer mapping is humidity. Summer air tends to be more humid, which can affect indoor humidity levels – potentially compromising product quality. Only by accurately monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity through summer mapping can the quality of critical products in controlled environments be safeguarded. These environments must meet the required storage conditions at all times.
How does temperature mapping work?
At Normec Advipro, we follow a structured approach to accurately map and monitor temperature conditions.
Precise data loggers are installed to capture temperature data in warehouses, cold rooms and distribution areas.
The collected data reveals potential summer-related risks, allowing proactive measures to be taken.
A mapping report demonstrates the suitability of the storage area throughout the year – under both normal and extreme conditions. This document is essential during audits.
Ready to face the heat?
Don’t let temperature or humidity compromise your critical products. Our MoVE – Mobile Validation Experts are ready to support you with efficient and accurate summer mapping. With years of experience and a hands-on approach, we identify potential risk areas – wherever and whenever you need us.
Want to know more about how we carry out summer mapping or schedule a study? Get in touch with our experts today and ensure full climate control this summer.
Vous souhaitez créer un environnement de travail et de vie sûr et sain ?