Delivering a turnkey digital upgrade for a leading UK dairy producer

Introduction

Stream Measurement was appointed by one of the UK’s largest dairy producers, operating a major milk and cream processing facility near Bristol, to deliver a turnkey data logging solution. The factory plays a key role in national milk processing, specialising in pasteurisation, cream separation and large-scale distribution. Stream Measurement was brought in to modernise key equipment and reduce manual processes.

Customer Challenge

The customer was using paper chart recorders, some over 20 years old, to monitor pasteurisation temperatures. These analogue systems involved pens marking rotating charts which were difficult to interpret, prone to inconsistencies and vulnerable to human error. The accuracy of temperature readings is critical, as milk must reach certain levels to be deemed safe. The chart recorders in place were subject to interpretation and staff could arrive at conflicting conclusions when reading the same chart, increasing the risk of potential under-sterilisation and therefore unnecessary product waste.

Beyond the issue of accuracy, the paper-based system also lacked digital traceability. Retrieving historical data involved sifting through physical records, which is both inefficient and unreliable, especially during audits or investigations when data may be required with little notice.

Solution

Stream Measurement replaced the outdated paper-based systems with digital, paperless chart recorders which integrated into the site’s internal network. These modern devices:

Provide high-precision temperature monitoring (accurate to three decimal places)
Automatically log and back up data every 24 hours to the client’s servers
Enable fast, searchable digital access to historical records

To ensure seamless integration, Stream Measurement’s engineers designed and laser-cut custom mounting plates to accommodate the new, more compact equipment. Installation was completed efficiently over six days, covering nine data loggers.

Importantly, this project demonstrates Stream Measurement’s full turnkey capability, from consultation and hardware supply to on-site installation, programming, calibration and commissioning by its engineers.

Outcome

The new system brought immediate improvements in:

Accuracy - removing human interpretation errors
Efficiency - eliminating the need to manually handle and interpret paper records
Data integrity - secure, time-stamped backups for easier compliance
Operational confidence - enhanced visibility into a critical food safety process

This project not only modernised a major UK dairy’s process monitoring, but it also showcased Stream Measurement’s ability to deliver custom, turnkey engineering solutions at pace and with precision.