Application of Smart Device on the Control of Drug Storage Temperature

Abstract

The aim of this research was to develop a temperature alert system that responds to the needs of
medication storage areas, reducing losses caused by storing medications outside the recommended
temperature range. Additionally, the system aimed at decreasing the operational time of air conditioning
units used for temperature control. The research utilized smart devices such as the Mi Smart Home in
connection with other devices. The research was conducted in two phases: phase 1, from May 2021 to
September 2022, the development of (1) a centralized alert system, (2) an automatic notification system
using an auto dialer, and (3) a temperature-controlled air conditioning system using the Mi Smart Plug;
and phase 2, from October 2022 to January 2023, with the following development: (1) constructing
a notification system even during power outages using a router, SIM network, and UPS, and (2)
implementing a monitoring system for device operations that records temperatures in the morning and evening,
transitioned from paper records to an online format through the Glide app, and presented graphical
data using Looker Studio. The research results revealed that after system development, the following
capabilities were achieved: (1) a centralized alert system, (2) a notification system using an auto dialer,
(3) temperature-controlled air conditioning, (4) power outage-resistant notification, and (5) device
operation monitoring. The system covered 42 designated area and successfully reduced medication losses.
Before system implementation, the value of medicine lost was 92,212.50 Baht; and after implementation,
there was no loss. Such implementation had prevented losses from the refrigerator’s inability to control
temperature from which a total of 11 incidents were avoided including 4 instances of the refrigerator
door not closing properly, 1 instance of ice accumulation, 2 instances of refrigerator compressor failure,
1 instance of overly packed medication arrangement, and 3 instances of setting the temperature sensor
too low. In adddition, the system had notified prolonged refrigerator door openings, resulting in elevated
temperatures for a total of 23 incidents. Fuethermore, it also contributed to reducing the operational hours
of the air conditioning unit from 24 hours to 12 hours on average, totaling 337.6 days out of 365 days.
Thus, the developed temperature alert system for medication storage using smart devices has effectively
met operational requirements, reduced medication losses due to temperature variations, and decreased the
operational time of air conditioning units.