For many years, Berlinger provided USB-based data loggers, but these no longer met the growing demand for real-time monitoring and location tracking—capabilities that are critical for pharmaceutical products with strict temperature requirements. Customers required up-to-date insights, automated alerts, and cloud access without manual data entry. To support this modernization—where both the back-end (server-side systems and data processing) and front-end (user interface and user interaction) needed to be scalable and user-friendly—Berlinger engaged NetRom Software. The collaboration transformed Berlinger’s temperature monitoring from static USB-based systems into dynamic, real-time IoT platforms with expanded capabilities and reduced operational costs.
Berlinger & Co. AG is a Swiss family-owned company, founded in 1865. It has evolved into a specialist in temperature monitoring, initially through chemical indicators and later through electronic data loggers. The company serves three main customer segments: organizations involved in clinical research, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, and public health organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
For many years, Berlinger provided data loggers that connected to systems via USB. However, this type of connectivity no longer met current requirements. Bernd Heisterkamp explained: “Medicines often have specific temperature tolerances with critical lower and upper limits. It is essential to have access to the temperature curve to determine whether any deviations have occurred.” In extreme cases, storage temperatures can be as low as -180 degrees Celsius.
Customers required real-time visibility into the status of their shipments without relying on USB connections. At the same time, data loggers needed to operate for extended periods with minimal power consumption. As a result, 4G or 5G connectivity was not suitable; more energy-efficient alternatives such as CAT-M1 (a low-power cellular technology designed for IoT devices) proved to be a better fit.
The modernization required simultaneous improvements to both the back-end (data processing and system architecture) and front-end (user interface and user interaction), with scalability and usability as key priorities.
‘‘The developers at NetRom Software contribute their own ideas, engage in discussions, and challenge our decisions. That is exactly what is needed to arrive at a strong solution.’’
bernd heisterkamp, head of r&d AT berlinger
Berlinger evaluated several vendors. Bernd Heisterkamp explained: “The main reasons for not choosing an offshore provider were the time zone differences and the difficulty of establishing effective personal interaction.” The company selected NetRom Software as a nearshore partner with experience in similar projects.
After an initial phase with mixed teams, Berlinger and NetRom Software formed a dedicated, joint team. Heisterkamp noted: “With split teams, it is difficult to build team spirit. By having the engineers in one location, engagement increased significantly. It is essential that the team takes full responsibility for the work package—this benefits both commitment and quality.”
Heisterkamp emphasized that personal relationships are a key factor for success: “It is especially important to build a strong personal relationship based on mutual trust. This allows you to create a dedicated team with deep domain knowledge.”
The new solution provides a high degree of flexibility. Data loggers can operate for extended periods without connectivity—critical during transport—and automatically send notifications once they reconnect. As trust in the collaboration grew, additional opportunities emerged: Berlinger asked the team to review the existing software architecture, leading to cost savings and targeted optimizations.
Heisterkamp added: “The developers at NetRom Software contribute their own ideas, engage in discussions, and challenge our decisions. That is exactly what is needed to arrive at a strong solution.”
Through this collaboration, Berlinger transformed its services from static, USB-based systems into dynamic, real-time IoT platforms. This provided customers with new capabilities and resulted in cost savings through optimization of the existing software.
The new architecture enables the company to respond quickly to market changes and monitor sensitive shipments worldwide in real time. The formation of a closely integrated team—where Berlinger and NetRom Software work in close collaboration—has driven innovation and delivered tangible results. This team is now also responsible for the ongoing development and maintenance of the systems.
Discover how NetRom, together with Berlinger, transformed static temperature monitoring into real-time IoT platforms
