Digital Thermometer Proposal

PURPOSE:
The current thermometer we are utilizing at our MTC/FD locations does not provide an accurate
reading in a quick format. The tip is the incorrect size for the products we are currently taking
temperatures for and the thermometer must be calibrated on a regular basis. The glass tip is very
difficult to see and record an accurate temperature. We are currently getting push back from the
local health departments since we do not have a thin tip thermometer.
This thermometer is supplied by EBY and McLane item #205245 (EBY) cost is $3.11 each.

OBJECTIVE:
To find a thin tip digital thermometer within our cost range. The thermometer will need to be
quick, accurate and not require calibration. An ideal thermometer will be somewhat larger than
the current thermometer, so it is not misplaced.

MTC/FD/Speedy Kitchen:
We spent time testing multiple types of thermometers. We inserted 4 thermometers into a
sandwich to establish time to get an accurate temperature. The Thermoworks RT600C digital
thermometer will provide an accurate temperature in 5-6 seconds. It is full range from -40 to 302
degrees. The TR600C should never need calibration. It uses one CR2032 battery that lasts 5,000
hours. It has a 5 year warranty. The price for this thermometer is $19.50 in the SAP warehouse,
currently in stock in SAP.
The Cooper/Atkins DPP 400W Pen-Style Digital Pocket Test Thermometer has a 6 second
response time and measures -40° to 392° does not need calibration and has a lifetime warranty.
Uses one 1.5v #LR44 ($.95) battery for replacement and it has a IPX7 Waterproof rating. Quoted
price from Emerson is $13.66.

RECOMMENDATION:
Force ship a digital thermometer to all MTC/FD/Speedy Kitchen locations and whenever a store
needs to replace their current thermometer. The current store count is 1743. The upside is due to
the size and improved quality of the new thermometer we will not be replacing as often. There is
currently no specification for the type of thermometer used in the Speedy Kitchen, but because of
the volume of food being prepared it is suggested we utilize an electronic thermometer. Because
of the cheaper price and lifetime warranty, recommendation would be the Cooper/Atkins DPP
400W Thermometer.

USAGE:
Below is the usage rate for the last 12 months on each type of thermometer.
Dial Thermometer 2458 units
Current Digital Thermometer 128 units

Below is a time savings comparison utilized by moving to a digital thermometer:

THERMOMETERS
Based on 1,500 locations with salary rate at $8.65 an hour
Type Current Digital
Glass thick tip Thin tip
Calibration time 1.25 minutes 0
Annual Labor cost $111,819.27 $0.00
Annual cost of cup to calibrate thermometer $16,698.75 $0.00
6
Time to take temperature 52 seconds seconds
Cost to take temperature 8 products a day $547,257 $63,145
Cost of thermometer $2.91 $19.50
Total $675,775.02 $92,395