The Authoritative Guide to SpotSee® Selection and Shipping Damage Protocols
This guidance forms part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base.
Impact, tilt, and environmental monitoring is only effective if followed by a clear action plan. As an Authorised SpotSee® Partner, Good Life Innovations Ltd provides the technical data and procedural support to ensure your assets are protected and your insurance claims are supported.
1. Technical Selection: ShockWatch 2 Grid
For impact monitoring, you must select the correct G-force sensitivity based on the weight and volume of your shipment. Use this engineering chart to find the required indicator for your specific crate or carton.
This grid applies to both ShockWatch® 2 and ShockWatch® 2 QR. The two share identical sensitivities, so the same selection applies whichever version you use.
| ShockWatch® 2 / 2 QR | 5–15 ft³ 0.14–0.42 m³ |
15–50 ft³ 0.42–1.42 m³ |
50–100 ft³ 1.42–2.83 m³ |
100–250 ft³ 2.83–7.08 m³ |
250–500 ft³ 7.08–14.16 m³ |
500–1,000 ft³ 14.16–28.32 m³ |
1,000+ ft³ 28.32 m³ + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–10 lbs 0–5 kg |
75G | 75G | 50G | 37G | — | — | — |
| 10–25 lbs 5–11 kg |
75G | 50G | 50G | 37G | 25G | — | — |
| 25–50 lbs 11–23 kg |
50G | 50G | 37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | — |
| 50–100 lbs 23–45 kg |
50G | 37G | 37G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G |
| 100–250 lbs 45–113 kg |
37G | 37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G |
| 250–1,000 lbs 113–454 kg |
37G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G |
| 1,000–2,000 lbs 454–907 kg |
25G | 25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 5G |
| 2,000–5,000 lbs 907–2,268 kg |
25G | 25G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G |
| 5,000–10,000 lbs 2,268–4,536 kg |
25G | 15G | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G |
| 10,000–15,000 lbs 4,536–6,804 kg |
— | 15G | 15G | 10G | 10G | 5G | 5G |
| 15,000–20,000 lbs 6,804–9,072 kg |
— | — | 10G | 10G | 5G | 5G | 5G |
| 20,000–30,000 lbs 9,072–13,608 kg |
— | — | — | 5G | 5G | 5G | 5G |
| 30,000+ lbs 13,608+ kg |
— | — | — | — | 5G | 5G | 5G |
How to Read This Chart
The chart matches product weight and package size to the correct ShockWatch 2 sensitivity. The goal is to select an indicator that will activate before damage occurs, but not during normal handling.
- Lighter products require higher G ratings (e.g. 75G)
- Heavier products require lower G ratings (e.g. 5G–15G)
- Larger packaging volumes generally reduce shock severity, requiring lower G sensitivity
Important: The chart is a guideline. Packaging type, cushioning, and transport method can affect actual performance.
Common Selection Mistakes
- Choosing too high a G-level → indicator never activates, even when damage occurs
- Choosing too low a G-level → false activations during normal handling
- Ignoring packaging quality → poor packaging invalidates indicator accuracy
- Using one standard across all products → different products require different sensitivities
2. Before You Ship: Correct Deployment
Even the correct indicator will fail if installed incorrectly. To ensure accurate monitoring:
- Mount indicators on a rigid surface of the outer packaging
- Place in the lower third of the carton, as close to an edge as possible, avoiding the centre
- If the package is twice as long as it is wide, use two indicators on opposite sides
- Use companion labels to clearly communicate monitoring
- Arm ShockWatch 2 only when the shipment is ready to leave
- Avoid placing indicators near soft or flexible areas
Correct deployment ensures both accurate activation and maximum deterrence.
3. Universal Arrival & Inspection Protocol
To hold carriers accountable and support insurance claims, we recommend following this Universal Protocol for any shipment monitored by ShockWatch, TiltWatch, or temperature indicators.
Supply Chain Damage Procedure
- Immediate Inspection: Before the driver leaves, check the status of all external monitors.
- Verify the Monitoring System: Ensure the indicator is correctly applied to its Official Companion Label.
-
If an Indicator has Activated:
- Do Not Refuse Delivery
- Note the Receipt: Mark as "Damaged"
- Photographic Evidence: Capture indicator + packaging
- Request Carrier Inspection: Leave the item in its original container and packaging and request inspection within 15 days of delivery (3 days for international shipments)
- Internal Reporting: Notify QA and carrier within 24 hours.
Why This Protocol Matters
Without a documented process, even a correctly activated indicator may not support a claim. This protocol ensures:
- Legal traceability of handling events
- Carrier accountability at point of delivery
- Valid insurance claims supported by evidence
- Internal quality control for packaging improvements
This turns indicators from a passive tool into an active risk-management system.
Questions about supply chain compliance?
Contact the Good Life Innovations technical team.
Related SpotSee Guides
- Impact Indicator Overview – A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right SpotSee Device
- Impact, Tilt, and Temperature Indicators – The Three Types of Supply Chain Monitors Explained
Part of our SpotSee® Knowledge Base
Explore our SpotSee® Knowledge Base for technical selection guides, product comparisons and supply chain monitoring procedures covering impact, tilt and temperature indicators.