a portable electronic data logging device for tracking information in a supply chain comprises electronics , a tethered communication interface and a housing . the electronics sense an environmental input and store data relating to the environmental input over a timescale . the tethered communication interface permits electronic communication of the data from the electronics to an external computer system . the housing encloses the electronics and includes an electronics compartment and an outer casing . the electronics compartment stores the electronics and includes an opening to permit the tethered communications interface to extend from the electronics compartment . the outer casing has a perimeter extending at least partially beyond the electronics compartment to form a channel into which the tethered communication interface can be stowed such that the tethered communication interface does not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the outer casing when not in use .