Cold chain logistics refers to storing, transporting, and distributing perishable goods in a temperature-controlled supply chain. It uses various IoT devices and sensors to monitor and control the temperature of perishable goods and track fleet details by leveraging cloud services.
Platforms such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and VMware Cloud are prominent cloud service providers offering on-demand cloud computing solutions for various industries, including cold chain logistics.
In this blog, we will explore the uses and benefits of integrating cloud services like AWS in cold chain logistics. We will also highlight how it enhances data integrity and transparency throughout the supply chain with a real-time tracking facility.
A] Overview of Cloud Services for Data Integrity and Transparency
Cloud service providers offer software that helps manage various aspects of the logistics process, such as inventory management, order tracking, and transportation management, through cloud computing technologies. This software helps businesses streamline their supply chain activities by providing access to software applications over the Internet without needing internal infrastructure or hardware.
Cold chain logistics can benefit from these cloud services as they offer real-time updates on temperature fluctuations and facilitate monitoring and controlling. It also provides real-time time monitoring and control to ensure the optimal conditions of temperature-sensitive goods and thus boost customer satisfaction.
There are different cloud service providers, including public clouds like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, as well as private and hybrid cloud solutions. AWS offers over 200 fully featured services that can be used to build, deploy, and manage applications. AWS strongly focuses on automation and provides a robust ecosystem of third-party tools and services compared to other platforms. However, Azure and Google Cloud offer fewer services, but they offer AI and machine learning in specific domains.
B] Why Do We Use AWS For Data Integrity and Transparency In Cold Chain Logistics
AWS uses state-of-the-art technologies to maintain data integrity during transmission, storage, and processing. It offers robust, scalable, and secure solutions essential for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive goods. AWS IoT core offers real-time data transmission and end-to-end encryption among IoT devices to ensure safe and real-time temperature and location updates.
Real-time updates aid in managing and controlling the temperature of perishable goods throughout the supply chain. It provides complete and correct real-time information about the fleet to its recipient using user-friendly dashboards, ensuring data integrity and transparency in cold chain logistics.
C] Benefits of Using Cloud Services in Cold Chain Logistics
1. Live Temperature Tracking
Cloud-based temperature monitoring offers live-temperature tacking to facilitate quick response to any temperature deviation during the supply chain. IoT sensors and devices collect the data and provide automatic alerts to liable persons to ensure suitable temperature retention throughout the supply chain. Moreover, real-time temperature monitoring and control ensure the optimal temperature conditions of perishable goods and allow receivers to track their whole fleet’s information using a user-friendly dashboard at their fingertips. The leading cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer live temperature monitoring, though AW is often favoured for its extensive global network and reliability.
2. Geofencing for Accurate ETAs
Cold chain logistics uses a cloud-based GPS tracking system to ensure the fleet follows the designated route. AWS-based geo-fencing aids in providing accurate ETAs without manual intervention and guesswork, offering the recipient transparency and peace of mind. Microsoft Azure also offers geo-fencing capabilities, with strong integration into their existing enterprise systems, making it a good choice for companies heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. On the other hand, Google Cloud has strong geospatial analytics but seamless integration with other logistics tools. However, the security protocols make AWS the choice of many working within the cold chain industry. The user’s location or fleet information is encrypted and secured by the system to mitigate data breaches or potential risks.
3. Unalterable Data with AWS
AWS is renowned for its robust and reliable data integrity throughout the process. The real-time and accurate data syncing aids in delivering the fleet’s current status without any latency. A receiver can track their fleet and know the status of goods using applications without relying on manual interventions. JustDeliveries’s cold supply chain runs on AWS, guaranteeing data integrity. You can trust that the information you see is accurate and tamper-proof.
4. Live Proof of Delivery (POD) Uploads
AWS-based cold logistics chain offers instant confirmation of delivery with electronic POD uploads using an application. It facilitates hassle-free and quick e-POD generation, offering paperless and reliable records. The POD generation provides reliable proof of delivery completion, assuring the sender and recipient alike. It aids in bridging the gap between the sender and recipients by providing real-time updates and verified proof of delivery. Instant POD uploads enhance efficiency and transparency throughout the cold supply chain.
Conclusion
Integrating a cold supply chain with AWS offers a range of benefits to the sender and recipient. It adheres to protocols to provide end-to-end data encryption while offering real-time tracking of fleet figures, including temperature and location. However, it is advised to choose cold chain logistics services that are fully optimised and integrated with AWS cloud services to mitigate any communication gap during transportation.
JustDeliveries is a leading and renowned cold chain logistics services provider, offering highly secured and fully optimised cold chain logistics services by leveraging AWS cloud services. We provide optimal data integrity and transparency during the time of fleet to ensure accountability for us and peace of mind for you. So, if you are looking for a reliable and optimised cold chain logistics partner, Contact us today!
