Benefits Of Temperature Monitoring Cold Chain Management

Improper temperature controls in the cold chain lead to significant loss of perishable goods and cost billions annually. The data on financial loss and spoiled goods showcase the importance of effective temperature monitoring in the cold chain. Effective temperature management involves using advanced technologies like IoT devices and sensors to maintain the optimal temperature throughout the cold supply chain. 

In this guide, you will learn about the numerous benefits of temperature monitoring in cold chain management, including its role in maintaining product quality and preventing contamination. We will also discuss the technologies that are used for effective temperature monitoring. 

A] What Is Temperature Monitoring In Cold Chain Management?

Cold chain management is a logistic management process that plays a crucial role in safeguarding temperature-sensitive goods by providing suitable temperatures. From handling to distribution, the cold supply chain maintains the temperature of perishable goods throughout the process. The temperature-sensitive products manufacturing industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals leverage cold supply chains to deliver products to their customers in optimal condition. 

Temperature monitoring in cold supply chain management is a process of monitoring and controlling the temperature of perishable goods during the supply chain.  It uses the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and temperature-controlling devices to maintain the required temperature throughout the supply chain. 

B] Benefits Of Cold Chain Temperature Monitoring

1. Maintains Quality Of Perishable Goods

Perishable goods require suitable temperatures to maintain their quality throughout the supply chain. Cold chain monitoring devices maintain the optimal temperature, monitoring any fluctuation during the supply chain. The appropriate temperature aids in maintaining the quality of perishable products without any spoilage or degradation. Real-time temperature visibility ensures continuous fulfilment of precise temperature to maintain product quality throughout the process. 

2. Keeps Products Uncontaminated

Fluctuating temperature in the cold supply chain promotes bacterial growth and thus contaminates the perishable products. The contaminated products may hamper the consumer’s health and harm the company’s reputation. An effective temperature monitoring system mitigates the chance of contamination by ensuring that the temperature is lower than suitable for bacterial growth. IoT technologies and temperature-controlling devices aid in offering safe and contamination-free cold chain logistics.

3. Saves Energy By Avoiding Overheating or Over-Cooling

Regular temperature fluctuation hampers product quality and promotes the wastage of energy. A temperature-controlled cold supply chain provides efficient indoor and outdoor temperature monitoring and adjusts accordingly. It adjusts heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), based on the user’s inputs, preventing overheating and overcooling. Effective temperature monitoring and management aids in energy saving and maintaining the quality of products. 

4. Prevents Wastage And Promotes Sustainability

An unoptimised temperature monitoring system hampers product quality and leads to spoilage. It promotes wastage and financial losses due to fluctuating temperatures. An effective temperature monitoring system prevents wastage and promotes sustainability by adjusting the temperature as per requirement. The stable cold chain temperature monitoring reduces carbon emissions and thus contributes to environmental sustainability. 

5. Promotes Food Safety

Fluctuating temperature and unmanaged cold chain logistics monitoring hampers product quality and safety. This may lead to bacterial growth and brutally hampers the product’s safety. Cold chain monitoring provides optimal temperature by regulating HVAC systems to safeguard the product from being degraded or spoiled. The continuous monitoring system ensures food safety and business reputation. 

6. Improve Efficiency And Profitability

Improper temperature monitoring in cold chain logistics causes perishable products’ spoilage and thus financial losses. It hampers the profitability and reputation of the business. Utilising a temperature monitoring system ensures the safety and quality of the products. When the products are delivered safely, it eliminates the chances of the product returning and thus helps in contributing to improving efficiency and profitability. 

7. Customer Satisfaction

Spoiled and unsafe products lead to dissatisfied customers. To negate this, it is crucial to ensure that the products safely reach the customers in optimal conditions. Effective temperature monitoring aids in maintaining the quality and safety of the products, promoting customer satisfaction and business reputation. 

C] Technologies Used In Effective Temperature Monitoring

An effective cold chain monitoring system helps in retaining the integrity and quality of temperature-sensitive products such as foods, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. The temperature of these goods is monitored and controlled by various advanced technologies. These technologies are: 

1. Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

Real-time temperature monitoring is the key to the successful completion of a cold supply chain. Real-time monitoring aids in maintaining the adequate temperature of the fleet, ensuring safe and quality product delivery. In this process, a temperature monitoring sensor is placed among the critical points of the cold chain track for continuous monitoring of temperature variations. 

2. Alarm And Alerting Mechanisms

The alarm and alerting mechanism are used to indicate temperature deviation and notify the liable personnel during the transit. The alert of temperature deviations is sent via an SMS, calls, or specific mobile applications. Immediate altering encourages prompt action to maintain the temperature excursions. 

3. Data Logging And Recording

Cold chain management systems are equipped with data logging and recording facilities. They ensure the capturing and storing of detailed information on temperature, location, and fleet timing. The data logging and recording aids in generating comprehensive reports to further service optimisation and evaluation. It also serves as documentation for regulatory compliance.

4. GPS Tracking

Besides temperature monitoring, cold chain logistics uses a GPS tracking system to ensure the fleet follows the designated route. GPS provides robust options to set a virtual boundary for a fleet. The GPS tracking aids in timely delivery and saves lots of cost and time.

5. Battery Backup And Redundancy

Cold chain logistics uses battery backups to ensure uninterrupted temperature management and controls during power failure. It also ensures that spare HVAC systems or components are in place so that if one unit fails, others can take over, maintaining the required temperature.

6. Remote monitoring

Cold chain management uses IoT remote monitoring devices and sensors to track temperature, humidity, and other critical parameters during storage and transit. They provide real-time data to a centralised system to mitigate the risk of spoilage or degradation of perishable products.

Conclusion

Effective temperature monitoring in cold chain management offers numerous benefits, including maintaining product quality, preventing contamination, saving energy, and promoting sustainability. By implementing the discussed strategies and leveraging advanced technologies,  businesses can safeguard their perishable goods and optimise their cold chain operations. 

JustDeliveries is a leading and renowned cold chain logistics service provider that offers tailored delivery solutions for businesses dealing with perishable items and food service chains. We provide end-to-end temperature monitoring using advanced technologies and monitoring devices. To know more, contact us today!