COLD CHAIN TRACKING AND MONITORING.

A cold chain is a specialised type of supply chain or logistics system that is designed to control and maintain the temperature for a wide range of perishable goods that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature.

Examples of common products contained within a cold chain include foodstuffs such as fresh produce (fruit and vegetables), dairy products (milk and cheese), meat and poultry (beef, chicken etc.), seafood (fish and shellfish), and an array of frozen foods. A cold chain may also comprise pharmaceutical goods like vaccines and medications.

The cold chain is important because certain products will either perish or lose their efficacy without proper temperature control. For instance, the majority of foods will become unsafe for consumption if they are not stored at certain temperatures, and most vaccines and medicines will become ineffective owing to their chemical sensitivity.

A cold chain works by having a series of set tasks carried out until a product is moved from its point of origin to its final destination. The key steps of a cold chain involve the preparation of the product, its placement in a temperature-controlled storage unit, transportation under controlled conditions, and finally, delivery to the intended recipient.

Cold chain tracking refers to the continuous monitoring of temperature-sensitive cargo as it moves through the supply chain. It guarantees that items such as food, drink, and medicines remain within the required temperature range during transport.

Cold chain management means safeguarding the quality and safety of goods which must be kept within strict temperature ranges. If temperature deviates, fleet managers need immediate visibility so they can respond and prevent potential damage.

Cold chain monitoring ensures that goods arrive in perfect condition by maintaining the correct temperature throughout transport. When temperatures fluctuate, products can spoil, be rejected by customers, or even create health risks. By using cold chain telematics, managers gain real-time insight which reduces financial losses, supports regulatory compliance, and protects a business’s reputation.

A break in the cold chain happens when the prescribed temperature-controlled environment for a perishable product is compromised. Such breaks can occur due to equipment malfunctions, temperature zone fluctuations, delays, human errors, power outages, or packaging issues.

Importantly, a break in the cold chain indicates that a product has not been handled in accordance with its prescribed temperature requirements or with the regulations that are in force.