How Do You Minimize Waste in the Cold Chain

Ensuring the quality of perishable foods and pharmaceuticals is a priority that benefits everyone. To that end, temperature loggers and other monitoring devices provide the objective data that enables proper quality control and improved accountability.

But cold chain is nuanced, with load scenarios that run the gamut. And the reality of cold chain compliance is far less static than pinpointing a single temperature excursion with a single logging device.

For example, what if temperatures vary throughout a trailer? When a cooling system develops a leak, part of the trailer could be temperature-compliant, while another section is too warm, and a third is too cold. With a single monitoring device, a hot or cold spot in the trailer could cause the entire load to be rejected, even though some product wasn't affected. Depending on the location within the trailer, non-compliant temperatures could also be missed.

There are also less-than-truckload shipments, where products with different safe temperature points are comingled. It doesn't make sense to rely on a single temperature measurement in these cases either.

QC teams can only reduce waste and simplify QC processes while taking into account the variety of cold chain scenarios by accessing more granular data. And that is done through enhanced monitoring.

It's now possible to add temperature measuring points throughout entire trailers at a small fraction of the load value. Devices can be placed on each pallet or in multiple zones to give customers more granular temperature data. One option for monitoring temperature zones is to use Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) logging devices, such as the Copland GO Nano BLE, which can log temperatures for up to 60 days down to -22 °F (-30 °C). In this way, shipment data can be seamlessly synchronized with shipper and customer databases.

The benefits of using a granular, multi-device approach far outweigh the cargo:

• Preparing a load is quick and easy for shippers. Devices can be attached to each pallet or temperature zone once they're staged for shipment. QR codes on each logger enable quick scanning with mobile devices to assign POs while indicating products and placement.
• Gateway devices and mobile apps streamline receiving. Upon arrival, loggers communicate with Bluetooth gateway devices, which automatically upload temperature data to the cloud. QC teams can access data with tools such as Copeland's Oversight software and Oversight Connect mobile app, or have it passed through to their organization's own systems via an API. Inspectors have the option to review temperature data by PO or individual pallets, and a thermal map summarizes the trailer's condition throughout the duration of the shipment.
• Copeland's GO Nano BLE loggers can be used on their own or in conjunction with real-time tracking devices that provide visibility into a truck's temperature, location and/or security. High-volume customers can also scan device codes to increase automation in their QC processes, capturing shipment data in the cloud almost instantly.
• Even if no temperature issues are detected, granular temperature data can give advance warning of concerns within the trailer, identifying a need for inspection and potentially preventing future problems. Gateway devices can also be placed at key waypoints for greater end-to-end visibility.
• Receivers gain the option to accept a partial load.
• Dispute and insurance claims costs are reduced (potentially smaller rejected loads).
• Fewer shipments are expedited (along with the extra expenses associated with them) to replenish inventory in time.
• Augmenting key data elements via database APIs (sharing critical temperature information and corresponding time stamps) supports FSMA 304 compliance.
• Bundling temperature data with POs and pallets enables suppliers and customers to see a complete picture of a shipment's temperature history faster and more thoroughly.

Enhanced temperature monitoring doesn't just offer a more robust way to improve quality throughout the cold chain; it benefits every stakeholder - shippers, retailers and consumers - with lower costs, fewer hassles and less waste.

Reduce rejections in your own cold chain with a Copeland solution.