Importance of Temperature Monitoring: Tips to ensure the quality of products

Significance of Temperature Monitoring in Cold Supply Chain 

In cold chain supply, technology is one of the important parts of keeping your precious cargo safe as it moved along the distribution lane. The time-temperature indicator–devices that are useful to monitor temperature changes over time during the cold supply chain transportation. Fortunately, using temperature indicators in your cold supply chain transportation is a cost-effective one for monitoring and controlling the time temperature. 

From perishable products to pharmaceuticals products, temperature monitoring is an integral one to keep your products safe & equipment operating well. Keep reading this blog to know more about monitoring temperature in your cold supply chain transportation.  

The global market size of cold chain monitoring was valued at USD 14,064.4 million in 2018 & is expected to register a CAGR of 18.1% from 2019 to 2025. 

The demand for cold chain monitoring solutions is expected to grow around the globe. The cold chain monitoring solutions using IoT technology emphasize enhancing the efficiency of the cold chains' transportation of processed food, perishable goods, and pharmaceutical products.   

Stringent regulations about the storage & shipment of pharmaceutical goods are also expected to trigger the demand for cold chain monitoring solutions. 

Temperature Controlled Transportation in 2022: A Closer Look 

In 2022, temperature-controlled product transportation will no longer be simply just about transporting goods in refrigerated vehicles. You need to focus on preempting & mitigating crises like equipment malfunctions or delays in reaching the destination. 

Choosing the right vehicle 

When it comes to temperature-sensitive products, you have to choose the right vehicle option for transportation. It’s better to discuss and get a suggestion from a vehicle rental company to know which refrigerated vehicle suits your business needs. Make sure to choose a refrigerated vehicle with a temperature monitoring system that helps you to monitor & control temperature excursions. 

Leveraging digital technology 

From artificial intelligence (AI) to the Internet of things (IoT) modern technologies are ushering in a new era, especially in the transportation industry. Many commercial trucking companies use these latest techs for effective temperature monitoring & controlling cold supply chain transportation with the most advanced GPS technology & Telematics software. Through a powerful, connected systems integrated in refrigerated vehicle, the fleet manager can act on real-time temperature monitoring and ensure the goods remain same quality. 

Benefits of using a temperature monitoring system on your truck  

Real-Time Alerts 

With advanced temperature monitoring and vehicle tracking system, you will receive a real-time alert if the goods/product temperature changes. Even a slight change in the ideal temperature could cause damage to the goods. Therefore, when you use a temperature monitoring system, you can get immediate alerts to solve the issue before it results in losses.   

Receive notification of all temperature changes 

Small temperature changes will trigger the temperature monitoring system, and you will receive alerts of rising or falling temperatures. Also, you will receive notification with real-time alerts when temperature is out of range. It allows you to contact your fleet manager or driver and bring the issue to their attention.   

Detailed Reports 

The temperature monitoring system auto-generates results and provide you an insightful data. That helps fleet managers to take action appropriately and ensure to make fleet operations smooth and running. Moreover, tracking system & telematics provide a detailed report of fleet operations to evaluate operational efficiency.  

Analytical Power  

Once you are familiar with the temperature monitoring system and its reporting structure, you can use the reports to analyze trends and establish new SOPs.  

Temperature-controlled cold chain transportation of pharmaceuticals  

The Cold Chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain management involving constant refrigeration of pharmaceutical products. Cold chain transportation is critical as it preserves the quality and quantity of medical products. The pharmaceutical industry routinely transports a variety of products. So, the pharmaceutical products require refrigerated transportation, which must have a temperature below -15 °C.   

Products requiring a refrigerated environment must be transported at a temperature between 2 °C and 8 °C. Make sure not to freeze these products or expose them to high temperatures as it reduces product effectiveness. 

What could happen if the pharmaceutical products/goods aren't transported at the appropriate temperature? 

The consequences could be life-threatening when temperature-sensitive products are not handled properly during transportation. You should know that pharmaceutical products that are sensitive to high temperatures could deteriorate if they are exposed to a higher temperature. The content of active substances may be reduced and the properties of the product may be impaired.  

Also, when it exposed to high temperatures, some pharmaceutical products could depreciate their formulation properties. Some pharmaceutical products are highly sensitive to cold temperatures, & when they’re exposed, they could lose their therapeutic properties. In addition, some special pharmaceutical products could even harm people’s health if they are not kept at the right temperature during transportation.  

Other pharmaceutical products, like vaccines, require a temperature from 2 °C to up to 8°C. Exposure of vaccines to temperatures below & higher and exposure to light could cause the vaccine to lose its potency and efficiency.