IoT technology in the cold chain can assist firms in tracking critical data on shipments, perhaps allowing them to minimize temperature excursions and give better data to stakeholders.
Fremont, CA: Cold chain logistics may be easily handled using Industry 4.0 technologies. Internet of things (IoT) devices are now being utilized in various sectors to collect real-time data on business operations.
IoT technology in the cold chain can assist firms in tracking critical data on shipments, perhaps allowing them to minimize temperature excursions and give better data to stakeholders.
Here are some examples of how firms leverage IoT to improve cold chain logistics.
The ability of IoT devices to monitor the temperatures that cold chain shipments get exposed to is a critical feature. Sensors can be used in various transportation modes, such as trucks, rail freight, or air cargo, to continuously track the temperature of food items, critical pharmaceuticals, and other items that require cold chain logistics. This is done by attaching an IoT temperature monitor outside the package or pallet.
These sensors will do real-time data collection and reporting. All key stakeholders may access the temperature data that IoT sensors collect since they can automatically save data on the cloud. IoT devices that track temperature can also assist in keeping an eye out for these possible dangers.
- GPS and RFID Shipment Tracking
IoT devices are also very good at locating a shipment or specific merchandise right now. In addition, an IoT gadget can gather data on cargo movement using technologies like GPS or RFID.
This information will be real-time, thanks to GPS. For the system to work with RFID, RFID readers must be put in strategic areas and continually scan for RFID tags. When an RFID-tagged shipment enters a warehouse, fulfillment center, store, or delivery site, these systems will immediately inform the user.
- Automated Reporting and Cloud Data Storage
IoT devices may get utilized for automatic report production and cloud data backups since they are linked to the internet and can continually gather data.
An IoT device can send data to logistics management systems in addition to the cloud, where stakeholders can evaluate it using dashboards and other data visualization tools.
- Equipment Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
IoT devices are great tools for tracking the operation and health of cold chain equipment, including delivery trucks, warehouse gear, and even HVAC systems, in addition, to directly monitoring shipments.
Current IoT performance monitoring systems may track numerous performance and environmental characteristics. Businesses may track machine performance and health using the information from these platforms.
The management of a warehouse or fulfillment center may utilize IoT sensors to detect the local temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels and determine whether these factors may be impairing a machine's operation.
