Edited by Eamonn Ryan
The following presentation (in his own words) was delivered at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration, Logistics and Technology Summit in Cape Town, by Eckart Zollner, business development, Ikhaya Automation Systems on the topic ‘Net zero cold chain management. This is Part 3 of a three-part series.
“Efficient route management is equally critical. Planning optimal routes minimises fuel consumption and emissions during transport. Unexpected deviations can lead to inefficiencies and additional emissions, underscoring the importance of meticulous route planning and monitoring.
“Reliable power management is essential. Continuous operation of monitoring and refrigeration technologies is vital to prevent disruptions that could compromise temperature control and increase energy consumption,” says Zollner.
“Achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the cold chain requires a holistic approach. It involves deploying efficient technologies, optimizing processes, and implementing robust monitoring and control systems. By addressing these key areas, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of cold chain operations while ensuring product quality and safety.
“So, what does this integration of real-time data sources show us? Essentially, it highlights the need to consolidate real-time measurements across various data points within the cold chain. Temperature monitoring alone is insufficient. We must integrate GPS data from routes, vehicle data including load, tire pressure, and speed, and even logistics data such as transit durations and any deviations from optimal parameters. These deviations can lead to inefficiencies and increased carbon emissions.
“The complexity arises from the necessity to merge temperature monitoring with these diverse data sources. We can no longer rely on multiple disparate platforms. Instead, all data should converge onto a unified platform to provide actionable insights,” says Zollner.
“Real-time monitoring is pivotal because it allows for proactive adjustments. Unlike offline or delayed data collection methods, real-time data empowers us to make immediate corrections along the cold chain. This capability is crucial given the numerous external factors influencing cold chain operations, such as fluctuating external temperatures, unforeseen road closures, logistical deviations, and other unpredictable events.
“Furthermore, integration across different technologies and data sources into a single analytical and visualisation platform is essential. This integrated approach enables us to gain comprehensive insights and comparisons across the entire lifecycle of products from production to consumption within the cold chain.
“In conclusion, the effective management of net carbon emissions in the cold chain hinges on real-time data integration and monitoring. By leveraging integrated data platforms and real-time analytics, stakeholders can optimize operations, mitigate inefficiencies, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of cold chain logistics,” says Zollner.