Bench Talk

New Tech Tuesdays

Join Mouser's Technical Content team for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

Temperature-sensitive deliveries, such as vaccines, biologics, and fresh produce, require special handling processes. Logistics companies must take precautions to ensure their safe delivery. Even the slightest deviation can cause spoilage.

Cold chain logistics is the key component of international trade. Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) into the process helps make it more transparent, streamlined, and trusted. In this week’s New Tech Tuesdays, we look at IoT devices that are leading to sustainable cold chain innovation.

Overcoming Common Cold Chain Challenges

IoT technologies have revamped cold chain management by addressing challenges in monitoring, compliance, and efficiency. From temperature tracking to predictive maintenance, IoT systems create safeguards for better outcomes with cold chain shipments (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Refrigerated trucks fitted with IoT sensors allow precise temperature control and real-time tracking during cold chain logistics operations. (Source: A4719/stock.adobe.com; generated with AI)

Real-Time Monitoring

Smart IoT sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors placed within shipping crates, along with wireless connectivity modules and data loggers, can help track environmental conditions. These devices provide immediate feedback so companies can address issues as they arise. For example, if a temperature spike in a pharmaceutical shipment is detected, the sensors trigger alerts so corrections can be made before any damage occurs.

Predictive Maintenance

Refrigeration units equipped with IoT technology can reduce system failures by analyzing performance data in real time. This allows the process to keep moving while protecting the sensitive goods from environmental changes they may experience while en route.

Data Transparency and Compliance

IoT sensors collect and log vast amounts of environmental data to assemble a transparent record. These records are important for meeting strict industry regulations that exist in industries like pharmaceuticals and food safety.

Current Implementations

Airports and logistics companies are excited about the opportunity IoT technology presents for resolving cold chain management issues.

For example, DHL’s SmartSensor technology tracks shipment conditions in real time across the supply chain with high levels of transparency.^[1] The system sends alerts when environmental changes occur to allow for quick intervention. Similarly, Maersk’s Remote Container Management (RCM) system continuously monitors refrigerated containers so that seafood and fresh produce do not spoil in transit.^[2] Airports also help secure the process, as evident at the Singapore Changi Airport, which has implemented IoT-powered cold chain processes to protect pharmaceutical products.^[3]

Companies can minimize defects by blending smart sensors and real-time analytics into cold chain processes. These devices allow for faster responses to temperature changes, which reduces waste. The data logs generated with these sensors allow logistics companies to meet the strict standards in industries like food safety and pharmaceuticals. Reducing waste associated with spoiled foods and pharmaceuticals also supports a greener supply chain that aligns with global sustainability goals.

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs^®

This week’s New Tech Tuesdays features refrigerant sensors from Sensirion. A key element of successful cold chain logistics is precision sensing—not just for temperature but also for leaks. Sensirion SGD4x A2L refrigerant sensors are specially designed to detect refrigerant leaks in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. The SGD43S-M3-S7 model is calibrated to monitor R-454A, R-454C, and R-455A refrigerant, which are most common in refrigeration applications. The UL-recognized (UL60355-2-40) sensors use thermal conductivity measurement to eliminate the need for vibration, optical, and chemical sensors, which can add drift and degradation to the signal chain.

Tuesday’s Takeaway

The IoT enables logistics companies to reimagine cold chain operations, which has always come with its set of challenges. Automation, alerts, and data collection create layers of visibility in transporting some of our most susceptible commodities, like vaccines and vegetables. IoT-powered systems make logistics more secure and sustainable while ensuring compliance every step of the way.

Sources

[1] https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/innovation-in-logistics/dhl-smartsensor.html
[2] https://www.maersk.com/digital-services/captain-peter
[3] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/how-one-cold-chain-facility-dealing-jump-fruit-and-fish-imports-ahead-chinese-new-year-4091851