Challenges & Solutions in Time and Temperature Controlled Transport
With the reach of organizations expanding rapidly and globalization at its peak, transportation of goods and services from one corner of the world to another may seem hassle-free. But is it truly hassle-free?
Well, not so much for the transportation of time and temperature controlled supplies. Time and temperature-controlled supplies are the ones that require a certain degree of temperature or a time-frame to be maintained. This requirement is not only to be ensured during its storage but also while transporting the supplies from the manufacturer to the distributor and then finally to the end customer.
The distribution and warehouse management system of a brand plays an important role in ensuring this. Pharmaceutical supplies make heavy use of cold-chain transportation and for this reason, vigilant management of their products is essential and cannot be compromised. The transport management of these supplies must be strong enough to prevent temperature excursions throughout the transportation process.
Major Challenge: Maintenance of temperature throughout transportation
Solution: Establishing a regulatory framework
Time/temperature-sensitive products are prone to getting spoilt or damaged during cold chain transportation. To avoid this, supply chain providers must maintain a cold-chain visibility system. Cold-chain visibility through digital trackers can help monitor real-time temperatures and provide location-based insights. Logging-in data from time-to-time using automated tools is essential. Apart from this, a few solutions can be applied such as:
- Ice packs/gel packs -
Formally, supply chains made use of dry ice for cold storage, however, this posed a major challenge for biotech and other life science products. Dry ice melts after a certain amount of time and turns into carbon dioxide resulting in the removal of oxygen from the container. This often led to damage of the products kept within. Ice packs/gel packs, on the other hand, are special plastic briquettes filled with refrigerant gel. These are cold accumulators that can be kept inside cold storage boxes along with the products, without the harm of melting. These packs have a lower sublimation point and are reusable as well, proving to be a better choice. - Temperature recorders -
Temperature recorders must be placed at regular checkpoints during the transportation system. Portable versions of these devices can be used as well by the transporters to cross-check the temperature. - Temperature monitoring alarms -
Placing alarms in the storage sections of the supply chain can be helpful to notify the authorities in case of a temperature breach. Most management systems install alarms in their warehouses for the cold storage area. - Refrigerated transportation -
Having a modernized transport system is essential while managing time/temperature controlled supplies. Transports with built-in refrigeration make shipping of high-value pharmaceutical products easier and keep it uniform.
The challenges with regards to time and temperature-controlled transportation are numerous but by adopting advanced logistics solutions and robust technology, the hurdles can be overcome effectively. We hope this article has helped you understand the challenges faced by the logistics segment with solutions to tackle them. To know more about supply chain management, get in touch with us today!
Also Read: 5 Factors To Consider In Cold Chain Storage Facilities