“Cold chain” is a frequently-used term in the temperature monitoring industry. The cold chain refers to the management of the temperature of perishable products to maintain quality and safety from the start of the production process to the end consumer. If temperatures aren’t maintained, food and other perishables are wasted.
Smart devices and transportation companies understand the value of cold chain monitoring. Ultimately, cold chain and temperature monitoring exists to ensure that properly cooled food and pharmaceuticals arrive with customers in the correct state.
When it comes to the vaccinations industry, the cold chain, very simply, is the system of transporting or storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of 2°C to 8°C (strive for 5°C – the midway point). One of the core functions of the vaccine supply chain is to keep vaccine products properly refrigerated along every step in their journey.
While simple in theory, maintaining proper temperatures for products that can tolerate neither freezing nor excessive heat is difficult in practice. It is especially difficult in places with extremely cold or hot climates, unreliable connections to electricity and weak transportation infrastructure.
Temperature monitoring is a critical tool that managers use to assess vaccine handling quality, detect malfunctioning equipment and prevent temperature fluctuations that can negatively impact vaccine potency and safety.
A number of monitoring devices, from single-use freeze alerts to remote temperature monitors, have been prequalified by WHO and are available for countries to use in their cold chain. However, many countries are still unfamiliar with the technologies and have few systems in place to ensure proper (and best) use. Look at how cold chain can benefit your business:
Cold chain operations increase profitability by
- Ensuring cargo temperature stays within the acceptable range and using sensors to alert if any sudden changes occur.
- Minimising temperature-related load rejections, reduce costly spoilage claims, cut redelivery costs and use “lockdown” mode to help prevent cargo theft.
- Providing critical reports to determine location, reduce dwell times and optimise refrigerated container performance.
Browse our range of temperature monitoring products here and email us for more information about each one at samantha@tempmonitor.co.za.