From farm to fork, from laboratory to patient, the cold logistics chain is a key element in ensuring food and health security.
Many products, such as biological products, plants, live animals, works of art, certain electronic components and medical devices, require the utmost attention of logistics operators in terms of controlled temperatures.
To meet these challenges and requirements, temperature-controlled transport specialists or, resort to ever more efficient solutions in order to meet deadlines and control temperatures from start to finish.
In this context, proving the maintenance of temperatures at the set point requires the use of temperature monitoring and traceability technologies. These technologies must be designed with a view to integration through telematics which today is deployed throughout the supply chain to ensure the security of products in the various stages of storage and road, air and maritime transport. , river and rail.
Sensitive products such as food, beverages, laboratory blood products and pharmaceuticals must be kept under cold chain conditions so that their temperatures are maintained at the desired levels or allow them to be continuously monitored. for continuous monitoring purposes.
It is for this primary reason that players in the refrigeration logistics sector undertake to comply with standards and regulations.
To this end, a set of good distribution practices with qualified personnel are implemented. The materials used are certified (refrigeration unit and bodywork), regularly checked in test centers, and under the authority of an independent certification body.
Regulation 37/2005 of the Commission of the European Communities on temperature control requires during storage and transport operations of refrigerated, frozen and deep-frozen foodstuffs, full compliance of the measuring means with standards EN 12830, EN 13485 and EN 13486 :
ISO 22000 certification
ISO 22000 certification ensures that all ordering parties have control over the health risks of the food chain during freight. For all players in the chain (transporter, manufacturer or distributor) complying with ISO 22000 certification ensures product quality is maintained from production to delivery.
Certipharm certification
Certipharm certification sets the specifications for good distribution practices for the pharmaceutical sector. They require the use of approved and calibrated monitoring technologies, by setting up suitable equipment for all service providers in the supply chain.
These requirements have required carriers to equip themselves with temperature monitoring and traceability technologies. The use of real-time temperature recording sensors in a connected vehicle or in a connected air conditioning system can more than fully meet these expectations.
What’s more, using an open metrology solution enables information sharing. In addition, if the solution allows the temperature readings to be linked to the data relating to transport, and even to the products handled (use of information sharing standards) in a transparent and open manner, the solution completely meets the expectations of certification bodies. , as well as the expectations of customers and end consumers.
A Quality approach is a real challenge in terms of raising awareness and raising awareness among the various players in the logistics chain in order to guarantee better risk management. At the various stages of the logistics chain, the actors and collaborators must be trained in the implementation of the material means and adapted technologies.
This implies for the refrigeration logisticians to put in place procedures for checking goods on delivery, receipt and unloading, and require traceability documents from subcontractors. For these purposes, HACCP procedures make it possible to structure the processes for managing health risks.
The use of temperature monitoring tools integrated into their fleet management allows logisticians to certify product temperature compliance throughout the duration of transport.
These tools thus provide temperature monitoring reports and documented proof of deliveries to inform and reassure customers. The organization of regular audits makes it possible to check that the conditions of transport and storage of the goods meet their specifications.In addition to these reports, the logistics operator can be alerted in real time and thus justify the temperature of the goods for disclaim any responsibility during the loading phase. He can then intervene in real time with the sender in order to avoid any refusal by the recipient on delivery. This can thus save him sometimes significant costs for the destruction of goods (vaccines for example).