Key Takeaways
- Predictive algorithms analyze IoT sensor data to foresee refrigeration failures before they happen.
- Real-time temperature monitoring ensures strict compliance for pharmaceutical and food safety regulations.
- Dynamic rerouting saves perishable cargo by diverting trucks to nearby cold storage facilities during emergencies.
- Preventing cargo spoilage directly protects profit margins and eliminates catastrophic insurance claims.
What is AI in cold chain logistics?
The application of AI in cold chain logistics involves the use of IoT devices and predictive analytics for tracking temperature-sensitive goods in real time. This technology is able to predict machinery failures and route changes, preventing temperatures from rising and significantly lowering product spoilage.
Mastering IoT Sensors and Temperature Monitoring
The cold chain is the most vulnerable link in global logistics. Vaccines, biological material, fresh goods, and dairy products need complete control over their environment. The deviation of just 2 degrees, called temperature excursion, can spoil an entire delivery of medicines and cause millions in damages, not to mention the risks for people’s health.
In the past, temperature control was only passive. Temperature was measured throughout the process, but analyzed once the truck arrived at the destination. In case the cooling system malfunctioned during transportation, there was no way to save the product, as by that time, it had already been spoiled. With the help of AI, the situation changes significantly because, thanks to IoT sensors installed on reefer trucks, it becomes possible to monitor temperature and humidity in real time.
Preventing Cargo Spoilage and Ensuring Security
The real worth of this AI depends on its capability of predicting the occurrence of any failures. In case the AI finds out that the compressor of the reefer is using little more power to keep the same temperature level, then this is the early sign of failure of the machine.
Even before the temperature level increases and leads to the spoiling of the cargo, the AI sends an alert to the driver and also to the dispatch office. Moreover, the system automatically carries out emergency procedures by locating the closest cold storage and re-routing the truck to unload the cargo before the total breakdown of the refrigeration unit.
Real-World B2B Use Case: Cutting Spoilage by 35%
North American provider of high-end seafood was losing about 4% of its total annual revenue due to spoilage of their cargo. Their outdated refrigerated trucks were often experiencing small failures while operating in desert conditions leading to the refusal of the deliveries from high-end restaurants and groceries (Business-to-Business clients).
The company has refitted its trucks with IoT sensors and used an artificial intelligence based cold chain monitoring system. While transporting highly perishable sushi grade tuna across the country, the AI discovered a coolant leak in the refrigeration unit of the truck. The temperature inside the trailer was yet in acceptable range, however, the AI has predicted that in three hours the unit will break down completely.
The artificial intelligence automatically notified dispatchers and suggested rerouting the truck to one of their partner cold-storage facilities that was just 45 minutes away. The delivery was completed on time without any losses of cargo. Within the first year of deployment of this technology the company has reduced their total cargo spoilage by 35%, saving $4.2 million and significantly reducing their cargo insurance costs.
FAQ
What does temperature excursion mean?
Temperature excursion means when the climate-controlled shipping goes beyond the necessary temperature range during a particular period of time that may impact the quality or efficacy of the product.
How does IoT sensor send data from within a moving truck?
IoT sensors make use of the cellular (4G/5G) and satellite telematics network in order to send data to the cloud continuously. In case the truck is in the dead spot, IoT sensors collect the data and start sending it as soon as the connection gets re-established.
Can AI control the temperature inside the trailer?
Yes, IoT integration allows AI system to send command to the cooling system in order to change the temperature settings or start the defrost process remotely.