Technological innovation and the push for energy efficiency are shaping the future of refrigerated and cold chain logistics marketsAccording to cold chain specialist Dr Malcolm Dodd of Coldcubed, in South Africa awareness is growing that to maintain produce quality the temperature has to be held at the optimum level for that product.“Thus, there is a lot of focus on real-time end-to-end temperature visibility,” he told Freight News. “This enables managers to proactively manage their cold supply chain end to end. In retail businesses, where there are many fresh products with varying temperature requirements stored or transported together, a compromise temperature is used. There is focused management of this temperature to ensure maximum quality and shelf life.”He said the successful management of a cold chain required constant vigilance on the part of those entrusted with its integrity. “The Internet of Things allows for recording devices to provide, via the cloud, real-time temperature and event information on easily accessible dashboards.”Dr Dodd advises logistics service providers to invest in real-time end-to-end temperature visibility solutions.“ Te c h n olo g y development is moving at an increasingly rapid rate and artificial intelligence is enabling more precise interventions on cold chain activities. Businesses need to keep abreast of these developments and adapt them where and when appropriate. The cost of investment is far outweighed by the prevention of compromised quality produce.”The South African cold chain industry faces particular challenges such as badly maintained roads in rural and other areas – and these have an impact on the movement of refrigerated cargo. Increased average temperature and higher maximum temperatures as a result of the changing climate is another issue to contend with.“The ever-increasing cost of energy whether it be electricity or hydrocarbon fuels is, of course, a very real challenge for operators,” said Dr Dodd. “The domestic cold chain industry is well aware of energy costs associated with maintaining a good cold chain. Many businesses have installed energy management systems that raise awareness of energy consumption more than reducing the amount of energy used. This is positive as it enables managers to focus on high energy-consuming components and use off-peak hours to reduce cost rather than energy consumption per se. The export industry is reliant on energy-saving initiatives used by the shipping lines such as software programmes that turn off compressors and evaporator fans for periods. When a predetermined temperature increase is recorded the system is switched on again.”Commenting on regulation, Dr Dodd said the local cold chain was by no means overregulated. “The Perishable Produce Export Certification Agency (PPECB) plays a controlling role in the export industries that rely on cold chains. Similarly, but to a lesser extent, the PPECB also plays a role within country cold-chain activities.”The export industry is reliant on energy-saving initiatives used by the shipping lines such as software programmes that turn off compressors and evaporator fans for periods.– Dr Malcolm Dodd
