Cold chain transportation involves moving temperature-controlled goods from one place to another place safely. Some examples of cold chain transport include beverages, medical goods, food items, bio-pharmaceutical products, and chemicals. Several things are involved in cold chain management which impacts the operations apart from transportation. The cold chain logistics industry is facing various problems these days due to various factors and they need proper solutions. Furthermore, cold chain industries can focus more on enhancing their operations to a great extent.
What are some common challenges of cold chain logistics management?
1. Excessive heat exposure
Excessive heat exposure is the main problem that can affect the quality of goods during the loading and unloading process. Prolonged exposure to warm temperatures can degrade the products significantly. Therefore, it is essential to protect temperature-controlled items from damage and other risks. Transporting goods on trucks with a strong loading dock seal with drive-through designs can help prevent safety hazards caused by temperature irregularities during transportation.
2. Equipment breakdown and condensation
Equipment breakdown is one of the common challenges in cold chain management that can affect the operations of cold chain transport. Power outages can cause the breakdown of coolers or freezers which results in more problems. Besides that, poor cooling circulations will mitigate condensation on food products that reduce their quality. The best way to reduce equipment breakdown and condensation problems is to install power backup systems and high-quality fans to ensure optimal results.
3. Damaged goods
Improper handling of goods and not monitoring products at the right temperature can lead to damage. Hence, cold chain industries should control them effectively to avoid loss and other problems. They should consider implementing the latest technologies such as RFID that will help rectify the problem. Damaged goods can result in loss of income to a company and companies should lower them with advanced applications.
4. High operating costs
Businesses involved in cold chains have faced high operating costs since their inception. Some of them include labor costs, government regulations, fuel prices, equipment repairs, and rising commodity prices. It is essential to find solutions for high operating costs that will help ensure more profits. With technologies growing day by day, cold chain industries should consider implementing them to streamline operations.
Artificial intelligence is also useful to automate multiple processes involved in cold chain operations. At the same time, software products are available for small businesses and they can choose the right one after doing complete research.
5. Product monitoring
Logistics business involves various stages in the operations and product management is one among them that helps to ensure efficiency. It is imperative to monitor products at every stage to minimize risks and other problems efficiently. Since limited technologies are available for product monitoring, it becomes difficult to install them. A business should provide complete details of products while delivering them to vendors.
However, some companies offer real-time systems for this purpose that will help optimize the delivery tracking with specifications. Besides that, they show ways to record the name of the receiving party to confirm the delivery of goods with an electronic signature.
6. Human errors
Human error is one of the common cold chain challenges that will impact the distribution of goods. Bad handling, lack of proper training, insufficient documents, and wrong practices can reduce the growth of the logistics business. Companies involved in the cold chain supply distribution should invest money in training to enhance the efficiency levels of employees.
This, in turn, gives ways to eliminate errors thereby showing ways to experience the desired outcomes. It is wise to organize training programs on material handling and other things with professional teams that will help improve the business operations.
