How do you reduce waste and spoilage in cold chain logistics?

We have found data loggers to be reliable for the most part but also have seen failure from time to time. We combat this by placing a redundant 2nd logger on shipments/containers. It's also a good idea to have access to the reefer data from your carrier/freight forwarded in the extreme cases where both loggers fail. One more point. make sure that your loading team is well trained on how to start the loggers before departure. I've experienced this failure a few times.

In cold chain logistics, maintaining optimal temperatures is key to preserving product quality. Factors include adhering to product-specific temperature requirements, using proper insulated packaging, and implementing real-time temperature monitoring. Efficient transportation via refrigerated vehicles ("reefers") and controlled loading/unloading processes minimize temperature fluctuations. Cold storage facilities with reliable refrigeration are essential, as is compliance with industry regulations like GDP. Contingency planning for equipment failures or delays is critical to prevent temperature excursions.

Reducing waste and spoilage in cold chain logistics starts with selecting the right packaging and insulation materials tailored to your product's temperature requirements. Use high-quality insulated containers and thermal blankets to maintain consistent temperatures. Ensure packaging is robust enough to withstand the entire journey, including handling and transport conditions. Opt for phase change materials or gel packs that can absorb and release heat, stabilizing the internal temperature. Additionally, match the packaging size to the shipment volume to minimize excess air, which can lead to temperature fluctuations.

Another tip if you are crossing a border with the shipment is to have a back-up customs broker ready and waiting. Weather, work stoppages and natural disasters don't review your planned route and lots can happen along the way. Know your alternate routes and make sure you have a way to communicate with the actual driver before departure if any changes need to be made en-route.

To reduce waste and spoilage in cold chain logistics, optimize routes and schedules by selecting the fastest and most direct paths, minimizing transit time. Use route planning software to avoid delays caused by traffic, weather, or road closures. Prioritize deliveries based on product sensitivity, ensuring that perishable goods reach their destinations quickly. Coordinate schedules to reduce wait times at loading docks and warehouses, keeping products in controlled environments longer. Implement dynamic routing to adapt to real-time conditions, rerouting shipments to avoid disruptions that could lead to spoilage.

It's important to remember that while inventory is in-transit it is not nettable against discreet demand, but you still need to consider it as part of your total inventory. You may have your MRP/ERP system set-up to ignore non-nettable locations/warehouses like "in-transit", "transfer" or "MRB", this is fine as long as your buyers, inventory planners and warehouse teams have the knowledge and processes to consider this inventory before making purchases, transfers and cycle counts.

Implementing inventory management and traceability systems effectively reduces waste and spoilage in cold chain logistics. By using RFID tags and barcodes, I could track product movement in real-time, ensuring that stock is rotated correctly using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method. Integrating inventory management software with temperature monitoring systems helped identify potential spoilage risks early, allowing for quick corrective action. Additionally, having full traceability ensured that any compromised products could be isolated and recalled swiftly, preventing further loss and ensuring quality throughout the supply chain.

I found that applying circular economy principles in product design and production significantly reduces resource consumption and waste. For instance, designing packaging from biodegradable materials or fully recyclable plastics ensures that after use, the materials can either decompose naturally or be reused in new products. Implementing modular design in products allows for easy repair and component replacement, extending the product's life. Encouraging the return of used products for recycling or refurbishing not only minimizes waste but also creates a loop where materials are continually cycled back into the production process.