How Polar Solved a Growing Problem in the Cold Supply Chain?

“Did You Hear About That Shipment?”

"I heard one of their fresh produce shipments arrived spoiled again!"

The gossip spread quickly through the logistics sector. A leading supply chain company in Sri Lanka, known for delivering fresh fruits and vegetables across the country, was facing issues. Shipments were arriving at supermarkets with signs of spoilage, and customers were beginning to notice.

Supermarkets were growing frustrated, complaints were piling up, and the company’s reputation was on the line.

But rather than waiting for things to get worse, the company decided to act—and turned to Polar to help solve the problem.

Introduction

Temperature control is essential in sectors that depend on the transportation of perishable goods, including dairy, seafood, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals. From the point of origin to the final destination, products are guaranteed to maintain their quality and safety thanks to this network of temperature-regulated procedures known as the "cold supply chain."

Accurate temperature control is necessary at every step of the cold supply chain, including handling, shipping, and storage. Financial losses, product recalls, and spoiling might result from even a small variation. The complexity of running such operations is further increased by the need to ensure compliance to strict food safety and quality requirements.

Ensuring real-time visibility, quick reaction to temperature changes, and predictive maintenance of refrigeration equipment is not only a competitive advantage but also a need for companies involved in the cold supply chain.

This case study highlights how a leading supply chain company in Sri Lanka tackled these challenges by integrating Polar, an advanced IoT-based solution, into their cold supply chain operations to enhance visibility, improve efficiency, and reduce spoilage.

Business Case - The Challenges

This supply chain company manages a complex cold chain network, transporting perishable goods from farms to supermarkets across Sri Lanka. Ensuring products remain fresh requires precise temperature control and real-time monitoring throughout transit.

However, the company faced several recurring issues as follows.

• Power outages during transportation caused refrigeration units to fail, leading to temperature fluctuations.
• Water damage to temperature sensors during loading and unloading.
• Wires damaged by rodents, affecting data transmission.
• Manual temperature checks that were time-consuming and prone to human error.

These problems led to spoiled shipments, delayed deliveries, and a decline in customer satisfaction. The company needed a reliable solution to monitor and maintain optimal conditions across their supply chain.

Solution - Polar – A Smart Monitoring System

The company implemented Polar, a smart IoT-based solution developed by SenzMate, to automate and optimize their cold chain operations.

Key Features of Polar:

1. Real-time monitoring: Strategically placed POLAR devices track temperature fluctuations throughout your cold room, ensuring your food stays fresh and safe.
2. Actionable insights: Access valuable data on temperature trends, helping you identify potential risks and maintain optimal storage conditions.?
3. Condensation control: POLAR helps manage humidity levels, preventing equipment damage and preserving food quality.
4. Effortless management: Ditch the spreadsheets and handwritten notes. POLAR automates data logging and trend analysis, saving you time and reducing errors.
5. Proactive alerts: Receive instant notifications for any anomalies, allowing you to address issues before they escalate and ensuring continuous operation.
6. Automated Device Health Checks: The system monitored the condition of sensors and refrigeration units, detecting potential issues such as power failures or water damage.

Actions Taken - Turning Problems into Solutions

After deploying Polar, the company took several critical steps to improve their operations:

• Installed Polar Sensors across all refrigerated trucks and storage units to continuously monitor temperature conditions.
• Trained Staff on how to use Polar’s dashboard to access real-time data and receive alerts on any issues.
• Set Up Automated Alerts to notify drivers and warehouse teams of temperature fluctuations or equipment malfunctions.
• Established a Preventive Maintenance Schedule based on Polar’s predictive insights, reducing unexpected breakdowns and delays.

With these actions, the company gained full visibility and control over their supply chain.

Results - A Fresh Start for the Supply Chain

One logistics manager commented,?

“We used to react to problems after they happened. Now, with Polar, we prevent them from happening in the first place.”

The implementation of Polar led to significant improvements in the company’s operations:

• 95% Reduction in Spoiled Shipments -? Real-time monitoring allowed the company to detect and address temperature issues before they caused spoilage.
• 20% Faster Deliveries - With fewer equipment failures and delays, deliveries were completed on time more frequently.
• Lower Maintenance Costs - Predictive maintenance reduced the need for emergency repairs and minimized downtime.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction - Supermarkets received fresh, high-quality products consistently, restoring trust and loyalty.

Is Your Supply Chain Ready for a Transformation?

If your supply chain is struggling with temperature control, device failures, or delays, it might be time to consider a smarter solution.

Polar helped a leading supply chain company in Sri Lanka overcome its challenges and achieve smoother operations. It can do the same for your business.

Contact us today to learn how Polar can help optimize your supply chain and keep your customers happy. ?? [email protected]

Written by Naduni Ranatunga ?