Cold chain
Cold chain monitoring with IoT: temperature and location from production to retail
Keep temperature-sensitive goods safe all the way. Wireless and GPS sensors report temperature and location in real time, alert you the moment something deviates and give you the history you need for traceability.
Cold-chain integrity from production to retail
The Sensor-Online IoT platform delivers real-time data from local sensors and third-party services, which helps users make informed decisions. Wired and wireless temperature sensors, including GPS sensors, connect to the platform and give you one view of cold rooms, vehicles and goods in transit.
In the cold room, an automated system gives you real-time and historical temperature data and supports the documentation you need for food safety regimes such as FSMA. Sensors send SMS or e-mail alerts for specific conditions, such as a freezer door being opened or closed, or temperatures rising above your limits, so you can stop product loss before it happens.
What the platform gives you
From the cold room to the delivery vehicle.
Real-time and historical data
Follow temperature now and over time, and keep the records for audits and follow-up.
Instant alerts
Real-time alerts on temperature changes and deviations, and when a door is opened or closed.
Refrigerated vehicle tracking
Follow refrigerated vehicles and reefer units, with over-the-air temperature control where supported.
Driver app
A driver app for temperature control on the road.
Maintenance scheduling
Plan maintenance of refrigeration equipment from the data it reports.
Reports and shareable ETAs
Many reports, and shareable arrival times you can give to customers.
Why cold-chain traceability matters
The cold chain market is growing as more people consume cold produce, and businesses need better traceability, especially in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. According to the United Nations, over 20% of fresh produce is lost in the supply chain, which causes economic, social and environmental losses.
Goods such as food, chemicals and vaccines must be kept at the required temperature, and if they are not, they can be ruined. Vaccines also need careful planning because of time-bound doses, and they are exposed to theft and fraud, which makes location tracking important.
How supply chain tracking works
Bluetooth sensors, a GPS router and one platform.
Attach
Place Bluetooth sensors on pallets or boxes. Choose ID, temperature (T) or temperature and humidity (RHT) sensors depending on what you need to measure.
Collect
Up to 200 sensors connect to one dual-SIM cellular GPS router, which collects their data over Bluetooth.
Send
The router sends the data to the IoT platform over MQTT or HTTPS, with GNSS location for events at specific places.
Act
Notifications alert your staff to fix issues before they turn into bigger losses.
Benefits
Built for goods that cannot afford a warm moment.
Reliable connectivity
A dual-SIM cellular router with auto-failover and SIM switching keeps the data flowing.
Simple ecosystem
One router connects up to 200 Bluetooth sensors, and pairing takes seconds with an NFC-enabled device.
Security
Data is secured with professional-level VPNs and industrial-grade protocols.
Exact traceability
GNSS lets you trace goods in the warehouse or on the move.
Works with your platform
Integration with leading third-party IoT platforms for data monitoring.
Tailored sensors
Support and R&D teams help you get the most compatible and optimised Bluetooth sensors for your needs.
Where cold chain monitoring is used
Typical goods and industries.
- Food and grocery
- Pharmaceuticals
- Vaccines
- Cosmetics
- Chemicals
- Fresh produce
Related solutions
Wireless fridge temperature monitoring
Read more →IoT asset and transport tracking
Read more →IoT for retail and supermarkets
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is cold chain monitoring?
Following the temperature, and often the location, of temperature-sensitive goods from production through transport and storage to retail, with alerts when conditions deviate.
How many sensors can one router handle?
One dual-SIM cellular GPS router connects up to 200 Bluetooth sensors, and pairing takes seconds with an NFC-enabled device.
How does the data reach the platform?
The router collects sensor data over Bluetooth and sends it to the IoT platform with MQTT or HTTPS, with GNSS location for events at specific places.
Can I get alerts when a door is opened or the temperature rises?
Yes. Wired and wireless sensors can send SMS or e-mail alerts for specific conditions such as a freezer door opening or temperatures above your limit.
Does it replace our own food safety routines?
No. The system gives you data and documentation to support your routines. Compliance with food safety rules remains your own responsibility.
Protecting goods in the cold chain? Talk to an engineer.
Tell us what you ship or store and where, and we will suggest sensors, routers and a first step.