Analytical monitor identifies temperature trends and patterns

RAY SMUTS A NEW approach through a clearer understanding by analysing the process is how global cold chain solutions provider Sensitech is going about temperature monitoring. Historically speaking, temperature monitoring entailed inserting a recorder onto a perishables shipment in a truck or container and shutting the door. Upon arrival, if any problems had occurred with the quality of the product, and the recording chart showed no deviations, it left the exporter/grower wondering what had gone wrong. Chris Ferrandi, Somerset West-based director of Sensitech Southern Africa, says the company has over the past few years been working with customers to help them understand how their in-transit monitoring system works, what type of information they should be looking at and how they should be receiving it. He explains this move away from evaluating single trips in isolation, to assessing the integrity of the process and scrutinising many different trip readings, puts one in a position to observe and assess trends and differing patterns within the cold chain. Sensitech’s approach is to utilise validated data collection devices, such as the Temptale 4 monitor, which record the temperature during shipment, and upon arrival are downloaded into a large database called Cold Chain Manager (CCM). By using a method called Statistical Process Control, Sensitech is then able to analyse the temperature history of a just-completed trip, in conjunction with other trip histories maintained in the CCM database, in order to identify trends that negatively influence the perishable product, and then based on this, implement the necessary corrective actions. This combination of a powerful database and Sensitech’s analytical process, places the exporter/grower in a position to make sense of what is really happening in their cold chain. Ferrandi says by using the process, US retailers are learning that end-to-end cold chain visibility solutions are an important element in solving costly temperature-related losses. One part that is crucial to retrieving trip data is being aware who is receiving shipments with Temptale 4, which is why Sensitech needs to understand and become involved in its customers’ in-transit logistics. “The ability to track the freshness and quality of perishables across the entire supply chain, from the farm to the retailers’ shelves, ensures their perishables are properly moved and stored at the correct temperature environments.” This, says Ferrandi, makes Sensitech more than just a monitoring company by offering customised reporting and consulting services.