CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 32
COVER STORY
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE
INDERJEET SINGH
Business Head,
Arya.ag
Several areas within the
cold chain stand to benefit
immensely from advancements
and automation, particularly
in warehouses and distribution
centres. These technologies
will significantly enhance
order accuracy and processing
speed, which is crucial as the
demand for perishable goods
continues to rise, especially
in e-commerce. Innovations
in last-mile delivery will
further revolutionise urban
logistics, ensuring faster and
more efficient deliveries. The
integration of real-time tracking
with Blockchain technology
will bring unparalleled
transparency, reducing waste
and improving quality control
throughout the supply chain.
32 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
tively aim to enhance the quality of perishable products and bolster the agricultural
and food processing sectors in India.
Predictive analytics plays a pivotal role
in anticipating challenges within the cold
chain, from equipment malfunctions to
昀氀uctuations in demand. Companies that
effectively leverage this technology can
better manage their resources, avoid costly
delays, and reduce product loss. By analysing
historical data and trends, predictive models
provide companies with actionable insights,
enabling them to pre-empt issues and adjust
operations accordingly. This approach not
only boosts efficiency but also enhances
customer satisfaction by ensuring timely
and secure delivery of goods.
In view of the same, Jalan elaborates on
Indicold’s strategy for leveraging predictive
analytics to optimise cold chain operations.
“By integrating historical data with real-time
inputs, Indicold can forecast trends, pinpoint
potential problems, and take preemptive
measures. This technology enables accurate
demand forecasting, inventory optimisation,
and anticipates maintenance needs for
critical equipment, thus ensuring seamless operations. As a result, Indicold not
only minimises downtime but also upholds
superior product quality standards.”
He further elaborates on its broader
impact, adding, “In terms of logistics,
predictive analytics plays a crucial role in
route optimisation, enabling us to allocate
resources e昀케ciently while minimising fuel
consumption and emissions. By making datadriven decisions, we enhance operational
agility and e昀케ciency across the board. This
approach not only improves our performance
but also strengthens relationships with
customers, ensuring that we deliver on both
quality and sustainability in the cold chain.”
Bellikatti looks ahead to emerging
technologies that will serve as gamechangers in cold chain logistics. “The cold
chain industry is on the brink of signi昀椀cant
transformation, with Blockchain set to
play a pivotal role in enhancing traceability. Blockchain technology will provide
immutable, transparent records, ensuring
that all temperature-sensitive products
are tracked reliably throughout the supply
chain. This will not only foster compliance
with stringent regulatory standards in
sectors like pharmaceuticals and food but
will also build trust through real-time
auditing and secure data sharing among
stakeholders, driving collaboration and
operational e昀케ciency.”
Lastly, he briefs on the impact of connectivity and automation. “The integration
of 5G with IoT will enable real-time oversight
of cold chain operations through faster data
transmission and edge computing, which
will process data at the source, improving
responsiveness. AI-driven automation,
meanwhile, will revolutionise supply chain
processes, particularly through autonomous
vehicles, drones, and smart warehousing.
These technologies will optimise logistics,
enhance predictive analytics, and maintain
precise temperature control, contributing to
greater e昀케ciency. Additionally, the industry
will witness a shift towards sustainable
cooling technologies and advanced packaging
solutions, such as phase-change materials
and temperature-regulating materials like
Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP), which will
stabilise temperatures during transport
while aligning with sustainability goals.”
