Cold Chain Temperature Monitoring: What Is the Best Solution? Get All the Answers

Yes, wireless sensors are reliable inside thick industrial freezers, although connection can be an issue due to how exceptionally thick the walls are. As a result, sensors are specially made to adapt to the environment and usually rely on connection systems like Bluetooth.

The device used to monitor temperature is a temperature sensor or probe. Cartrack’s temperature probes are installed inside the refrigerated part of the vehicle or trailer. The sensors work by monitoring the temperature at regular intervals.

The best temperature monitoring sensors are those that:

• record at regular intervals (to ensure the readings reflect the right temperature at all times)
• work in combination with GPS tracking and IoT (Internet of Things) technology, and
• are connected to an effective fleet management system (FMS).

With this combination of tools, you measure temperatures while precisely keeping record of all related data.

The best place to put a sensor inside a refrigerated container is either in the middle of the container or near the container doors. You must remember to keep sensors away from the evaporator fan, because the air around it is colder and can give a false reading. You’ll also get more accurate readings if you install multiple sensors throughout one cargo bay.

With Cartrack, a thermal sensor costs R635 upfront, R21 per month via subscription, and R39 per month if rented. All prices are per temperature probe. Temperature sensors aren’t sold individually; they form part of your overall fleet package.

You should choose Cartrack for your cold chain temperature monitoring because we have the necessary smart solutions to keep your perishables unspoiled. Cartrack has specialised (temperature and cargo door) sensors, an effective FMS, and GPS tracking for complete surveillance and control of your goods.

The moment your temperature alert goes off, your team should follow up with the alert and act quickly to avoid potential spoils. The team should first check the alert and see if it’s a technical or logistical issue. If technical, immediately call support for necessary repairs. If logistical, quickly rectify the issue and make note of the details.

Yes, Cartrack’s system will really be able to monitor your high-risk goods. Beyond temperature sensors, we also have:

• cargo door sensors, to monitor when and how often the cargo door opens and closes
• cameras that can be placed in the cargo bay to monitor activity in the cargo area, and
• geofencing, which allows virtual perimeters to be set around dangerous areas.

The disadvantages of temperature sensors are:

• when operating, the sensors themselves heat up, which can cause issues and interfere with the readings
• if placed incorrectly, sensors will give false readings, and
• depending on the device, environmental factors like dust and condensation could damage the hardware.

The common problems with sensors are:

• they need to be reset and adjusted regularly, or else they start to give unreliable readings
• if a sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, it won’t give an immediate update on temperature changes, and
• the sensors can deteriorate in physical quality, which then affects how readings are made.

Yes, temperature sensors can fail. Failures are typically due to environmental factors, like water and dust, mechanical issues, or ageing. You must regularly recalibrate your sensors and keep an eye on the readings to ensure the sensors are working.

Yes, you can remotely monitor your goods with Cartrack’s FleetWeb; this is actually encouraged. We have real-time temperature monitoring that works in connection with GPS tracking, which provides immediate, precise readings and alerts to keep you notified. Cargo cameras also let you see door movement and activity inside the cargo bay.