The cold chain is the process of transporting and storing temperature-sensitive goods, such as food, medicine, and vaccines, under controlled conditions. Maintaining the cold chain is essential for preserving the quality, safety, and efficacy of these products, as well as reducing waste and losses.
However, monitoring the cold chain can be challenging, especially in remote areas or during long-distance shipments. Traditional methods, such as manual data loggers or thermometers, are often unreliable, inaccurate, or inaccessible. Moreover, they do not provide real-time data or alerts, which can lead to delayed or inadequate responses to potential problems.
To address these issues, Frigga, a manufacturer of cold chain solutions, has launched its V5C cold chain data logger device, which protects perishable shipments by providing automatic temperature, humidity, light, shock, and location readings. According to the company, the new device allows for real-time tracking of perishable shipments and incorporates a built-in LTE 4G/5G cellular modem with a global roaming SIM card to enable worldwide use. Data is automatically uploaded and viewable through Frigga’s cloud-based web software and Frigga Track mobile app.
The V5C device offers several advantages over conventional methods of cold chain monitoring, such as:
- Onboard storage for 28,000 readings
- Up to 60 days of operation at one hour reporting intervals
- User-selectable data logging and data upload interval
- PDF report via USB interface
- Alerts via email, SMS, or app (iOS and Android)
- Temp measurement range: -30° C to 70° C, typical accuracy ±0.5° C
- Humidity measurement range: 5% to 95% RH, typical accuracy ±3%
- Light and shock sensors to detect tampering or damage
The following table summarizes some of the key features and specifications of the V5C device:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 110 x 65 x 25 mm |
| Weight | 120 g |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery, 3.7 V, 3000 mAh |
| Communication | LTE 4G/5G cellular modem with global roaming SIM card |
| Data transmission | Automatic or manual via cellular network or USB |
| Data storage | 28,000 readings |
| Operating time | Up to 60 days at one hour reporting interval |
| Data logging interval | User-selectable from 1 minute to 24 hours |
| Data upload interval | User-selectable from 1 minute to 24 hours |
| Temperature sensor | NTC thermistor |
| Temperature range | -30° C to 70° C |
| Temperature accuracy | ±0.5° C |
| Temperature resolution | 0.1° C |
| Humidity sensor | Capacitive humidity sensor |
| Humidity range | 5% to 95% RH |
| Humidity accuracy | ±3% |
| Humidity resolution | 0.1% RH |
| Light sensor | Photodiode |
| Light range | 0 to 65,535 lux |
| Light accuracy | ±10% |
| Light resolution | 1 lux |
| Shock sensor | Accelerometer |
| Shock range | ±16 g |
| Shock accuracy | ±0.5 g |
| Shock resolution | 0.01 g |
| Location | GPS/GNSS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo |
| Location accuracy | <10 m |
| Location resolution | 0.0001° |
The V5C device is suitable for various applications that require real-time cold chain monitoring, such as:
- Life science and pharmaceutical: To ensure the integrity and safety of drugs, vaccines, blood products, and biological samples.
- Food and beverage: To prevent spoilage, contamination, and loss of freshness of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and seafood.
- Commercial and industrial: To protect the quality and performance of chemicals, electronics, and other sensitive materials.
The V5C device is not the only product that offers real-time temperature and location tracking for the cold chain. Other companies, such as Copeland and Allied Market Research, also provide similar solutions using sensor-based technology (IoT), which allows sophisticated real-time data tracking by enabling real-time logistic management of every link in the chain.
However, the V5C device claims to have some unique features that differentiate it from its competitors, such as:
- A global roaming SIM card that works in over 200 countries and regions, eliminating the need for multiple SIM cards or devices for different destinations.
- A user-friendly web software and mobile app that allow easy access to data, reports, and alerts, as well as customization of settings and parameters.
- A light and shock sensor that can detect any unauthorized opening or mishandling of the shipment, enhancing the security and traceability of the cargo.
The V5C device is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of the cold chain, as well as reduce the environmental and economic impacts of wastage and losses. By providing real-time data and alerts, the device can help the users to identify and resolve any issues immediately, and optimize their supply chain management.
