Smart technologies have changed every industry, including transportation. The Internet of Things (IoT) uses new technologies to convert regular tools and pieces of machinery into smart devices that can be controlled via computer or app. For the transportation industry, the IoT has changed the way that loads are managed during shipments.
What is The Internet of Things
The use of GPS to track loads from start to finish to the new temperature monitoring services that can manage the temperature in a reefer trailer remotely are true time savers. In addition, all areas of transportation are being improved by smart technology.
A recent study conducted by Frost and Sullivan shows that a fleet that is managed by IoT technology can significantly improve performance in every area of operation. Some areas, such as fuel usage and fleet utilization, can see an improvement of up to 30 percent by incorporating these smart technologies.
Any increase in performance is beneficial to a company. However, improvements that are over 10 percent can result in reduced operating costs and better overall performance of the company.
The study also showed that shipping companies utilizing smart technology to control the temperature of their loads see a significant decrease in spoilage. Using remote reefer management systems, these companies can guarantee that the temperature remains constant from the minute it is loaded until it arrives and is unloaded from the container.
Temperature control is crucial to many agricultural loads and pharmaceutical transportation. Even small variations in temperature can ruin the product and cause significant losses for the company.
Smart Technology Enables Temperature Management
The smart technology used to manage the temperature in a reefer container is very basic. It consists of a GPS system and uses Bluetooth technology connected to a program that maintains the temperature at all times. If fluctuations are found in the temperature, the system can make the necessary adjustments remotely. If the problem is something that can’t be remotely fixed, the system will notify the driver immediately so that the problem can be adjusted manually before the temperature fluctuates too much and causes potential harm to the product.
Documentation For Business
A final benefit of using remote reefer management systems is the ability to produce temperature reports for the end-receiver of the product. Since the load is continually monitored, you can build a report that shows the temperature of the product throughout the shipment process. This is beneficial to all parties if there is ever a question about the safety of the product.
Additionally, many companies that receive special items and pharmaceutical products will not accept any refrigerated shipment that cannot provide verification of shipping temperatures. Businesses that implement the remote system can increase their business by being able to offer shipping services to these specialty companies.
