Supply chain demands makes cold chain activities more effective

Carrier Transicold announced the first fully autonomous, all-electric engineless refrigerated trailer system to enter serial production.

Cold chain ecosystem and transport refrigeration link in cold chain 

The Indian cold chain landscape is witnessing a significant paradigm shift as the government has unveiled various measures to bridge the cold chain gap in the country. The two main sectors where the cold chain can play a pivotal role are pharmaceuticals and agriculture. 

The pharmaceuticals industry has been one of the fastest adapters of the cold chain in recent years. Carrier Transicold products have played an important role to ensure critical Covid vaccines and pharmaceutical drugs reach their location in the best condition during this global health crisis. 

To clear the perception that the cold chain is complicated and too expensive for small-holder farms, we recently conducted a demonstration on the impact of the cold chain on the kinnow fruit from Punjab to Bangalore. The study demonstrated that investment in refrigeration pre-cooling equipment and refrigerated trucks can reduce food loss by 76 percent while increasing profit margins up to 23 percent. The cold chain will play a pivotal role in establishing food security in India, thus opening a plethora of opportunities to farmers and various stakeholders in the agriculture value chain. 

An efficient post-harvest management and agri-logistics system including aggregation, pre-conditioning, pre-cooling and refrigerated transportation not only helps to reduce food loss, but also aids in expanding the reach to distant markets. A stronger, more effective cold chain is one where various stages are linked, improving how different elements work together and providing better visibility and control. At Carrier, we have been making moves toward creating a connected cold chain by developing innovative technologies. These steps can reduce cost and waste across the network by driving faster, more intelligent data driven solutions. 

Role of IoT in connected cold chains 

IoT plays an important role in providing end-to-end visibility within the cold chain ecosystem. IoT solutions add a new dimension to Carrier’s range of products and it not only helps fleet operators meet efficiency and sustainability goals, but also enable them to achieve a sustainable cold chain. 

Carrier Lynx Fleet solutions empower our customers to remotely monitor and control refrigeration units and help track their consignments with a strict watch over temperature integrity. The Carrier’s Lynx digital platform will apply advanced IoT, machine learning and analytics technology to connect the cold chain in the cloud, automate key processes and deliver real-time visibility and insights throughout the cargo’s journey. 

Creation of technology-based, custom solutions 

The key to success in the cold chain business in India is the creation of technology-based, custom solutions that address the unique challenges that exist across the cold chain. 

With over 25+ years presence in India, Carrier Transicold is well positioned to understand the market needs and meet its requirement with technologically superior refrigeration products. Carrier Transicold over the past few years has launched several India specific products / solutions in the Indian segment. The Supra and Oasis offerings for large trucks are designed to provide strong, reliable performance in hot, dusty ambient conditions and offer superior pull-down and cooling efficiency. 

For last mile distribution using refrigerated small vans, Carrier Transicold introduced several models of the Citimax series and Citifresh system for chilled and frozen applications. Their streamlined design has very few serviceable parts which helps to reduce repair and maintenance, resulting in low overall operating costs. 

We continue to be the preferred suppliers of truck refrigeration systems due a large and reliable service network as well as an experienced and customer-focused team. Our service dealers are strategically positioned on national highways and offer 24/7 support to customer fleets across the country. 

Safety, efficiency and temperature control for cold chain transportation 

Cargo safety, efficiency and reliable temperature control are key to effective cold chain transportation. Carrier equipment offers superior technology, advance control, remote monitoring, safety devices and automation. The various cooling, heating and defrost cycles are controlled through an advanced microprocessor-based controller with other features such as sleek design, self-diagnosis, error alarms and high customisation managed through an easy to handle cab command. 

Carrier Transicold India has also introduced advanced telematics solutions for diesel drive truck and trailer units. These systems empower customers to remotely monitor and control refrigeration units and help them track their consignments with a strict watch over temperature integrity. 

Technological advancement for the cold chain industry The need for safe and sustainable cold chain technologies to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines around the world has never been greater. In support of this critical need, Carrier launched the Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program – designed to help customers meet rapidly evolving supply chain demands and make their cold chain activities more effective. 

Carrier Transicold will accelerate and advance its electrification capabilities through a new strategic partnership with Portuguese technology company AddVolt. The agreement enables Carrier to broadly utilise AddVolt’s proven, engine agnostic technology to develop innovative sustainable transport refrigeration solutions for customers in Europe. 

Carrier Transicold also announced the world’s first fully autonomous, all-electric engineless refrigerated trailer system to enter serial production. The company continues to innovate by introducing products that reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency, while maintaining the reliability it has been recognised for more than 50 years.