How The Internet Of Things Is Changing Vaccine Distribution

In a world where digital components are everywhere, it is important that IoT is properly harnessed and its capabilities are utilised to their full potential. One field that relies heavily on data visibility is supply chains. 

IoT, also known as Internet of Things, is the involvement of physical objects which can have embedded technology, sensors or software enabling the interconnectedness between objects and data exchange. The concept has become increasingly prevalent in the past few years and continues to grow, especially with the involvement of intangible components such as cloud technology and big data. Smart devices often exist in numerous aspects of life, including communication, health and transportation. These devices can range from phones and asset trackers all the way to technology used in major industrial environments.

In a world where there is always at least one digital component in every room or person’s back pocket, it is important that this low cost yet highly transformative technology known as IoT is properly harnessed and that its powerful capabilities are utilised to their full capacity. One field that is extremely data driven and heavily relies on visibility is supply chains. Supply chains are often complex and spread geographically across regions. In some cases, there may be multiple solutions utilised throughout for the monitoring of assets which can lead to siloed data. Businesses that manufacture, store, or distribute temperature-sensitive products require a form of monitoring, whether it is to record fluctuations in temperature, how products are being handled, or even just the location of their shipments. This is where the relationship between IoT and cold chain logistics comes into play.

What Is The Involvement Of IoT For Vaccines In Distribution & Cold Chain Management?

The utilisation of IoT enabled track and trace technology, namely data loggers.

When it comes to storage and transportation of goods, particularly with the increased fragility of temperature-sensitive vaccines, the obvious solution for ensuring a safe and visible shipment process is through utilisation of IoT enabled track and trace technology, namely data loggers. Data loggers are often small devices that have the ability to collect vital data such as location, temperature, & tampering that occur during a journey. IoT enabled data loggers are taking this a step further ultimately by allowing devices to transmit data in real-time enabling possible preventative action when violations occur.

This relationship between IoT and vaccine distribution was significantly highlighted during the pandemic where increased visibility was required in real-time. Prior to this the industry heavily utilised passive data logger solutions for cold chain monitoring. Real-time asset tracking devices have the capability to not only be utilised whilst assets are moving, they can also be utilised for cold storage monitoring. By implementing IoT for vaccines this can assist in data capture on various environmental factors. This data can then be viewed by the user of the solution and access can be given as required to their clients. Innovative IoT enabled monitoring solutions can be used to further enhance and streamline cold chain management, assist companies to work towards integrating more sustainable practices and reduce damage & waste.

The Benefits Of Utilising IoT For Vaccines In Cold Chain Management?

Innovative data loggers are able to monitor metrics ranging from location and temperature to light, & shock.

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines highlighted the plethora of benefits for IoT devices being used to track temperature-sensitive goods through the cold chain. When any temperature-sensitive goods are transported from origin to destination, there are numerous risk factors involved. They can easily be exposed to unsafe temperatures, damaged en route or even delayed. While these challenges occur, all parties need to understand if and when they occur. By utilising a passive monitoring solution this would not be possible until products have arrived at their final destination resulting in immediate wastage of products which have been exposed to significant violations.  

By utilising IoT devices for vaccine tracking, companies will be able to mitigate challenges experienced by adding a layer of visibility to the process. Innovative data loggers are able to monitor metrics ranging from location and temperature to light, & shock, and transmit this data in frequent intervals to a secured cloud portal. This allows the business & their associated clients to simply access necessary data with a click of a button. This vital information can not only increase visibility throughout consignments allowing action by stakeholders to take place, but also ensure that businesses can improve their cold chain management processes in the future by analysing data.

How Can Adapt Ideations’ Solutions Support Businesses In Everyday Cold Chain Management?

IoT enabled asset tracking, data logging and monitoring solutions.

Adapt Ideations has innovated a range of IoT enabled asset tracking and monitoring solutions designed for the pharma industry which can be utilised for the tracking of vaccines. Our solutions precisely monitor a number of vital metrics for the transport of temperature-sensitive assets from origin to destination. We not only offer a range of data logging devices that are able to track conditions such as the location, temperature, & tamper of moving consignments, but also specialised loggers for cold storage monitoring along with access to our secured cloud portal.

Get in touch with us today at enquiries@adaptideations.com for further information on our solutions.