Blog Post
Increasing efficiency in food product recall using IoT and blockchain
Adapt Ideations • Aug 19, 2019
One day the food supply chain is running smoothly, then suddenly a notice alerts everyone about the recall of a product and they have to spring into action.
One day the food supply chain is running smoothly, then suddenly a notice alerts everyone about the recall of a product and they have to spring into action. Every relationship in the supply chain, from ingredient suppliers to storage facilities to the end consumer has a role to play in the process of efficiently and safely removing the affected items.
A huge step of a recall is identifying the affected area or product. If this is not done correctly and in a timely manner, lawsuits can spring up and the country’s health can be affected. If someone makes a complaint in a restaurant, a company should have the technology to track exactly what the source of the problem is and where it came from.
Can you believe that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have reported that in 2018, over 650 recalls have occurred. That’s double the number of products recalled in an average year a decade ago. And approximately one in six Americans get sick every year from eating contaminated foods, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Identification of source in this step of the recall can be directly benefited by a sound IT infrastructure, specifically one that enables a company to monitor the transactions and operations of the entire supply chain from one central server portal. Obviously technology is only one aspect of the identification process, but it can really assist the employees and leadership throughout the chain in understanding the initial scope of the situation.
Although it is a type of technology that is still not being used widely in the food industry, blockchain is regarded by many as a promising technology for enabling traceability in the food supply chain. Blockchain technology is a shared, digital platform where users can store and share information across a network. This system enables users to look at all transactions simultaneously and in real-time. One of the main advantages of blockchain is that once information is added to the blockchain, it is distributed within the network and it becomes permanent. It cannot be hacked, manipulated, or corrupted in any way. This technology can deliver the transparency, traceability, and trust that has eluded the food industry for a long time. Due to its unalterable data, the system can give producers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and consumers access to trusted information regarding the origin and state of each product or ingredient.
Here at Adapt Ideations we utilise IoT to create unique state of the art smart business solutions. No one solution is identical as we develop our solutions based around our potential clients every need.
Food product recalls are a fact of life in today’s food industry. Food distributors need an action plan to keep their operations running smoothly, reduce shipping issues, and maintain their industry reputations. There’s no reason to go it alone. At Adapt Ideations, we provide smart IoT solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs, and we’d be happy to talk about how we can do the same for your company.
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Temperature-controlled logistics is a crucial aspect of global supply chains, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Maintaining the correct temperature during transportation is not just a logistical issue but also a critical factor in ensuring the safety and efficacy of life-saving vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products. As the demand for temperature-sensitive products like vaccines and biologics continues to surge, ensuring their safe transportation is paramount. Any deviation in temperature during transit can compromise the efficacy of these products, leading to significant financial losses and potential health risks. This blog delves into the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics, critical challenges faced in this sector, and groundbreaking innovations that address these challenges. With a focus on real-time monitoring through IoT solutions, we aim to showcase the advancements that contribute to the efficiency and compliance of global pharmaceutical supply chains. Evolution of Temperature-Controlled Logistics Temperature control has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades. Stringent global regulations, customer demand for new temperature ranges, emerging markets with extreme temperatures, and the growing value of drugs like biologics have been essential driving forces. These factors have spurred the evolution of temperature-controlled logistics to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The landscape of temperature-controlled logistics is evolving, thanks to technological advancements. Trends include the growing availability of prequalified shippers simplifying the validation process, sophisticated supply chain services, a rising interest in reusable packaging, and advances in temperature-monitoring technology. These innovations contribute to the industry's ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment. Temperature-controlled logistics involves managing the flow of products through a cold chain. Divided into food and pharmaceutical sectors, the global market size of cold chain logistics is projected to grow significantly. From USD 242.39 billion in 2021 to USD 647.47 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.1%, the industry is expanding rapidly, reflecting its critical role in modern commerce. 3 Key Challenges in Temperature-Controlled Logistics Compliance Issues Stringent Regulatory Standards: Global temperature-controlled logistics operates within a framework of strict regulations set by health and safety authorities. Meeting diverse regulatory requirements across international borders poses a significant challenge for companies in this sector. Documentation & Reporting: Compliance involves meticulous documentation and reporting of temperature-sensitive shipments. Keeping up with the evolving documentation standards requires streamlined processes and robust systems. Validation & Qualification: Ensuring the validation and qualification of equipment and processes according to regulatory standards is an ongoing challenge. The need for continuous validation adds complexity and time constraints to logistics operations. Risks of Temperature Deviations Product Integrity: Temperature-sensitive products, especially pharmaceuticals and biologics, are highly susceptible to temperature deviations. Even brief exposure to temperature breaches during transit can compromise the integrity and efficacy of these products. Financial Implications: Temperature deviations can lead to significant financial losses for companies. Replacing or disposing of compromised products and potential legal repercussions contribute to financial challenges. Supply Chain Disruptions: Temperature deviations can disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to delays in product availability. This not only affects businesses but can have critical implications for healthcare providers and patients relying on timely access to medications. Security & Theft Concerns Value of Cargo: Temperature-sensitive cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and high-value perishable goods, can become a target for theft. The significant value of these products heightens security concerns throughout the supply chain. Vulnerability During Transit: The vulnerability of cargo during transit, particularly in unsecured areas, poses a constant risk. The potential for theft during transportation adds complexity to securing temperature-controlled shipments. Need for Tracking & Monitoring: Ensuring the security of temperature-sensitive cargo requires robust tracking and monitoring systems. Integrating security features, such as real-time location tracking and tamper-evident technologies, is essential to mitigate theft risks. In navigating the intricate landscape of temperature-controlled logistics, companies must address these multifaceted challenges to uphold compliance, safeguard product integrity, and ensure the security of valuable shipments. Innovative solutions, such as advanced monitoring technologies and comprehensive security measures, are crucial in overcoming these challenges and fostering a resilient and efficient supply chain.
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