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Core T fleet measures core temperature of refrigerated transport

GPS-Buddy introduces Core T Fleet to measure the core temperature of refrigerated transport

AUTOMATED TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT IS ACCURATE AND REDUCES MANUAL OPERATIONS


GPS-Buddy, supplier of telematics solutions, has developed an automated method whereby the core temperature is calculated accurately by means of an algorithm during conditioned transport. Based on a number of parameters relating to the product and the conditions in which it is transported, the algorithm calculates the progression of the temperature in the core of the product. Measurements are linked to the back office system and thus directly available for reporting to the client.

CoreT Fleet complies with the hygiene code for food safety and visibility in the chain. The strict requirements also apply to the conditioned transport of medicines, chemicals or flowers. Here too, a too high or too low transport temperature can have far-reaching consequences for health or for the loss of goods. Unlike the manual measurement of core, ambient, or surface temperature, this method does not require manual operations. This prevents loads from going missing due to fluctuations in temperature or punctures in the product.

PILOT

This solution was developed in cooperation with our client Huuskes, a total partner for food & beverages in healthcare. Harrie Reink, Logistics Manager at Huuskes, explains: “To us, temperature management is a critical issue. The temperature of the products we transport in our vehicles must be continuously monitored and controlled. The measurements deviated too much from reality because we could only measure the temperature of the cargo space. Together with our technology partner GPS-Buddy, we looked for a good solution to this problem. The process is now fully automated”.

KNOWN ISSUE IN CONDITIONED TRANSPORT

Daniel Engelberts, Transport Consultant at GPS-Buddy, adds: “The problem Huuskes presented to us is an issue that comes up in conversation with several clients. Common measurement methods only measure the ambient or surface temperature. As a result, there are peaks and troughs in the results. This is because when the refrigerated cargo space is opened, outside air enters and affects the temperature progression. The peaks and troughs do not have an extreme effect on the core temperature, but they do lead to discussions with customers or even to the rejection of delivered batches. The algorithm we use makes accurate calculations based on parameters such as mass, type of packaging, moisture and fat content combined with time of loading, temperature of loading, humidity, etc. This gives a realistic picture of the core temperature progression from loading to unloading and prevents a lot of discussion.”

SMART COMBINATION OF TECHNOLOGY

“As GPS-Buddy we are always looking for new practical applications of our technology. Huuskes' request was in line with existing developments”, says Ties Schaafsma, CEO of GPS-Buddy. “By using our proven hardware in combination with an intelligent mathematical calculation model, we arrived at this certified solution that can be accessed through our Driver App. With or without connection to the existing TMS application of the client, it is possible to share reports with the customer. Its cost is relatively low compared to other -less accurate- methods such as probes. Plus, we give the client the possibility to act proactively towards their own customer, which increases customer satisfaction. That is why we do what we do.”

CoreT Fleet is immediately available in the Benelux. It is based on average product types, and is also adaptable to specific operating conditions. The method is certified by the independent engineering firm Optimal Thermal Solutions, which specialises in temperature management and is ISO certified through Thales.

Case study

Huuskes sets an example

Food is emotion. The Enschede-based company Huuskes knows better than anyone that this also entails great logistic responsibility. The company, whose mission statement is ‘eating with ease’, has been working for decades according to three key values: fresh, customer-oriented and delivery reliability.

To the case study