Geotab unveils advanced cold chain tech to cut food spoilage
Geotab has announced upgrades to its cold chain solution with new hardware and enhanced software capabilities, aiming to improve visibility, control, and compliance for temperature-sensitive shipments.
Food loss during transport remains a major challenge across Southeast Asia, with industry figures attributing up to 90% of spoilage to inadequate cold chain infrastructure. Geotab's latest advances are targeted at addressing this pressing issue by providing better tools for businesses handling perishable goods and sensitive pharmaceuticals.
Hardware improvements
The cold chain solution upgrade introduces two new devices: the IOX-COLD for in-cabin use and the IOX-COLD RUGGED, which is rated IP67 for mounting in external environments. Both pieces of hardware are engineered for direct integration with leading refrigeration units from original equipment manufacturers. This integration is intended to enhance data accuracy, simplify installation, and lower the risk of system failure, as it typically removes the need for multiple standalone sensors previously required for monitoring.
According to the company, direct integration streamlines the entire process for operators, aiming to ensure continuous and accurate temperature readings throughout each stage of a shipment's journey.
Software and platform enhancements
On the software side, the MyGeotab platform has undergone several key changes. Cargo conditions are now viewable in near real time, enabling logistics providers to make more immediate, data-driven decisions about their shipments.
Multi-zone temperature monitoring is also supported, permitting operators to track several areas within a single refrigeration unit. This is especially relevant for shipments where goods with different temperature requirements are transported together. The system eliminates the need for additional sensor installations by accessing temperature information directly from the refrigeration unit.
Other notable software updates include support for custom alerts - allowing operators to set precise thresholds based on shipment needs - and the introduction of remote commands for supported refrigeration units. Advanced historical data visualisation tools have also been added, offering shipment managers interactive charts, maps, and grids to analyse performance and identify trends for future optimisation.
Geotab has sought to refine the user experience via an updated installation tool, MyInstall. The company states that this development streamlines the process of configuring devices and confirming their proper operation before deployment.
Industry relevance
The latest cold chain solution is designed to support organisations across sectors such as food and beverage distribution and pharmaceutical logistics. Geotab's expanded offering aims to help these businesses reduce the risk of product spoilage, adhere to regulatory requirements, and maintain customer and brand trust.
"The impact of inadequate cold chain management is felt across industries, especially in regions where long distances, fragmented infrastructure and climate extremes challenge food and pharmaceutical logistics," said David Brown, AVP APAC at Geotab. "Our cold chain solution is designed to give businesses in Asia Pacific the visibility and assurance they need to protect temperature-sensitive goods, streamline compliance, and operate more sustainably. It's about making smarter, data-driven decisions that improve outcomes every step of the way."
Geotab's hardware and software solution is positioned to assist organisations in reducing waste in the logistics chain, while making compliance with industry standards more straightforward. The company also aims to support clients in safeguarding their brand reputation by helping to prevent losses from spoilage, which can lead to costly recalls and customer dissatisfaction.
Wider adoption of advanced monitoring technology could enable businesses to not only achieve higher operational efficiency but also contribute to more sustainable supply chain practices, aligning with evolving regulatory and customer expectations for responsible logistics operations.
