Perishable produce temperature profiling using intelligent telematics

Abstract

Controlling, monitoring and maintaining the temperature of agricultural products in the cold chain is critical to avert the ills associated with this industry. The various segments of the cold chain not only require visibility to prompt the necessary decisions and actions in times of negative events but continuous amelioration of systems and technologies employed for safe, fresh and edible farm produce. This article aims at providing an improved concept for temperature monitoring by addressing operational issues experienced in Southern Africa cold chains. It is demonstrated how detailed profiling of actual temperatures experienced by cargo can be implemented using a system based on a combination of local wireless communications between sensors and a controller, and long range communication between the controller and a central office via a GSM tracking unit