CSafe tracks the cold chain

EYES IN THE SKIES

COLD CHAIN • CSAFE GLOBAL HAS SHOWN IT IS POSSIBLE TO KEEP TRACK OF TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED AIR SHIPMENTS FROM PICK-UP THROUGH TO DELIVERY

CSAFE GLOBAL, AN innovation leader in temperature-controlled container solutions for the transport of life-enhancing pharmaceuticals, has become the first cold chain packaging provider to successfully implement track and trace technology into its active air cargo containers following a flawless commercial pilot shipment in partnership with DHL.

For the pilot, CSafe’s RKN containers were loaded with temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, flown from Puerto Rico to Kentucky and then transported by truck to their destination in Chicago.

DHL BELIEVES THAT THE NEW CAPABILITIES OFFERED

BY CSAFE WILL REVOLUTIONISE THE TRANSPORT

The ability to offer this level of visibility derived from the successful integration by CSafe engineers of state-of-the-art tracking devices into the RKN containers. These tracking devices provide real-time data on location, container temperature, ambient temperature, container tilt, container shock, door opening/closing events and humidity.

“This technology will bring the insight into shipment status and product condition that customers expect,” says Tom Weir, CSafe’s COO. “The tracking devices continually collect data and deliver it in real time to a cloud-based platform. From there customers and CSafe support staff have 24/7 access to monitor every shipment and intervene if necessary. It’s this ability to intervene that will give CSafe customers additional peace of mind that their products will arrive in perfect condition for patients. Being first to market with this type of innovation demonstrates CSafe’s commitment to best-in-class products and continuous improvement across our product portfolio.”

DRUGS DELIVERED With this first commercial pilot now finished, CSafe plans to move on with additional commercial test shipments during the next few months and incorporate customer feedback into its custom visibility platform. The platform will be device-agnostic and able to track additional, commercially available telemetry devices. This flexibility is seen by CSafe as being essential for the successful implementation of the technology across its entire portfolio of Air Cargo, Parcel and Cell & Gene solutions.

As a key partner focused heavily on its Strategy 2025 of digitisation, DHL has been very supportive of CSafe’s efforts on this project. Patricia Cole, global head of Temperature Management Solutions and Same Day for DHL Global Forwarding, notes: “We at DHL appreciate partners who are dedicated to innovation that not only meets the current need but goes well beyond to anticipate the future needs of our customers. This technology will revolutionise the cold chain and we are thrilled to be involved.”

CSafe’s CEO, Patrick Schafer, was not at all surprised that the team delivered in spite of the challenges that 2020 has brought with it. “Tom and his entire team have been researching, planning, testing and retesting every aspect of this project for months to ensure we provide the best possible hardware, software and experience to our customers. They enlisted help and insight from our partners and customers and the result is once again something we are all very proud to offer.

“While others may have delayed or cancelled innovation efforts due to COVID-19, we saw it as an opportunity to truly test the equipment and software. As always, the CSafe team, our partners at DHL and our active containers performed exceptionally well.” csafeglobal.com