Beyond Compliance: Why Automated Temperature Monitoring Is Critical for Transporting Food and Healthcare Products

In today’s global supply chains, moving temperature-sensitive products – from fresh produce to medicines – is both a logistical necessity and a growing challenge. With rising demand for perishable food products, increased healthcare transportation requirements, and stricter regulatory standards, precise temperature control must be maintained throughout transportation. Failure to do so carries not just financial risk but also public health consequences. 

The recent launch by Kelsius of FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365 underscores a fundamental shift: businesses must adopt automated, real-time temperature monitoring solutions to protect products, ensure compliance, and minimise waste. 

This article explores why automating temperature monitoring in transit matters more than ever. We look at economic losses from temperature excursions, examples of cold chain failures caused by manual error or unexpected events, and the scale of temperature-controlled transport markets that depend on real-time visibility. 

 

The Scale of Temperature-Sensitive Transport 

Temperature-controlled logistics, often referred to as the cold chain, is a significant and rapidly expanding segment of global supply chains. 

The global cold chain logistics market was valued at around USD393.2 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow to approximately USD1,632.6 billion by 2035, expanding more than fourfold in just a decade. This growth reflects rising consumer demand for fresh food year-round and the expanding distribution of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biological products. Transportation services alone are expected to account for nearly 45% of cold chain logistics demand by 2025.1 

More locally, the UK and Europe are experiencing similar trends: up to 30% of all food produced in Europe requires cold chain logistics due to perishability and quality standards.2  

In short, billions of dollars’ worth of goods are in motion every day that require tight temperature controls, and transportation is the most vulnerable segment of that journey. 

 

How Much Product Is Lost Without Reliable Temperature Control? 

The cost of temperature excursions is already affecting businesses on a massive scale. 

A key finding from international health authorities is that up to 50% of vaccines are wasted globally each year because of inadequate temperature control, logistics, and shipment issues.3 This staggering loss represents billions in product value, compromised public health outcomes, and wasted human effort. 

Across broader cold chains, it is estimated that temperature-control failures contribute to roughly 526 million tonnes of food lost annually, equivalent to nearly 13% of all food produced worldwide. When accounting for disposal, logistics, compliance breaches, and opportunity costs, this loss is estimated at a value approaching USD1 trillion every year.4 

In the pharmaceutical sector, cold chain failures can affect the journey at any stage, with the most common issues arising due to temperature fluctuations, exposure to extreme environmental conditions, delayed transport, and handling errors. It is estimated that 12% of pharmaceutical shipments experience temperature excursions.5 Even minor excursions of just a few degrees can degrade products such as monoclonal antibodies, insulin, and mRNA-based vaccines, rendering them unsafe or ineffective.  

These figures show that temperature instability is one of the most wasteful weaknesses in current logistics systems. 

 

Real-World Costs of Manual Error and Oversights 

Cold chain systems are complex, involving multiple handovers, storage environments, and shifting external conditions. Each transition point – loading docks, vehicle transfers, unloading at destination – introduces risk. 

Human error alone is a frequent contributor to cold chain failures. A study by the Georgia Institute of Technology estimated that up to 90% of such failures resulted from human error.6  

Lapses such as these and related issues lead to costly spoilage events: 

  • The pharmaceutical industry loses approximately USD35 billion in products per year because of failures in temperature-controlled logistics – the vast majority of which are preventable.7 
  • In food logistics, breaks in the cold chain – from simple temperature fluctuations to prolonged exposure outside optimal ranges – are a major contributor to global food loss and waste, particularly for perishable goods such as dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables.8  
  • Weather-related transit delays, refrigeration unit failures, or oversight during customs processing have also been directly linked to cold chain breaches that resulted in waste and regulatory non-compliance.5  

Across industries, these incidents demonstrate that temperature checks and retrospective documentation can record damage that occurs but not prevent it.  

 

Why Automation and Real-Time Monitoring Matters 

Automated temperature monitoring transforms logistics from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting for inspections or manual log entries at checkpoints, connected sensors offer continuous, real-time data throughout the transport lifecycle. 

This capability has several crucial benefits: 

  • Immediate Alerts: Automated systems notify logistics teams instantly when temperatures deviate, allowing corrective action before products are compromised. 
  • Audit Trail for Compliance: Digital records provide tamper-proof documentation for regulators and quality auditors in food safety (HACCP) and healthcare (GDP) environments. 
  • Reduced Human Error: By removing manual logging, automated systems reduce the risk of inaccurate entries, missed checks, or unreported excursions. 
  • Enhanced Visibility: Integrated dashboards often allow end-to-end tracking, giving stakeholders visibility into every stage of the supply chain. 
  • Predictive Insights: Over time, data from temperature monitoring can reveal patterns, enabling companies to refine routes, optimise refrigeration, and prevent recurring issues. 

 

Automated Monitoring in Practice: Food and Healthcare Logistics 

In food logistics, products like fresh produce, dairy, and prepared meals are highly sensitive to temperature swings. Even brief excursions can accelerate spoilage, deteriorate quality, and promote bacterial growth. Automated tracking helps ensure these goods remain in specified temperature ranges until they reach retail shelves or restaurant kitchens. 

In medical logistics, vaccines and biological products often require ultra-precise temperature ranges – some as low as -70°C for mRNA vaccines – to maintain efficacy. Vaccines are particularly delicate biological substances that will have reduced or lost efficacy if they are frozen, if stored above +8°C, or if exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light (UV).9 

Across both sectors, the margin for error is shrinking as products become more specialised and regulations more stringent. 

 

Temperature Monitoring that meets consumers’ demands and regulators’ standards  

The sheer volume and value of temperature-controlled goods in global transport illustrate a critical truth: maintaining temperature integrity in transit is central to modern supply chains. With up to half of all vaccines wasted, hundreds of millions of tonnes of food lost, and billions of dollars in global economic impact, the risks of cold chain failure are too high to ignore. 

Automated temperature monitoring solutions like FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365 are not just technological upgrades, they are strategic necessities for businesses that handle temperature-sensitive products. By delivering real-time visibility, reducing risk, and strengthening compliance, these systems directly address the root causes of product loss and supply chain inefficiency. 

In a world where supply chains are complex, consumers demand quality and regulators expect accountability, automation is the best defence against waste, loss, and reputational risk in temperature-sensitive transport. 

 

Sources 

  1. Fact MR, ‘Food Cold Chain Logistics Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035’, https://www.factmr.com/report/food-cold-chain-logistics-market 
  2. Market Data Forecast, ‘Europe Refrigerated Transport Marketing, June 2025’, https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-refrigerated-transport-market 
  3. World Health Organization, ‘Monitoring Vaccine Wastage at Country Level – Guidelines for Programme Managers’, https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/bf88e08d-273b-48df-93b7-a1d7cb9ac02a/content  
  4. Sustainable Energy for All, ‘Cooling for Food, Nutrition and Agriculture’, https://titancontainers.ie/news/the-true-cost-of-cold-storage-failures  
  5. Cargo Forwarder Global, ‘What Happens When the Cold Chain Breaks?’, https://cargoforwarder.eu/2025/11/23/what-happens-when-the-cold-chain-breaks/  
  6. BioPharma International, ‘Challenges in Managing the Cold Chain’, https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/challenges-managing-cold-chain-0  
  7. SupplyChainBrain, ‘Pharma Supply Chain Failure is a $35 Billion Problem’, https://www.supplychainbrain.com/blogs/1-think-tank/post/35071-the-35-billion-challenge-using-supply-chain-intelligence-to-improve-pharma-operations  
  8. UNEP and FAO. 2022, ‘Sustainable Food Cold Chains: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward’. Nairobi, UNEP and Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0923en  
  9. Health Service Executive, ‘HSE Guidelines for Maintaining the Vaccine Cold-Chain in Vaccine Cool Boxes’, https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/vaccineordering/sopnio02box.pdf  

Kelsius Shortlisted in Technology Category at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards

Kelsius is delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the upcoming Guaranteed Irish Business Awards. 

Kelsius has been named as a finalist in the Technology category. The recognition is timely as Kelsius has just announced its new innovations in technology, with the launch of FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365 for temperature monitoring for goods in transit.  The new products add to Kelsius’ suite of monitoring systems for the food and healthcare industries which allow businesses to reduce costs, improve compliance, protect stock, and save staff time by introducing automation and removing manual processes.

The Guaranteed Irish Business Awards recognise Irish businesses and organisations that invest in long-term employment, strengthen local communities, and deliver trusted, high-quality products and solutions. At Kelsius, these principles are part of how the company operates, from designing and manufacturing products in Donegal to partnering with Irish suppliers, helping drive economic growth at both a local and national level.

Commenting on the announcement of finalists, Guaranteed Irish CEO Bríd O’ Connell said, “It is more important than ever to recognise and support the companies driving progress here in Ireland, businesses whose ambition, creativity, and commitment benefit not just their industries, but the wider Irish economy and communities they serve.” 

The awards are judged by an independent panel of industry leaders, including representatives from Matheson, An Post, Musgrave, PTSB, Viatel Technology Group and FBD Insurance.

Winners will be announced at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards ceremony which will take place in a new venue, the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on 5 March.

For more, visit https://www.guaranteedirish.ie/giba-shortlist/

Kelsius Unveils Two Ground-Breaking Cold Chain Monitoring Solutions for Food and Healthcare: FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365

Kelsius, a global leader in automated, digital temperature monitoring and cold chain traceability, has announced the launch of two innovative products designed to revolutionise how businesses monitor temperature-sensitive goods while in transit:
FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365.  

The new, innovative products deliver real-time, end-to-end visibility of temperature and geolocation for goods on the move, helping food and healthcare businesses to protect quality, ensure compliance, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency around the clock.  

With increasing demands on supply chain integrity across industries where temperature control is essential for product quality but also legally mandated, Kelsius’s latest solutions meet a critical need for in-transit monitoring. Both solutions build on Kelsius’s established cold chain expertise and cloud-based technologies, bringing businesses unprecedented monitoring precision at every stage of production and supply.  

 

FoodTrak365: Protecting Freshness for Food Supply Chains 

FoodTrak365 provides food businesses with a powerful digital platform to continuously monitor the temperatures of food products as they move from origin to destination. It replaces outdated, manual logging procedures with a fully automated, paperless solution that gives stakeholders real-time alerts and complete oversight of environmental conditions en route. 

Key features of FoodTrak365 include: 

  • Real-Time Temperature and Alert Notifications: Continuous monitoring with immediate alerts when temperature thresholds are exceeded, allowing corrective action before product quality is compromised. 
  • GPS Shipment Tracking: Integrated geolocation provides visibility of shipment location and environmental status simultaneously, boosting logistical efficiency and supply chain reliability.  
  • Highest Accuracy Monitoring: Industry-leading precision ensures dependable readings that safeguard freshness and compliance at every stage of transit. 
  • Detailed Reporting Suite: Automatically generated digital reports facilitate compliance, quality assurance, and data-driven decision making with minimal human effort. 
  • AI-Driven True Temperature Algorithms: Advanced simulation technology ensures accurate temperature reporting regardless of ambient fluctuations.  

FoodTrak365 helps food businesses to drastically reduce product rejections and spoilage and helps them to uphold their OTIF (on-time, in-full) delivery commitments. At the same time, they are reducing food waste and the environmental impact across the cold chain.  

CoolTrak365: End-to-End Cold Chain Assurance for Healthcare 

Designed specifically for the unique needs of healthcare logistics, CoolTrak365 supports comprehensive temperature oversight of medicines, vaccines, and other time- and temperature-sensitive medical products while in transit. From manufacturing facilities to clinical destinations, this unique solution provides continuous visibility, robust regulatory reporting, and unmatched confidence for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical distributors. 

Standout aspects of CoolTrak365 include: 

  • Real-Time Excursion Alerts & Monitoring: Ensures temperature deviations are detected instantly, empowering staff to act swiftly to protect product safety.  
  • Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with GxP standards and complies with stringent HPRA, MHRA and industry expectations for traceability and audit readiness.  
  • High-Accuracy GPS and Temperature Tracking: Monitors location and temperature of medical products with precision, enabling strategic logistics planning and supply chain transparency.  
  • Automated Upload and Reporting: Eliminates manual record-keeping errors and accelerates operational workflows with automated data uploads.  
  • Customisable Dashboards: User-friendly interfaces tailored to business requirements provide clear insights into temperature trends and risk profiles.  

CoolTrak365’s integrated data automation helps healthcare organisations to mitigate risk, streamline audits, and protect valuable products from compromise, loss, or regulatory non-compliance. 

 

Setting New Standards in Cold Chain Management 

Both FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365 underscore Kelsius’s commitment to innovation in cold chain monitoring, removing reliance on manual recording while providing powerful digital tools for proactive temperature control. By harnessing real-time data, advanced alert systems, and cloud-based analytics, businesses can safeguard product integrity, support brand trust, and unlock operational efficiencies not possible with traditional monitoring methods.  

Commenting on the launch, Kelsius Chief Commercial Officer Mario Kelly said, “We are delighted to introduce FoodTrak365 and CoolTrak365 as part of the Kelsius mission to provide unmatched cold chain insight and control. These solutions reflect our deep understanding of the challenges in food safety and healthcare product transport, and our commitment is to deliver systems that drive confidence, compliance and sustainability in cold chain operations.” 

To learn more and request a free demonstration, visit www.kelsius.com or contact Kelsius:  

Tel. UK 02045 799 048, Ireland 074 916 2982
Email: sales@kelsius.com 

 

Winter Food Safety Challenges for Food Retail – A Perfect Storm of Risks for Food & Food Safety in Store

Winter is one of the most important and most demanding periods of the year for food retailers. The busy run-up to Christmas brings increased footfall, higher stock turnover, and pressure on teams to deliver consistently high standards. Yet as soon as the festive rush ends, many retailers face a sharp slowdown as customers return to work and take stock of their holiday spending. This seasonal fluctuation alone can place strain on operations, but the real challenge lies in protecting food safety throughout this exceptionally busy and unpredictable period.

Winter often brings a unique combination of complications. A perfect storm of actual storms, freezing temperatures, staff taking extended leave, and the need to hire and train seasonal workers all contribute to a higher likelihood of disruption. Normal routines can be interrupted, roles may need to be covered at short notice, and managers often find themselves stretched thin across multiple tasks and sometimes multiple sites. These pressures create an environment where manual food safety processes quickly become vulnerable.

Manual HACCP systems depend heavily on the availability and consistency of trained staff. When team members cannot reach the store due to extreme weather, when experienced staff take extended holidays, or when seasonal workers are still learning the ropes, essential checks may be delayed or missed altogether. At the busiest time of year, this leaves food at risk and increases the burden on management to maintain oversight.

This is why many retailers are turning to automation to safeguard their operations. Automated wireless temperature monitoring and digital HACCP systems significantly reduce the strain on teams during the winter season. By replacing paper records and manual data collection, digital systems ensure that accurate information is always captured, always available, and always stored securely. Authorised staff can access data and reports from any web-enabled device, removing the need to depend on colleagues who may be off-site or unavailable, and eliminating unnecessary travel in dangerous weather conditions. Systems such as FoodCheck2.0 from Kelsius are designed to be intuitive and quick to learn, meaning permanent, part-time, and seasonal staff can all use them confidently with minimal training.

Winter weather can also cause sudden equipment failures with the onset of extreme cold and freezing temperatures. With FoodCheck2.0, automated alerts notify you immediately when readings fall outside safe limits, allowing fast intervention before stock is compromised.

As winter and the busy Christmas season approaches for food retailers, digital HACCP is essential to manage operations smoothly.

Contact Kelsius today to ensure your food safety processes are winter ready.

Navigating Food Safety Compliance in UK Retail: Challenges and Solutions

Ensuring food safety is a paramount concern for UK food retailers, as it directly impacts consumer health, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. Navigating the complexities of food safety regulations can be challenging, but with the right tools and systems, retailers can maintain high standards and streamline their operations.

 

Understanding UK Food Safety Regulations 

The UK enforces stringent food safety laws to protect consumers and uphold food quality. Key legislation includes the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, which mandate that businesses ensure food is safe for consumption and meet hygiene standards.  

Retailers are required to implement effective food safety management systems, conduct regular hazard analyses, and maintain detailed records of their processes. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines, legal action, and damage to brand reputation. 

 

Common Challenges Faced by UK Retailers 
  1. Regulatory Compliance: Keeping abreast of evolving food safety regulations demands continuous monitoring and adaptation. 
  2. Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and accessible records is essential but can be labour-intensive and prone to human error. 
  3. Supply Chain Management: Ensuring that all suppliers adhere to food safety standards requires diligent oversight and coordination. 
  4. Staff Training: Regular training is necessary to keep staff informed about best practices and regulatory changes, which can be resource intensive. 
  5. Labour Shortages: Retail particularly continues to face the challenge of labour shortages caused in varying degrees by the effects of the pandemic, Brexit and the availability of a flow of a suitable workforce.  
  6. Rising costs: The cost of doing business is significant for UK food retailers who need to consider the price of stock, energy, labour, regulatory compliance, local services and business rates. All while at the same time consumer behaviour continues to shift towards price-driven purchase decisions.  

 

How a Digital HACCP System can Help 

Kelsius offers innovative digital solutions designed to assist UK retailers in overcoming these challenges: 

  • FoodCheck 2.0: This system automates temperature monitoring and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) management, reducing reliance on manual checks and paperwork. It provides real-time data and alerts, ensuring swift responses to potential issues. 
  • CoolCheck: Specialising in wireless temperature monitoring, CoolCheck ensures that all refrigeration units operate within safe parameters, preventing spoilage and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

Benefits of Implementing Kelsius Systems 

  • Enhanced Compliance: Automated monitoring and record-keeping simplify adherence to regulations and facilitate smoother audits. 
  • Operational Efficiency: Reducing manual tasks allows staff to focus on core business activities, improving overall productivity. 
  • Data-Driven Insights: Access to comprehensive data enables informed decision-making and proactive management of food safety risks. 


Conclusion 

In the dynamic landscape of UK retail, maintaining rigorous food safety standards is both a regulatory requirement and a competitive advantage. Kelsius provides the tools necessary to streamline compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the highest levels of food safety. 

For more information on how Kelsius can support your business, visit www.kelsius.com. 

 

Kelsius Celebrates Winning the Technology Award at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025

Kelsius is proud to announce that they have been named the winner of the Technology Award at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights Kelsius’ commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainability in the field of temperature monitoring and HACCP compliance.

The Guaranteed Irish Business Awards celebrate the best of Irish business and recognise companies that demonstrate a commitment to supporting local communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation across various industries.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The Technology Award was presented to Kelsius for its cutting-edge solutions in digital HACCP and wireless temperature monitoring. These solutions are designed to help businesses across the foodservice, retail, and pharmaceutical industries maintain the highest standards of food safety and storage integrity. Kelsius’ IoT-driven solutions offer real-time monitoring, regulatory compliance, and enhanced efficiency, ultimately reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensuring that critical medicines and vaccines are stored correctly.

As a Guaranteed Irish company, Kelsius adheres to the principles of quality, local job creation, and sustainability. The Kelsius manufacturing facility is based in Donegal, where they are committed to supporting Irish suppliers and the local economy. By championing local talent and resources, Kelsius contributes to the growth and prosperity of communities across Ireland.

Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability

At Kelsius, sustainability is at the core of everything they do. Kelsius has earned a Silver Medal from EcoVadis for its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Kelsius solutions help businesses reduce waste, energy consumption, and operational costs, while promoting a greener future. From eliminating paper records to ensuring energy-efficient operations, the company works hard to ensure that its temperature monitoring systems are as environmentally friendly as they are effective.

Kelsius’ commitment to corporate responsibility goes beyond its products. Through initiatives like the EasyTressie programme, Kelsius is actively involved in projects that support environmental and social causes, making a tangible impact on communities and the environment. Kelsius partners with local organisations and its dedication to sustainable practices underscore the company’s mission to create value for both businesses and society.

Kelsius: A Proud Member of Guaranteed Irish

The Guaranteed Irish mark represents businesses that are committed to creating sustainable jobs, supporting local communities, and providing high-quality products and services. Kelsius embodies these values every day by developing and manufacturing products locally in Donegal and working closely with Irish suppliers to ensure that they contribute positively to the economy.

Gala Award Ceremony at the Mansion House, Dublin

The award was presented to Kelsius at the 2025 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards gala, held in the iconic Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin.

 

Pictured Arlene Kenny, Viatel Technology Group with Keith Hicks, Kelsius, winner of Technology, sponsored by Viatel Technology Group at the 2025 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards, proudly supported by PTSB.

Accepting the award, Kelsius Corporate Account Director Keith Hicks said, “I am thrilled to accept the Technology Award on behalf of Kelsius. On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank Guaranteed Irish for this accolade. We are a very proud Guaranteed Irish member company and we’re extremely grateful for this recognition, especially in the company of so many other leading and innovative Irish businesses.

“This award is all the more important to us as our technology supports a range of indigenous Irish companies who we help to protect the safety and security of their food, medicines and other products every day. We’re delighted to play our part in helping other Irish companies to grow and compete.”