Data-Driven Cold Chains: Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Waste, and Meeting Sustainability Goals

Sustainable Supply Chain

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In this episode of the *Sustainable Supply Chain* podcast, I sit down with Karl McDermott, Chief SaaS Officer at DeltaTrak, to dive deep into the complex world of cold chain logistics and explore how data is transforming this critical industry. With 35 years under their belt, DeltaTrak has moved from paper-based temperature monitoring to real-time data, unlocking insights that are reshaping how fresh and frozen goods travel across the globe.
Karl unpacks the evolution of temperature tracking tech – from USB loggers to advanced real-time monitoring. These innovations enable better control over temperature-sensitive products, reduce waste, and improve food quality. We also discuss the impact of climate change on the cold chain and how rising global temperatures place added pressure on logistics.
An intriguing point Karl brings up is the industry’s shift from traditional temperature standards (like -18°C) to more energy-efficient options, as well as the integration of real-time data to predict shelf life, calculate carbon emissions, and enable new insurance and financing models. Plus, with regulations like FISMA 204 in the US and sustainability demands in the EU, there’s no doubt compliance is driving change, but DeltaTrak is turning that compliance into competitive advantage.
If you're interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and supply chain management, this episode is packed with insigh

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Chapters

1. Data-Driven Cold Chains: Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Waste, and Meeting Sustainability Goals (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson (00:28:04)

3. (Cont.) Data-Driven Cold Chains: Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Waste, and Meeting Sustainability Goals (00:28:43)