Globally, about a third of fresh produce volumes are lost in the cold chain, some during transport. Jan-Willem Schrijver of Dutch IT company Coldcha, part of LinkThings, believed there had to be a better way. "What if you could see exactly where things go wrong, from the packing facility to the supermarket? And, more importantly, what if you could intervene in time?" he begins. That idea led to Coldcha: a digital platform that provides real-time insight into everything that happens in the cold chain.
© ColdchaThe Timeline provides information about the various sensors
From USB to real-time
In the past, a simple USB logger was provided with shipments. Only upon arrival could you see if the cooling process had been successful. If the logger was lost or the recipient filed a claim, the shipper was often left empty-handed. Coldcha offers a modern solution: real-time tracking and data sharing via a single platform.
The platform integrates data and documents from the entire logistics chain. It also works with all major hardware brands. Smart trackers enable shippers to view the real-time location of their cargo and monitor its conditions, including temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, light exposure, and more. Coldcha is flexible: users decide what data they share, how often the tracker records, and with whom they share that information.
With air freight, they use trackers that automatically adjust to safety regulations and store data during the flight. Another new feature is 'beacons' placed inside containers to measure the actual product temperature. That is especially important for fresh produce.
© ColdchaUsers can invite stakeholders to be informed about a shipment, and also determine what information they want to share
The largest current growth market is sea freight. Coldcha is already widely used for South African citrus, where temperature control is essential. Real-time insight is also vital for road transport from Spain, for example, for soft fruit or broccoli: a night with the cooling switched off can lead to quality losses.
© ColdchaUsers can invite stakeholders to be informed about a shipment, and also determine what information they want to share
Data analysis
Besides real-time monitoring, the platform provides valuable analyses. Shippers can, for instance, identify which carriers are reliable and which routes are considered risky. That helps them make better logistical choices. Trackers are available in disposable and reusable versions, and the revenue model is flexible: per shipment, via license, or all-inclusive with tracker and platform. Coldcha is multilingual, suitable for international chains, and offers fully digital document processing. The data is secure and accessible worldwide. Jan-Willem points to future innovations such as AI, edge computing, and biodegradable sensors. That will make tracking smarter, more predictive, and ultimately invisible, integrated into the packaging itself. Coldcha, thus, marks the transition from reactive logging to proactive chain control.
© ColdchaUsers can set what and when they will be notified during a trip
Farmhouse International
Gert Moerman of Farmhouse International primarily uses Coldcha for airfreight. He sums up its advantages: "The great thing about Coldcha is that we're not dependent on our customers to access the data - everything is available online. We can choose what we share, like information about location or arrival time. Plus, the platform gives us the flexibility to decide how much we want to share in each situation." "We're also collecting a wealth of information about our shipments. That helps enormously with planning and improving future transports. Valuable cargoes, such as fresh asparagus from Peru, certainly justify using slightly pricier real-time trackers and the digital platform," says Gert.
© ColdchaThe "Trips" screen shows information about the shipment departure, current location, last measured sensor, and reception
The technology is available. As is the data. Coldcha's success, though, depends on cooperation. "If you want to intervene en route to prevent losses, all parties in the chain must be on board," says Jan-Willem. From shipper to carrier, and handler to client. Gert agrees: "It's not just about temperature or location. It's about trust and transparency. Coldcha helps us offer that."
For more information:
Coldcha
ABC Westland 145
2685 DB Poeldijk
Tel.: +31 (0)6 30115810
jan-willem.schrijver@coldcha.com
www.coldcha.com
Farmhouse International B.V.
ABC Westland 104
2685 DB Poeldijk
Tel: +31 174 479 100
info@farmhouse-international.com
www.farmhouse-international.com