The cold chain in the post-pandemic world
After seven months, it still seems uncertain what awaits us in 2021 after the pandemic and all attempts to slow down the spread of the virus.
Despite the impact caused by the prolonged closure of factories and shops, supply chains continue to work to ensure the supply and delivery of essential products such as food.
Because of their sensitivity to cold, heat, humidity and light, many foods need to follow a rigorous storage and transport protocol called the cold chain.
This chain goes from the producer to the consumer, and covers the entire process of handling, conservation, storage, transport, distribution and sale. It is a very important segment of the industry, although we often take it for granted. Breaking the cold chain could affect not only food preservation, but also put health at risk.
Companies specializing in this type of cargo are committed to improving and offering the right equipment and logistics so that these delicate products reach their destination without alteration.
However, the new coronavirus has had an impact not only on cold chains, but also on all supply chains and modes of transport in general.
Many countries created entry barriers that forced the return of cargoes to the point of origin, generating additional costs. Therefore, logistics companies have been forced to incorporate contingency plans to deal with these tails of the pandemic.
If these seven months have taught us anything, it is that in 2021 the world will need to communicate and conduct business differently. Telework and digital environments have become entrenched in our daily lives; there seems to be no turning back.
The barrier of face-to-face meetings was demolished in one fell swoop and e-commerce will be strengthened due to the isolation of people who buy even the most basic products on the Internet, which they expect to receive at their doorstep.
The pandemic has also highlighted how essential cargo transport and logistics are, and how they can be improved later. As this is a sector that is totally linked to new developments, technology and management systems, this crisis presents an opportunity to continue working and renewing itself.
In 2021, we will have to adjust to a world that came early, at a faster pace, with a need for more security; a world that will demand more enthusiasm and commitment to sustainable issues.
Digital data security and regulatory compliance will be increasingly discussed and present in the lives of organizations and people. Therefore, companies must be prepared to maintain their service levels and financial objectives, making decisions supported by good logistics, with data, and not by reactive decisions that can bring great costs.
The post-pandemic future involves technology, resilience and agility for decision making.
The coronavirus has tested every company and individual on their ability to execute, communicate and especially on their adaptability. For example, the supply chain will have to be more focused on speed of adaptation and flexibility.
It is not only the cold chain, basic to the transport of food, that will become vital. After the turbulence generated by covid-19, the supply chain must become a digital and strategic tool capable of analyzing different future scenarios to prevent any calamity.