Cold-Trace: a Mobile-based Traceability Solution Rendering Fleet Management more Effective

Traceability and tracking activity are increasing significantly, since underlying technology such as GPRS/UMTS and satellite positioning is mature and ready for widespread market traceability solutions. This paper focuses on the roll-out of the Cold-Trace solution by Disfrimur, a leading transport company based in Spain. Cold-Trace is a unique, integrated solution based on mobile communications that helps in quality control, traceability and efficiency in the refrigerated transportation industry. It consists in a management tool on board trucks that collects and processes information from a set of sensors distributed throughout the vehicle, and offers an easy-to-use software application that allows truck drivers to manage all administrative tasks performed during the trip. Thanks to Cold-Trace, communication at Disfrimur between fleet managers and truck drivers has improved dramatically, therefore boosting efficiency in execution of their daily tasks. In addition, Cold-Trace is having significant impact on Disfrimur customers (supermarket chains) and consumers in general.