Orbcomm advances cold chain telematics
Orbcomm’s new RT 8000 cold-chain telematics device, expected to be commercially available this summer in Europe, will help fleets enhance connectivity, access data faster, and digitize decision-making with wireless sensors.
Automated operations will provide a higher level of visibility, compliance, and cargo integrity for all types of refrigerated vehicles moving across the European cold chain, the company said.
“We look forward to bringing Orbcomm’s next-generation RT 8000 to the European cold chain industry later this year, enabling refrigerated fleets to gain greater visibility, compliance, and control of their operations,” Christian Allred, Orbcomm’s executive vice president of international sales, said in a news release. “With the enhanced connectivity, interoperability, and bandwidth, the RT 8000 will allow fleets to access more data, make faster control decisions, and reduce the potential for cargo spoilage—all of which will help improve their bottom line.”
As part of a comprehensive cold chain telematics solution that includes sensors, connectivity, and the Orbcomm platform, the RT 8000 will enable comprehensive temperature monitoring, fuel management, preventative maintenance, and remote control for operators in the food distribution, retail logistics, and pharmaceutical industries, Orbcomm said.
By leveraging access to real-time and historical data along with event-based alerts, shippers and carriers will be able to make informed decisions about their refrigerated business in real time. With the RT 8000, refrigerated fleets will be able to improve operational efficiency and ensure products moving along the cold chain meet regulatory compliance and maintain integrity, reducing claims over cargo loss and damage.
The enhanced RT 8000 features faster, superior connectivity, increased memory, and three embedded SIMs, enabling fleets to collect more reefer data at a higher speed and cost-effective rates. The solution’s future-proofed technology also increases reporting reliability and longevity. The improved EN 12830 compliance for the RT 8000 and its peripherals will enable customers to fully meet the European standard supporting cold chain traceability.
In addition, the solution’s multiple new interfaces will make it easy for customers to support any visibility, usage, productivity, security, or EBS/TMPS application for optimal versatility. Wireless sensor support for temperature and door, and the integration of Tractor ID for automated tractor/trailer pairing, will facilitate easy installation, enabling fleets to seamlessly upgrade their cold chain management with additional functionality.
Lastly, the “ruggedized” RT 8000 with IP67-rating is designed to operate under extreme environmental conditions and contains an internal battery back-up to enable reporting without external power.
