Recently there has been an influx of temperature
mapping studies to collect sufficient ambient data to develop temperature
profiles. Solid temperature profiles on
specific shipping routes are required to ensure streamlined packaging and robust
lane qualification.
The most reliable method to develop
temperature profiles is to capture the actual reading from shipments, as well
as using the historical and meteorological data to increase the confidence
level.
The Benefits of Ambient Temperature Profiling
A
Temperature Mapping Study is a comprehensive, systematic approach to:
· Monitoring the distribution environment
· Formatting a study for environmental data collection
· Converting the data into a representative distribution
temperature profile for specific shipping lanes with multiple confidence
intervals
A thorough Temperature Mapping Study allows
you to manage risk by understanding the ambient temperature ranges your
shipment will encounter during transit. It also allows you to reduce the number of packaging versions needed by
using the same types on routes with similar ambient temperature ranges.
There is no hard and fast rule, or
universal accepted guidance, on how to develop temperature test profiles as
each method varies widely (take for example ISTA 5B, 7D and most recently 7E in
association with Standard 20 procedure). For these reasons, ISTA strongly
recommends ‘that the users determine the applicability of any temperature cycle
or ramp prior to use’.
The Laminar and DHL Global Temperature Mapping Study
Laminar Medica carried out a Global Temperature
Mapping Study in association with DHL Supply Chain over a 23 month period from
September 2008 to July 2010. The main
goals of the study were to:
· Measure ambient temperature profiles
· Collect enough data for statistical significance over the
seasons
· Include single air and dual airfreight legs
· Identify areas of extreme ambient temperatures
The ultimate aim of the study was to use
the data to validate current packaging test profiles, develop new profiles and
appropriate packaging.
In Laminar Medica’s study, two types of
shipper were used - the Chilltherm® 21 and the Chilltherm® 470 (pallet size)
shipper. Data collection was carried out
by locating externally a Temptale® 4 (TT4) electronic data logging device
midway at the top of the system, where there was no interference with recording
of the ambient air temperature.
This will ensure that freight costs are
minimised, internal dimensions and optimised and there is an efficient use of
materials.
Systems need to be designed
with the following considerations:
·
Payload space
·
Shipping durations
·
Ambient profile (collection of shipping lane data)
·
Temperature criteria (allowable
excursions/flexibility, stability data)
·
Design constraints (dimensions, physical weight,
number of components, conditioning and packing challenges, and efficiency
goals)
·
Disposable/reusable infrastructure
·
Transportation mode
The data collected from Laminar Medica’s and
DHL Global Temperature Mapping Study has proved extremely useful in the
design of customer specific systems, and for extra qualification, for those
customers that have no historical data for their shipping lane.SummaryMonitoring the distribution chain for
changes in temperature as a result of environmental change and handling
practice is an on-going necessity in order to establish trends, capture
emerging modes and set realistic limits.On-going monitoring programs also provide
supporting documentation for continuous improvement for temperature sensitive
drug distribution.Not all variations in the distribution
process can be eliminated, however, the risk can be minimised by using the
information gathered in these types of studies to factor these differences
into the packaging design and the customers’ logistics planning. SOP’s must also be in place to standardise
the process in handling and assembly. This will significantly reduce human
errors and optimise the shipper’s performance.
For further information please contact Andrew Green, Marketing
Manager, Laminar Medica Limited, Unit 4 Tring Industrial Estate, Icknield
Way, Tring, Herts, HP23 4JX, UK.Tel: +44 (0) 1442 828664, Email: a.green@laminarmedica.co.uk, Web: www.laminarmedica.com