TLC redefines credentials in seven sectors in the second Cool Chain Conference

This unique event developed by TransLogistique Canada (TLC) was delivered on November 28 in Dubai. It defined the framework of cool chain management for food, floriculture, pharmaceuticals, photographic films, cosmetics, chemicals and surface coatings.

Leif Karlsson, Regional Director, Munters Sweden opened the conference on presenting a facility that uses dehumidifier in cold storages. He said, " Munters are the humidity experts. Abatement- from pharmaceuticals to photographic film, plastic bottles to bagels; Munters leads the way in dehumidifiers for manufacturing."

He added, "Our diversified products include evaporative cooling pads and systems, ventilation fans and systems, mist eliminators and packing for pollution control and process improvement. As from July 1, 2005 Munters has organized into three global Divisions; Dehumidification, MCS (Moisture Control Services) and HumiCool. MUNTERS ME is ready to provide the support of cool chain technology and managing the dew point effectively.

'In a case of photographic films, the dry air is supplied by a Munters desiccant dehumidifier, which handles 16800m3/hr of air with a dewpoint sensor, linked to a computer to modulate dewpoint levels and accurately record the results. The dew point is maintained to -6.5dg which is the temperature at which condensation occurs on surfaces. Because of the dry atmosphere and low dewpoint, moisture is dried efficiently from the emulsion. The tolerance is 1dg.'

Ian Strachan, Managing Director, Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) noted in the panel discussion, 'The DFC recognizes and understands the critical importance of Cool Chain in preserving the freshness of perishables. As a consequence, DFC is committed to maintaining the cool chain throughout the handling process and has invested in the latest technology to ensure this happens."

Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director, DFC
remarked, 'Cool chain and desert sounds like a contradiction or at the very least quite a challenge. Whilst the searing temperatures of Dubai have managed to attract huge waves of tourists into the Emirate, they are much less welcome to someone trying to plan the logistics chain for perishable goods." But the magic of ownership turns the desert into a blooming garden.

Prof Philbert Suresh, Chief Knowledge Officer, TLC focused on the proactive policies of the Dubai government that has also created a need for training and development in the Cool Chain Management.

"With a alliance in making with the Center for Floral Studies in State of Florida (Florida means Flowers), TLC will usher in the special training for floral design and management studies that will depend on the DFC to supply flowers all around the year for the consumers in UAE, Middle East and Asia.

Just ask the florist, if they know the language of flowers and if it does, then will TWIMP (Transportation, Warehousing & Inventory Control, Information Technology, Materials Handling and Packaging, Marking Labeling) mean anything to them in a cool chain of a supply chain"

Rajesh Kumar, Regional Head in CEE, ME and ROA of Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) pointed out that 'the main shipping requirements of pharma industry in climactic zones should be in known in advance; only for one each country (although there maybe temperature variations in the region within the same country); lead times should be clear, container labeling regarding storage conditions with availability of monitoring devices as in special Envirotainer ULDs and pharma packaging validations esp at transit locations."

He applied this to the case of consignment from Hyderabad via Bangalore in India to Sao Paulo in Brazil done within 72 hours - to meet the expectations and satisfactions of the discerning buyer. Thanks to the focus of players in the cool chain logistics of the pharmaceutical industry. The breaks in the cool chain or gaps needs to be watched by the vigilant pharmaceuticals which are controlled substances esp. of narcotic or carcinogenic nature with official documentation in advance.

Other speakers at the cool chain conference who added significant value to the proceedings included Timothy Cox of Intermec Technologies, who underlined the importance of EPC GEN 2 standards in RFID, Ghazi Zargham of PsionTeklogix on voice directed picking system in an automated warehouse that increases the velocity of warehouse operations and Rangan of Walmart Sams Club Canada who spoke of his challenges in high volume retailer of the world maintaining a cool store - courtesy of Atlas Cold Storage. The 3rd Cool Chain Conference is scheduled for September 12, 2006 in Dubai, UAE