Enhancing the cold supply chain for pharmaceuticals: the role of IoT-based temperature monitoring
Buzuleeva, Sofiia (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051512056
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051512056
Tiivistelmä
The thesis examined the effects of IoT-based temperature monitoring on the sustainability and efficiency of cold supply chains for perishable pharmaceutical products. The pharmaceutical industry was targeted, where product safety and regulatory requirements are contingent upon controlling temperature strictly. The aim was to determine how IoT technologies enhance operating control and environmental performance, with special attention to supply chains in Finland.
The conceptual framework spanned cold chain logistics, components of the IoT system, implementation issues, and sustainability considerations. The approach adopted in the study was qualitative, using the combination of interviews with experts who are pharmaceutical logistics practitioners and secondary data analysis from industry publications, case studies, and scientific papers. Data analysis and gathering took place between 2024 and 2025.
The research found that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled platforms deliver real-time visibility, help minimise product waste, and enhance pharmaceutical regulations compliance. While large companies have embraced the systems extensively, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are confronted with cost, technological, and organisational impediments. The research indicates the need for step-wise introduction, modular take-up of technology, and collaborations to facilitate SME take-up. The research further established that monitoring through IoT assists in environmental protection by lowering spoilage and energy consumption, helping to advance environmental vision beyond itself to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The conceptual framework spanned cold chain logistics, components of the IoT system, implementation issues, and sustainability considerations. The approach adopted in the study was qualitative, using the combination of interviews with experts who are pharmaceutical logistics practitioners and secondary data analysis from industry publications, case studies, and scientific papers. Data analysis and gathering took place between 2024 and 2025.
The research found that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled platforms deliver real-time visibility, help minimise product waste, and enhance pharmaceutical regulations compliance. While large companies have embraced the systems extensively, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are confronted with cost, technological, and organisational impediments. The research indicates the need for step-wise introduction, modular take-up of technology, and collaborations to facilitate SME take-up. The research further established that monitoring through IoT assists in environmental protection by lowering spoilage and energy consumption, helping to advance environmental vision beyond itself to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.