Digital Transformation of Cold Supply Chains in the Context of Triple Transformation
Purpose: The paper examines digital maturity and the integration of general and cold-chain-specific technologies in temperature-controlled supply chains (CSCs) through the Triple Transformation framework. It also considers organisational barriers, environmental trade-offs, regulatory requirements and geographical differences. Design/Methodology/Approach: The mixed-methods study combines a systematic review of 14 Web of Science publications, in-depth interviews with six logistics experts at MODERNLOG 2024, and a focused review of 107 publications on CSC technologies (21 identified through Web of Science and 86 using Scite AI). The analysis compares technology functions and applies Actor-Network Theory to interactions between people and digital tools. Findings: Among the six surveyed enterprises, ERP, WMS and TMS systems were reported by five (83%), mobile robots and cloud services by four (67%), and blockchain, Big Data and digital twins by one (17%). These exploratory findings indicate a gap between operational digitalisation and integrated predictive systems. Digital time-temperature indicators, gas sensors and airflow modelling provide condition data that can support quality decisions and first-expired, first-out allocation. Technology choices also vary with energy access, infrastructure, product characteristics and regulation, including the ATP Agreement and EN 12830. Cybersecurity concerns, equipment failures, skills shortages and employee resistance constrain adoption. Environmental gains from improved preservation depend on the energy and emissions associated with refrigeration and monitoring. Practical Implications: Firms should integrate core systems and reliable data, then deploy product- and route-specific sensing before adding predictive models. Interoperability, cybersecurity, staff training and human oversight are essential when condition data inform product release, routing or disposal. Originality/Value: The paper connects exploratory enterprise evidence with a comparative review of general-purpose and CSC-specific technologies. Its socio-technical perspective shows how digital, environmental and organisational changes intersect, and how technology can reshape human responsibilities in a phygital supply chain.