Cold Supply Chain Challenges For Chemical And Biological Materials In University Laboratories :Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: University laboratories rely on cold supply networks in order to maintain temperature sensitive materials needed to support research and teaching. These systems are susceptible to the operational, technological and human factor issues that may jeopardise scientific integrity. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the major challenges, risks, and management practises that influence cold supply chains in university laboratories, as well as to find the ways of enhancing reliability and sustainability. Methodology: A systematic review of the literature was performed with the support of peer-reviewed scholarly articles and reports specific to the sector. The review was concerned with the infrastructure performance, monitoring practises, staff behaviour, digital technologies and organisational processes. Findings: The findings indicated the existence of systemic problems such as the use of outdated equipment, irregular temperature check, low uptake of digital operations, human factor, and disparate governance. These influence degradation of the sample, safety risk, financial loss, and disruption of the research. Other positive practises included in the analysis were IoT monitoring, standard training, predictive maintenance and a structured quality management system. Implications: The research results highlight the importance of universities to update infrastructure, enhance employee competence, embrace digital solutions, and have institution wide governance to create resilient and sustainability cold supply chains.