Converged cold chain monitoring
Maintaining a modern cold chain logistics fleet is about ensuring product integrity (DIFOT score), regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Monitoring technologies are the key enabler here; but the wide range of data points required can pose integration challenges and make maintenance complex with multiple potential points for failure. The nodeG5 addresses this issue by combining the spectrum of monitoring work required onto one industrially certified edge IoT gateway.

1 | Solutions Overview
The nodeG5 offers Solution Providers for cold chain logistics a way to consolidate multiple monitoring functions on a single, powerful 4G/LTE IoT gateway. The industrially certified edge device seamlessly handles the collection of vehicle telemetry, location & reefer environment data from various industrial protocols into JSON or XML format, either for sending in real-time; or to store, process & send from its SQL database.
Developers can create their own value add onto the Debian edge gateway with containers or scripts (support for Python 3.9.2 is provided). On top of that applications like real-time alerts & writing to downstream devices can be done using our own sample scripts as reference.
Connecting the fleet & goods data to a server dashboard or cloud app for remote monitoring is easy with the integrated MQTT, Azure, AWS and Ubidots clients on our firmware.
2 | Converging applications on the nodeG5
2.1 Fleet Management
Comprehensive vehicle telemetry data collection enables predictive maintenance, fuel efficiency optimisation, and driver performance monitoring, leading to reduced operational costs and improved fleet utilisation. Embedded tracking allows operators to have visibility over their vehicles and stock in real time.
Native support for CAN J1939 & OBD2 protocols enable comprehensive vehicle diagnostics for both small and large cold chain vehicles.
Real-time engine performance monitoring
Fuel efficiency tracking
Driver behaviour analysis
Preventive maintenance
Embedded GPS
2.2 Real-time Conditions Monitoring & Alerts
The nodeG5 continuously monitors cargo temperature through multiple sensor inputs, processing data locally to detect anomalies and trigger immediate alerts, ensuring product integrity throughout transit.
Multi-protocol sensor support:
Modbus RTU/TCP temperature sensors
Bluetooth Low Energy sensors
Door contact sensors
Humidity sensors
Local SQL data logging with 32GB storage
Configurable sampling rates
Real-time alert processing
2.3 Customised Value-Added Offerings
Support for Python 3.9.2
Run Docker, Node Red & ML models such as TensorFlow
Use our library to write scripts to control downstream I/O, Modbus & CAN equipment i.e. refrigeration and other systems remotely from a dashboard.
2.4 Aiding Compliance and Reporting
Automated data collection, parsing to JSON or XML, and storage capabilities ensure compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and other regulatory requirements, while providing detailed audit trails and customisable reporting.
2.5 Other
Collect feed from vehicle cameras via USB & transmit in real-time over 4G/LTE.
Add onsite controls & audio via HDMI & USB devices.
3 | Technical Overview
3.1 Core Hardware Specifications
Industrial-grade ARM processor (NXP I.MX8M Plus quad core)
NXP AI/ML Neural Processing Unit, up to 2.3 TOPS
32GB eMMC storage 2GB RAM (contact us for options)
CE, FCC & RCM industrial certified hardware
Operating temperature range: 0°C to 60°C (contact us for options)
4G/LTE modem
Integrated GPS module
CAN bus interface
RS485 Interface
2 x 1000Mbps Ethernet LAN ports
Multiple I/O ports including 4IN + 4OUT Digital I/O, 3 x USB & 1 x HDMI
Optional Bluetooth & WiFi module
3.2 Server & Cloud Connectivity
Integrated MQTT client with TLS security
Integrated Azure IoT Hub, AWS IoT Core & Ubidots clients
Store-and-forward capability
Bandwidth optimisation
3.3 Edge Processing
Local data processing with python scripts, docker containers, Node-red and TensorFlow/ ML inferences. SQL data filtering and aggregation Edge-based machine learning capabilities Protocol conversion to JSON or XML formats
3.4 User Interface
Web-based configuration menu
Remote SSH access
4 | Benefits & Use Cases
4.1 Reduced Costs & Operational Risk
Prevent risks related to stock spoilage with alerts
Ensure compliance with report & data logs
Allow tracking of stock & deliveries, including unauthorised access
Prevent cumulated vehicle downtime
4.2 Increased Operational Efficiency
Reduced cloud compute costs with local data processing
Reduced hardware complexity
Simplified maintenance
Lower total cost of ownership
Improved fleet utilisation
4.3 Flexible Data Control In Your Hands
Develop customised solutions with our API
Local SQL data logging & storage
Uninterrupted data sending with 4G connectivity
Secure monitoring on server or cloud
5 | Implementation Considerations
5.1 Installation Requirements
12V/24V DC power input
Antenna placement considerations
Sensor network planning
Network connectivity assessment
5.2 Integration Guidelines
API documentation
Custom protocol support
Third-party system integration
Data format specifications
5.3 Support and Maintenance
Remote diagnostics
Preventive maintenance alerts
Software update management
Technical support services
6 | Conclusion
The nodeG5 combines all the necessary components for the complex monitoring challenges of modern supply chain operations into one box. Its convergent design, robust features, and flexible architecture make it an ideal choice for developers seeking to build their cold chain monitoring capabilities with reduced operational complexity and costs.
