Fridge-tag 2E devices are battery-operated and manufactured upon receiving an order. These devices have a total operating life of 5 years (60 months), with an additional 6 months allocated for transit and storage before activation.
To ensure the full 60-month operating life, Fridge-tags must be activated within 6 months of the production date, which is clearly marked on each device. You can find the production date on the Fridge-tag itself, while the activation date is available on the PDF report and the Varo app.
The Risks of Large In-Country Inventory
Storing large quantities of Fridge-tags in-country can have unintended consequences. The most significant risk is that the devices may exceed their 6-month storage window before activation, which could negatively affect their battery life and shorten the operating life. While the Fridge-tag may still function after prolonged storage, its lifespan may be compromised, resulting in less than the full 60 months of usage.
Although countries may opt for bulk purchasing to reduce per-unit costs and save on shipment expenses, the reduction in battery life due to extended storage may offset these savings. Fortunately, there are strategies to secure both optimal pricing and full device longevity.
Optimizing deployment of Fridge-tags
To maximize both cost-efficiency and the lifespan of Fridge-tags, consider these approaches:
- Understand the battery lifecycle: Fridge-tags are designed to accommodate 6 months of transit and storage before activation, followed by 60 months of operational use. Be mindful of this timeline when planning your procurement and inventory management.
- Reduce in-country inventory: Rather than holding a large stock of Fridge-tags in-country, consider a replenishment plan. This will help ensure that Fridge-tags are deployed soon after arriving, avoiding extended storage times and preserves battery life.
- Request staggered shipments: If you need a large number of devices, negotiate for staggered shipments. By receiving several smaller quantities over a period of time, you can maintain optimal stock levels without sacrificing the longevity of the devices. This approach also helps you benefit from bulk pricing while minimizing the risk of battery life reduction.
I can provide further details in a personal email. For now, I recommend considering these steps to ensure you get the best performance and cost-effectiveness from your Fridge-tags.