Survey and Bibliometric Investigation on Communication Technologies for Cold Chain Logistics

The preservation of perishable goods in cold chain logistics is based on communication technologies that enable continuous monitoring, traceability, and control in production, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and retail. This paper presents a comprehensive survey and bibliometric investigation of three key wireless communication technologies: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth, and ZigBee. Each technology offers substantial benefits, but its practical implementation is shaped by technical and operational challenges, including signal interference, range constraints, environmental harshness, power limitations, and interoperability issues. Through a bibliometric analysis of Scopus and Web of Science indexed literature, this work identifies research trends, sector-specific applications, and disciplinary foci, and outlines emerging technological directions such as multi-protocol Internet of Things integration and long-range communication paradigms. The findings provide insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers looking to improve the reliability, efficiency, and transparency of cold chain logistics.