The Future of Food Safety: A CRO's Perspective on IoT and Digital Transformation

By Anna-Lisa Natchev, CRO of Sensire

In a recent article by Francine L. Shaw on FST Soapbox, the transformative potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the food industry was discussed in great detail. Shaw outlined how IoT technologies could revolutionize food safety, supply chain transparency, and operational efficiency. As the Chief Risk Officer of Sensire, a company specializing in reliable Food Safety IoT solutions, I couldn't agree more with the insights presented. However, I'd like to add some additional perspectives on how we at Sensire push the envelope in IoT implementation for food safety.

Why an App, Not a Browser?

Safety and usability are paramount in the fast-paced environment of kitchens and manufacturing halls. While browser-based solutions may offer some convenience, they often fall short in speed, reliability, and security. At Sensire, we've developed a dedicated app that serves as the control center, making it possible to look at tasks individually to group. The app is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those who are not tech-savvy can navigate through the various functionalities with ease.

Independent Network for Sensors and Gateways

One of the key challenges in IoT implementation is ensuring a stable and secure network connection, especially in places with limited connectivity. Systems that require access to a browser will not be able to work in a seamless way. Sensire's sensors and gateways have their own independent network to address this, ensuring that your food safety monitoring system remains operational even if your primary network faces issues. Our handheld devices speak to the app with a Bluetooth connection, enabling work in any environment. This enhances reliability and adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the system.

Digital Blueprints for Remote Monitoring

In today's globalized world, remote monitoring is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Sensire offers digital blueprints of your entire system, allowing you to easily monitor all your sensors and gateways from a single dashboard. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations, enabling centralized monitoring and control.

Predictive Analytics for Proactive Maintenance

Shaw rightly pointed out the importance of real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. At Sensire, we take this further by offering advanced analytics capabilities that detect patterns and predict potential system failures. This allows for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime, and ensuring your food products are consistently stored optimally.

Automation + Task Management = Antifragility

Automation and IoT systems are excellent monitoring and data collection tools, but they can't make strategic decisions. When deviations occur—be it a sudden temperature change in a storage facility or an unexpected delay in the supply chain—automated systems can alert us, but they can't tell us how to adapt our operations for long-term improvement.

This is where task management comes into play. Combining automation with a centralized task management system can systematically drive out deviations. When a deviation occurs, the task management system can assign corrective actions, track their completion, and ensure that lessons are learned and applied. Over time, this continuous improvement will lead to a more robust—and ultimately, antifragile—food safety system.

Conclusion

Let's strive for antifragility as we move forward in this exciting digital transformation era.

By thoughtfully integrating automation and IoT with robust task management systems, we can create food safety processes that withstand the challenges of today's fast-paced environment and continuously adapt and improve. In doing so, we can unlock the full potential of technological innovation to create a safer, more efficient, and more resilient food industry.