Migros Launches IoT Temperature Monitoring

Swiss retailer Migros has launched new IoT temperature-monitoring technology for its refrigerated food sections across its Zurich stores.

The retailer has partnered with start-up company Axino Solutions to implement the system using a low-power network (LPN) called Axino.IoT.FoodSafety. The initiative is supported by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and funded substantially by the federal government.

The new system uses especially developed sensors, which are placed in the refrigerated furniture to monitor the temperatures of individual products and provide data in real time, independently of the power grid, or of local and mobile networks, according to Migros.

Bespoke Monitoring

Migros's staff will be able to review temperature developments and look at forecasts, which are made through a bespoke algorithm that takes into account the temperature dynamics of the various products. Other influencing factors, such as customer frequency and weather data, can also be included, according to the retailer.

The insights gained through this extensive monitoring will be incorporated into improvement plans, such as optimised energy use and maintenance of the facilities, according to the retailer.

The technology is vendor neutral, and the cooling furniture suppliers and network providers have no access to the data.

The system has been developed by the Institute for Applied Simulations (IAS) and the Institute for Food and Drinks Innovations (ILGI) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, in Wädenswil. It also received substantial funding from the Swiss Federal Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI).

Migros Zurich said that its quality-management team is meeting ever-increasing demands on food quality with its new IoT system. It will significantly improve quality controls and reduce staff workload, allowing them to focus on customers and managing goods, according to the retailer.