Operators are reaping the benefits of investing in automated temperature monitoring solutions—including more efficient processes and greater food safety.

American households spend hundreds of dollars each month purchasing fresh, frozen, and prepared foods from grocery stores, supermarkets, and other specialty food stores. From start to finish, food goes through many steps before it is sold to customers. Depending on whether it is hot or cold, there are even more steps during the preparation process.

Improper food temperature is consistently cited by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as one of the most common food safety concerns. Along with the many other issues competing for attention from store owners and managers, keeping food safe and avoiding costly health code violations rise to the top.

One of the aspects of addressing food safety requires a rigorous temperature monitoring system. Maintaining secure records regarding the temperature at which food is stored is necessary to meet key food safety requirements. In the past, monitoring temperatures was tedious and sometimes ineffective as staff members manually checked and recorded temperatures in a handwritten log. Today, managers are better able to address these concerns with technology that allows for continuous temperature monitoring.

Working Smarter to Ensure Food Safety

Implementing more effective food safety systems is one investment that can help ease worries about food safety. Most successful stores in the supermarket and grocery industry are now using efficient automated systems to maintain food safety, such as the DayMark Temp Monitoring Solution, powered by JRI. Utilizing elements such as wireless sensors, internet connectivity, and web-based dashboards, these systems collect data to help stores increase the visibility and control of equipment and to maintain product freshness. The data can then be managed on a web platform using a PC, a tablet, or even a smartphone.

The benefits of technology can offer even greater advantages. The DayMark system, for example, utilizes the available, more advanced LoRa technology, which further increases efficiencies and improves practices by allowing for better communication between system components, including through concrete or steel walls, or within a heavily insulated, stainless steel deep freezer. LoRa-based wireless temperature sensors can reliably transmit a signal using lower frequencies. This type of automated and wireless food safety system provides better results, safer food, and peace of mind that store operations are protected against food safety disasters.

Monitoring food temperature data in real time to address potential food safety issues—such as equipment downtime or refrigerant leaks—also reduces maintenance costs and results in improved energy efficiency. These automated systems can issue alerts if a problem is recognized in order to help maintain the safety of temperature-controlled products and to allow for prompt repair before a maintenance issue gets out of hand.

Temperature monitoring is a matter of food safety and good business. Investing in a wirelessly connected store that maintains food safety and freshness helps store operators and managers worry less, knowing that customers will get the most out of their shopping experience.

Article originally appeared on the Supermarket Perimeter website.