The economic loss the food industry is facing for the decaying items are extensive. In the rapid world of technology, Internet of Things (IoT) is shaping our lives commercially and personally also. Here we will find out, the ultimate 4 ways IoT data is decreasing commercial food waste.
- The first step – Food Production
A study published in the year 2015, showed that the food industry lost 160 billion in a year just for the food waste. It is found that a major part of the waste occurs even before it is served to the consumers. Digital electronic devices like a camera, weather sensors helps in the food processing. It helps in analyzing and supporting the processing units. It can also watch the products closely and it eliminates food waste also.
- Packaging
Agriculture is a seasonal industry. In a same way the food products have a shelf life. Just like if you go to bed early and get up from sleep early, you will become a wise man. In a same way, different food products have different levels of freshness if they are collected at that time. Starting from processed meat to any packaged fruits or vegetables they all have a time span till which they stay fresh. You can go to the departmental store anytime and buy lots of strawberries for your birthday cake. Although the label shows that they are of the same day. It doesn’t mean that all the strawberries will be having the same taste and same freshness.
This happens mostly because if a strawberry is plucked in the early hours, they will keep its freshness. But if the same strawberries are plucked in a hot sultry afternoon they not be the exactly same.
The IoT helps in customizing the packaging, by censoring the food freshness and the food longevity also.
- IoT in the factory
The factories and the distribution zones are closely monitored by IoT technology. The IoT Sensors, mobile apps and the analytics are helping the food industry to progress. But often we neglect many of the food products due to an error. Like a bag full of cauliflower or onion can lie in the warehouse for few days. This ignorance can be eliminated if the factory supervisors religiously use IoT.
- The Final One – Retailers
They are the final stage who gets the products. The retail has little contribution towards the production process. But the retailers can use the IoT to show the shelf accurately. They can get the best products with the least spoilage rate.
IoT was criticized initially in the longer run. Now it helps in achieving the standards and also helps in achieving profits. The food sector is getting revolutionized with the use of these super smart technologies.