1. Connecting through the cloud
Manufacturers displayed walk-ins, combi ovens, fryers, waste disposal systems, holding cabinets, ice machines and more, all programmed to communicate with operators through Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. This connected equipment can remotely send alerts to an employee’s smartphone or other device when fryer oil needs to be changed, a refrigerator is not maintaining temperature, a chicken needs to come off the rotisserie or a batch of pasta is ready in the rethermer.
The newest technology enables this equipment to connect to the internet of things, allowing it to transfer data over a network without human interaction. Trouble is, if a combi oven is from one manufacturer and a walk-in from another, the two often cannot talk to each other. Companies are working on standardization and increased efficiencies, several exhibitors reported. Communicating to assure food safety along the cold chain is a top priority.