In a smart kitchen, systems are equipped with monitoring and control systems that collect data on a host of different parameters – energy usage, temperature, performance and more – to enable operators to not only have a better view of how well their kitchens are running, but also take control of equipment off-site.
Digitalization and connectivity are recent advancements, and could be critical to the kitchen of the future, particularly for collection of critical HACCP data. But exactly how can the different smart technologies impact cold-side equipment?
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Smart technology has revolutionized hot-side equipment in commercial kitchens, and its impact on the cold side could be equally significant, thanks to the IoT sensors that enable the remote monitoring of equipment.
Manufacturers are increasingly integrating IoT sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and other critical parameters in real-time. This enables operators to receive alerts and take prompt action in case of any deviations. There is huge potential here for improved food safety, as well as more efficient resource usage.
Control technology has come a long way in refrigeration in recent years, and operators no longer have to rely on basic dial temperature displays and clunky mechanical thermostats. Modern control technology incorporates multiple sensors to monitor environmental conditions and react to changes by altering the refrigeration system’s performance parameters.
Chefs also want systems that can track the shelf life of produce in order to minimize waste. By providing insights into the freshness and longevity of stored items, such systems enable better inventory management and informed decision-making, reducing food wastage.
Automation
IoT sensors also facilitate the next step by enabling automation. Once the data is gathered on temperature, for instance, it becomes possible to design equipment that can automatically adjust temperature and humidity levels in accordance with the unique and specific requirements of the products being stored. This precision not only preserves the quality of ingredients but also optimizes their longevity.
The automation can extend to defrosting and cleaning processes. Smart cold-side equipment can automatically initiate defrosting and cleaning cycles, which reduces labor costs and improves equipment longevity. Consultants report that the demand for refrigeration systems that offer self-sterilization of the storage chamber is growing, as such advanced capabilities would certainly help maintain a hygienic environment.
The Cloud
Cloud technology is how the data from IoT sensors is stored and managed. The data from individual sensors and control systems is sent to cloud-hosted technology infrastructure where it can be securely stored and then accessed remotely by authorized personnel.
Operators can review the performance of kitchens across multiple sites, and can also drill into how individual assets are functioning. This supports the efficient management of freezers and refrigerators, from large walk-in units to small undercounter units, providing an opportunity for the optimization of energy usage.
Furthermore, the ability to observe and analyze the performance of an asset over time gives rise to the possibility of predictive maintenance. If a refrigerator, for example, is using more energy or is taking longer to recover its temperature after being opened, then this is a sign that some components may not be working to their optimal potential. Sending in an engineer to solve a problem before it becomes serious can deliver huge savings in both cost and downtime.
Troubleshooting potential performance issues before they materialize is the future. Wireless connectivity allows the monitoring of multiple devices across several platforms, keeping service teams in touch and able to respond to any potential issues, avoiding unnecessary downtime and limiting the risk of foodborne illness.
Refrigeration is often under-appreciated, as the level of interaction with equipment is often not equivalent to that of cooking or food prep equipment. Nevertheless, operators are becoming more aware of the level of engineering required to ensure their refrigerators are performing at a level that ensures safe product temperatures – even in very hot and busy kitchens – and the extensive data gathering enabled by the cloud is a gamechanger.
Remote control
Cloud connectivity enables operators to remotely control individual pieces of equipment. The opportunity for operators to interact with their equipment through wireless connectivity, via an app on their mobile device or a direct download from the control panel, relies on having the necessary data to understand the performance of refrigerators and freezers.
This can include shutting down or switching on assets, or changing the temperature parameters in which they store goods. A simple notification to a foodservice director that a unit has lost power can trigger an immediate response thanks to remote control capability, which can greatly improve food safety and generate cost savings.
In cold-side technology, advanced control and monitoring systems enable operators to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to reduce waste and optimize energy usage in real time, whether they are on-site or not.
AI and the future
One of the major benefits of remote monitoring and remote control is the ability to greatly enhance energy management, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment efficiency through data analytics. Currently decisions are taken by operators looking at the data, but the future could see some of that responsibility handed over to artificial intelligence (AI).
AI-based monitoring and control systems, trained and managed by operators, could greatly speed up the decision-making process by allowing the faster analysis of far greater volumes of data. Indeed, some consultants are already considering the prospect of AI being implemented to deliver robust, forward-looking predictive maintenance schedules, and to identify weaknesses in components.
Among consultants, there is a growing belief that connectivity through AI could be the answer to equipment downtime, which is a problem for any hospitality business.
How close are we then, to genuinely smart cold-side operations in the kitchen?
In an ideal world, a smart kitchen will run with far greater efficiency than is currently possible, thanks to sophisticated sensors triggering automated responses from intelligent systems that have been programmed to interpret vast amounts of data. From alarms when freezer doors are left open to immediate responses to temperature deviations, and predictive maintenance calls to check equipment is functioning optimally, the potential is huge.
In reality, however, there is one key hurdle – different manufacturers use different systems, and individual pieces of equipment often cannot communicate. The task of interpreting data is complicated. “Many manufacturers work in their own bubble,” notes FCSI Associate Linda Callahan. “The technology exists to bring these different systems together, but it is not as useful or usable as it could be. For now, no single system can communicate with all of the walk-ins, reach-ins, sandwich coolers and everything else. The solution will eventually come, but a third party would have to step in to make it work.”
“Even temperature monitoring, which you would think is something everyone would want, is only seeing a steady increase in demand,” says Laura Lentz FCSI of Culinary Advisors. “Smart technology is just not as strong a trend on the cold side.”
Jim Banks
