Hassle-free Access to Fresh Food through a Connected Freezer for a Leading US-based Manufacturer
Overview
The client is a leading US-based retail chain brand that offers nutritionally advised and fresh-frozen food items. They sought a technology partner to transform their legacy freezer into a smart and connected system. ACL Digital developed a connected freezer equipped with advanced features such as real-time inventory monitoring, seamless cloud communication, and a user-friendly mobile app interface for customers to effortlessly operate the system.
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Challenges
Lack of modern technology integration in the legacy freezer system
Inadequate monitoring and inventory management capabilities within the existing freezer infrastructure
Solution
- Developed ESP32 based Gateway solution to monitor the inventory food items inside the freezer and communicate to the cloud
- Gateway connectivity via Wi-Fi, 4G LTE
- Integrated and configured RFID reader & Antenna to perform at -20 deg.C inside the freezer
- Developed logic to identify inventory sales from the freezer once the door is locked
- Integrated door lock sensor & temperature sensor with Gateway
- Monitor freezer temperature remotely and closes the door automatically with increase temperature beyond 10 deg.C
- Integrated Microsoft Azure IoT device SDK with Gateway
- Developed mobile application and integrated features – freezer QR id code scanner, lock & unlock freezer door based on membership, auto payment, etc.
Outcomes
- Automated freezer lock/unlock, temperature monitoring, and inventory management in the freezer have helped the client improve logistics, food supply, and waste management
- A scalable business model designed to install multiple freezers at various locations, enabling remote monitoring of food inventory in each freezer
