From Sensor Output to Improved Product Quality

The research conducted in the European PASTEUR project focussed on perishables monitoring through smart tracking of lifetime and quality. The aim was to develop a wireless sensor platform to monitor the environmental conditions of perishable goods in the supply chain between producer and consumer. The sensor platform is based on an intelligent RFID package in which multiple sensor technologies are incorporated. By adding such devices to packaging solutions (crates, containers, boxes, etc.) one can guarantee a product's quality more effectively throughout the whole logistic chain. This project focussed on the low-end (e.g., fruit, vegetables) cold supply chain (cooled transport of goods), which eventually enables item management in the near future. Added intelligence comes from the addition of smart models that analyse the information stream from the sensors. By collecting and studying these data, optimization of logistic flows can be achieved resulting in reduction of food losses and thus preserve the environment. Three types of models are included to help evaluating the logistic cold chains. Statistical control models are implemented to check whether the logistic conditions stay within predefined bounds. Keeping quality models are implemented to provide dynamic information on 'best before dates'. Finally, detailed quality change models are implemented to evaluate the impact of the logistic conditions on specific quality attributes in more details. Together, the three types of models provide instruments for streamlining the logistic activities throughout the cold handling chain increasing efficiency and minimizing losses of e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables.