DHL Supply Chain UK has announced the introduction of a new IoT temperature monitoring device to its Avanti West Coast onboard food service in a UK rail industry first.
To guarantee fresh food is kept at the optimum temperature, the new device will ensure food safety and enable DHL and Avanti West Coast to save a considerable amount of food each week from going to waste.
Each IoT device is mounted to an individual trolley where it provides a constant monitor for the trolley’s condition.Temperature readings are then accessed using a QR code scanner.
The device is in place to to issue immediate feedback and alerts to operators on the condition of a trolley, enabling more accurate decision making on if food should be disposed of.
With over 500 trolleys supplying ambient and fresh food in DHL’s Avanti West Coast network daily, the introduction of IoT temperature monitoring eliminates time-consuming and error-prone paperwork.
All food temperature data captured by the IoT monitors is stored and can be easily accessed to evaluate patterns and performance, helping to continue improving the service.
The introduction of the new IoT devices marks a first for the UK’s rail industry. Following a successful trial, the smart monitors are being rolled out across DHL’s entire Avanti West Coast network as part of DHL’s ambition to continue improving the efficiency and sustainability of its operation.
Dan Peacock, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain said: “The significant food waste savings achieved through the introduction of smart IoT devices into our Avanti West Coast operation shows the value of innovation and digital solutions. Nurturing and deploying new technology is part of our commitment to both our customers and the environment. I’m incredibly proud of the team for seeing the opportunity for positive change and making it happen.”
Philippa Creswell, Executive Director of Onboard at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment and tackling our food waste is just one area that will help achieve this. Partnering with DHL on this innovative temperature monitoring device is the latest initiative to make our catering operations more sustainable – enabling us to make more informed decisions about items that can be kept or wasted.