The cold chain refers to the set of processes and tools required to keep perishable food at controlled temperatures throughout the entire supply chain. From initial processing and transportation to storage in warehouses or retail outlets, temperatures must remain constant and within specific thresholds.

Even short disruptions can compromise product integrity—affecting taste, appearance, texture, or nutritional value. More critically, temperature fluctuations can encourage the growth of bacteria and pathogens, putting both consumer health and brand reputation at risk.

Food Safety and Sustainability

Cold chain monitoring helps companies ensure their products meet food safety standards, preventing spoilage and contamination. Monitoring cold room temperatures also reduces the risk of product recalls—with all the associated costs, waste, and reputational damage.

The environmental impact of food waste is enormous: according to the FAO, around one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. Proper cold monitoring is therefore not just a safety measure—it’s also a way to reduce waste and support more sustainable food production.

A Regulatory Requirement

Hygiene regulations—particularly in the EU, such as Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs—require strict control of storage conditions. Compliance with temperature standards must be documented, traceable, and verifiable.

This means companies need continuous measurement, historical data storage, and the ability to generate reports for audits and demonstrate compliance with HACCP standards. A reliable monitoring system is a key tool for avoiding fines and ensuring transparency across the production chain.

Wi-Ref: Zerynth’s Smart Monitoring Solution

Zerynth has developed Wi-Ref, a plug-and-play solution designed to provide continuous cold chain monitoring in a simple, reliable, and scalable way. The system uses wireless IoT devices equipped with sensors to detect temperature and humidity in real time.

Data is securely transmitted to the cloud and made available via a remote-access dashboard. Wi-Ref’s real strength lies in its ease of installation: no complex wiring or structural changes are needed, making it ideal for integration in existing environments without disrupting operations.

Operational and Strategic Benefits

In addition to real-time monitoring, Wi-Ref lets users configure custom thresholds and receive automatic alerts when those thresholds are exceeded. This enables timely intervention in case of malfunctions or anomalies, preventing product spoilage.

The cloud interface offers detailed reports, historical data tracking, and analytics tools that support operational management and traceability. By automating monitoring tasks, Wi-Ref reduces manual checks, eliminates human error, and improves both efficiency and data quality.

A Future-Proof Investment

Adopting cold storage monitoring systems like Wi-Ref is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic decision. In a market that values transparency and safety, having full control over the cold chain provides a real competitive edge.

It shows a clear commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation—reassuring clients from large retailers to end consumers. And thanks to its scalability, Wi-Ref can be used in any production setting, from small artisan workshops to large industrial facilities, with the flexibility to grow alongside your business.

Conclusion

Digitalizing the cold chain is no longer optional—it’s a priority for food companies aiming to thrive in a changing market. Monitoring temperature isn’t just about control; it’s a value-driven choice—for consumers, for the environment, and for the future of your business.

Solutions like Wi-Ref are trusted allies in this journey—offering technology, reliability, and simplicity to meet today’s challenges head-on.