A Low-Cost Monitoring System and Operating Database for Quality Control in Small Food Processing Industry

• Published in: Journal of sensor and actuator networks Vol. 8; no. 4; p. 52
• Main Authors: Paladino, Ombretta, Fissore, Francesca, Neviani, Matteo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 20.10.2019
• Subjects: early warning; food quality control; migration models; open-source; sensor networks; smart-scada
• ISSN: 2224-2708; 2224-2708
• DOI: 10.3390/jsan8040052

The use of completely automated systems for collecting sensor data with the aim of monitoring and controlling the quality of small-scale food processes is not widespread. Small and micro-enterprises usually do not carry out their own precompetitive research or prototype development as regards to automation technologies. This study proposes a web-based, low-cost monitoring and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system whose kernel is available for free, as a possible solution that could be adopted by these food producers. It is mainly based on open SW/HW so as its configuration is adaptable to the application and type of plant. It presents a modular architecture and its main functionalities encompass the acquisition, management, aggregation and visualization of process data, providing an operating database. It also provides food tracking and process quality control: The time series are browsable due to QR-Code generation and different early warning detection strategies are implemented. A tool for solving migration problems based on Fick’s equation is offered as a packaging decision support system.