IoT Services for Monitoring Food Supply Chains

Ensuring the safety and quality of perishable agrifood products throughout the supply chain is essential. Key parameters, such as temperature and humidity, must be consistently monitored to prevent spoilage, maintain nutritional value, and minimise health risks. Fluctuations in transportation conditions can compromise product integrity, leading to deterioration and an increased risk of foodborne illness. Monitoring agrifood supply chains is essential, from packaging to last-mile delivery. Distribution methods that rely on non-automated monitoring systems, such as manual temperature measurements, are error-prone due to the failure of manual treatments and increase the likelihood of product deterioration. Emerging sensor technologies and the rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies offer new possibilities for real-time tracking, enabling stakeholders to maintain optimal conditions and monitor aesthetic, physicochemical, and nutritional quality. This paper proposes a cost-effective temperature and humidity traceability system that utilises wireless sensor networks (WSN) and Internet of Things (IoΤ) services to monitor perishable products within the agrifood supply chain ecosystem. It also provides an overview of recent innovations in sensor technologies, along with food quality indicators relevant to real-time monitoring of food quality. The proposed research examines the available sensor technologies and methodologies that enable continuous monitoring of agrifood supply chains. Moreover, the paper presents a pilot full-scale project from both functional and technological perspectives.