Display Fridges with Remote Monitoring – IoT in Retail and HoReCa

Why Remote Monitoring of Display Fridges Matters

In a food store or a HoReCa establishment, display fridges operate around the clock. An unexpected temperature fluctuation — caused by a malfunction, a door left open, or a power outage — can compromise entire product stocks and generate significant losses. This is precisely why IoT (Internet of Things) technology has been gaining rapid adoption in retail and HoReCa: sensors connected to the internet transmit data in real time and send automatic alerts whenever something is wrong.

If you manage multiple premises or are not permanently on site, remote monitoring is no longer a luxury — it is a practical necessity.

What IoT Applied to Display Fridges Actually Means

An IoT system for refrigeration equipment essentially involves three components:

• Temperature and humidity sensors installed inside the display fridge or cold room;
• A communication gateway (Wi-Fi, 4G SIM, or LoRaWAN) that sends data to the cloud;
• An application or web platform through which the owner or manager views charts and historical data and receives notifications by phone or email.

Modern solutions allow the setting of customised alert thresholds. For example, if the temperature inside a fresh-meat display fridge rises above +2 °C — the recommended limit for safe meat storage — the system immediately sends a notification, regardless of the time of day or night.

Correct Temperatures and Parameters to Monitor

To configure an IoT system correctly, you need to know which parameters are relevant for each type of display fridge:

• Ventilated display fridges for fresh meat – adjustable temperature between 0 and +8 °C; for displaying fresh meat, the optimal setting is 0/+2 °C. Continuous monitoring is essential for food safety.
• Display fridges for cold cuts, dairy, and vacuum-packed meat – the temperature range varies depending on the product; monitoring helps maintain the cold chain and extend shelf life.
• Meat-ageing display fridges – these are equipped with humidity control, a critical parameter in the ageing process. IoT monitoring of humidity is indispensable for consistent results.
• Cold rooms and freezers – large areas with valuable stock; a real-time alert can prevent major losses.

Standard display fridges (for cold cuts, dairy, pastry/confectionery, etc.) do not feature humidity control — this must be clarified when configuring the sensors, to avoid incorrect expectations.

Practical Benefits for Shop Owners and HoReCa Operators

• Reducing stock losses – respond quickly to any temperature deviation before products are compromised.
• HACCP compliance – IoT platforms automatically generate temperature reports, which are useful during veterinary and sanitary inspections.
• Energy efficiency – analysing consumption over time helps you identify equipment that is operating inefficiently or requires servicing.
• Centralised management – if you have multiple locations, you can view all parameters from a single application without travelling anywhere.
• History and traceability – data stored in the cloud provides clear evidence that the cold chain has been maintained.

MODACO Equipment and Compatibility with IoT Solutions

The MODACO range covers a wide variety of commercial refrigeration needs. Horizontal display fridges from the VF1000, VF1000D, and VFX1000 series, manufactured in the company's own workshop in Găești, can be integrated with IoT monitoring systems by fitting compatible external sensors. The same approach applies to vertical display fridges, fresh-meat display fridges, chest freezers, refrigerated tables and cabinets, TEFCOLD equipment, and cold rooms in the portfolio.

Cold rooms are available to order; installation is carried out on request, at an additional cost, by specialist teams. Products in stock can be delivered within 24–48 hours, while VF display fridges made to the customer's dimensions and products sourced to order are delivered within 15–25 working days. Shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout. If you prefer to collect in person, you may do so from the warehouse in Găești, Strada Libertății 15, by prior appointment.

How to Get Started with IoT Monitoring

The first step is to assess your existing equipment and identify the critical temperature points. Consult your refrigeration equipment supplier to understand the technical limitations of each display fridge, then choose an IoT platform compatible with your network infrastructure. Integrating such a system does not necessarily require replacing existing equipment — in most cases, sensors can be fitted to the display fridges already in use.

Contact MODACO for the Right Solution for Your Business

If you would like to find out more about the commercial refrigeration equipment available and the configuration options best suited to your store or HoReCa establishment, call 0727.324.787. The MODACO team can help you choose the display fridges and accessories that integrate best with your workflow and the monitoring system you intend to implement.