The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) recently endorsed the use of computers in food science education. The minimum standards for degrees in food science, as suggested by IFT,"require the students to use computers in the solution of problems, the collection and analysis of data, the control processes, in addition to word processing."Because they are widely used in business, allow statistical and graphical of experimental data, and can mimic laboratory experimentation, spreadsheets provide an ideal tool for learning the important features of computers and programming. In addition, they are ideally suited for food science students, who usually do not have an extensive mathematical background.

Drawing from the many courses he has taught at UC Davis, Dr. Singh covers the general basics of spreadsheets using examples specific to food science. He includes more than 50 solved problems drawn from key areas of food science, namely food microbiology, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, statistical quality control, and food engineering. Each problem is presented with the required equations and detailed steps necessary for programming the spreadsheet. Helpful hints in using the spreadsheets are also provided throughout the text.

Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) efficiently controls and monitors production using computers. Multiple processes can be carried out at the same time.

Examples

CAM is used to:

monitor temperature

monitor weight

check pH

control conveyor belt speed

monitor quantities of ingredients

Advantages

more consistent results

reduces labour costs

improves accuracy, reducing waste

faster for high-volume production

improved saftey and hygiene

easier monitoring

Disadvantages

expensive to set up

needs skilled operators

can be slower for one-off or low-volume production

Elektron Technology has unveiled its next-generation Checkit food safety solution powered by Xively Cloud Services.

By using Xively to enable real-time, remote monitoring of food storage and preparation areas, Elektron is expected to make it easier for multi-site restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and other businesses to enforce process compliance and reduce the cost of food safety management. Xively's connectivity with Salesforce.com will also make it possible to create a more interactive relationship with customers and deliver additional services.

David Davies, group head of instrumentation, monitoring and control at Elektron Technology, said: "We wanted to connect Checkit to the Internet of Things so that businesses have instant visibility into food safety status and processes across all their sites from anywhere.

Xively provided exactly what we needed to quickly develop this solution: a proven and highly scalable cloud infrastructure with robust storage, analytics and security, plus the ability to easily interface with other data and enterprise systems such as Salesforce.com. Using Xively, we were able to cost-effectively deliver this capability in just eight weeks."

Mario Finocchiaro, director of Business Development, Xively, said: "We're excited to be working with Elektron as they embark on their next-generation Checkit solution. Putting rich data sets at their fingertips helps streamline enterprise-wide operations, maximise efficiencies and enable truly connected customers.

"Elektron's new solution exemplifies what is possible when enterprises develop connected commercial offerings that generate the intelligence needed to enhance customer relationships and boost revenue."

Checkit is a paperless system that uses smart wireless sensors and hand-held units to monitor and record the temperature, humidity and door status of cold storage, hot holding and food preparation areas, as well as ensure hygiene checks have been completed

Elektron is beginning customer trials of Xively-powered Checkit systems in November 2013. General availability is planned for early 2014.

Xively is subsidiary of LogMeIn and claims to be the creator of the first public cloud platform for the commercial Internet of Things (IoT).