ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses, precisely tracking the temperature of refrigerated food is critical to protect customers against food-borne illness and to prevent costly spoilage
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) get sick from food-borne disease. About 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from these illnesses that often could be prevented with proper food care. The financial costs are in the billions in medical expenses and losses to business.
A Central Florida company, with the help of Florida's Verizon Partner Program (VPP), has developed a system with a "smart" thermometer and communication network designed to minimize these serious, and sometimes deadly, concerns.
The D-Mometer® and TAM Network™ from Orlando-based RMD Technologies, LLC is a "machine-to-machine" (M2M) solution that provides businesses and consumers real-time information on the time and temperature exposure of meats, produce and other perishable items. The device and network send text alerts, emails and other notifications directly to smartphones and tablets when foods enter the "temperature danger zone" due to equipment problems, power failure or other factors.
In addition, time and temperature information is quickly transmitted to a cloud-based server for further notifications so companies can take action before spoilage occurs. The data is then stored in the cloud for archiving and analysis allowing users to view and manage multiple locations from any wireless device or computer connected to the internet.
The D-Mometer and TAM Network are expected to be available later in 2014, and RMD already has interest from top national restaurant chains and other businesses concerned about food safety and spoilage.
While primarily designed for the food service industry, the technology will protect most anything that requires precise temperature control, such as pharmaceuticals.
Representatives from Verizon's Florida VPP team provided RMD with technical and connectivity expertise, and introduced the local company to other area firms to develop software, cloud applications and other technology.
"It's especially challenging and time-consuming to bring a food-related technology to market, but Verizon and our other partners were invaluable in this process," said Dominick Tamborra, inventor of the technology. "Combined with the size, strength and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network, the D-Mometer is a powerful product to protect businesses and consumers alike."
Verizon operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. Launched in 2010, the Verizon 4G LTE network covers 99 percent of Floridians. In Central Florida and across the state, the company recently has activated its newest and most advanced XLTE technology while winning numerous independent wireless and consumer ratings.
"RMD and Verizon together have developed a robust connected solution for a very critical issue," said Ryan Lopez, manager of the Verizon Partner Program in Central Florida. "We're excited to see the launch of this technology and pleased that our company's resources could play an important role in bringing this project to market."
The Verizon Partner Program offers access to innovative technology solutions, training, and marketing resources to help you differentiate your business, engage new customers, and improve your bottom line. For more information, visit www.verizonenterprise.com/partnerprogram.
About Verizon Wireless
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SOURCE Verizon Wireless