RiverCity Innovations Selected by Major Canadian Retailers for Cold Chain Monitoring Solution

Saskatoon-headquartered startup Rivercity Innovations is pioneering an Internet of Things (IoT) technology aimed at efficiently monitoring temperature-sensitive products on a large scale. Several prominent Canadian retailers have expressed interest in the company's solution.The innovative "cold chain" monitoring system, tailored to regulate goods within precise temperature parameters, extends beyond mere food preservation. Its overarching objective is to combat waste by averting the need for mass disposal of perishable items or medications in the aftermath of incidents such as power outages or equipment malfunctions.

This technology holds particular significance for grocers, eateries, and pharmaceutical establishments.According to Jeff Shirley, Rivercity Innovations' founder and CEO, incidents where perishable goods or medications are compromised due to temperature fluctuations can result in significant financial losses. Shirley highlighted that leaving a door open or failing to seal it properly could lead to discarding thousands of dollars' worth of meat or even hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of vaccines or medicines.In compliance with regulations, grocery stores and pharmacies are obligated to monitor the temperatures of their refrigeration units multiple times daily.

Traditionally, this task involves manual monitoring by staff members, who meticulously record thermometer readings on paper. However, in recent years, advancements in technology have introduced wireless solutions capable of providing real-time temperature data, often utilizing Bluetooth, cellular, or WiFi connectivity.Jeff Shirley emphasized that Rivercity Innovations' approach to temperature monitoring differs significantly from competitors. Unlike solutions reliant on cellular, WiFi, or Bluetooth technology, Rivercity utilizes IoT technology, resulting in a substantially lower cost.

Shirley elaborated that traditional WiFi and Bluetooth monitors necessitate a wired power source or regular recharging. Additionally, WiFi-based systems often require extensive setup time and must be reconfigured whenever there's a change in the network or password, with both options having limited signal ranges. In contrast, Rivercity's cold chain monitoring sensors can be effortlessly installed by simply holding a magnetic key near the wireless sensor for three seconds.With Rivercity's small magnetic sensors, there's no need for SIM cards, WiFi passwords, or Bluetooth transmissions, and they boast a lifespan of 10 years. Shirley emphasized the ease and speed of deployment, stating that the sensors can be deployed in about 15 seconds and collect temperature data every minute for a decade.

The temperature data captured by Rivercity's sensors is transmitted to a receiver, which plugs into a WiFi router. Additionally, there's an option for a wireless SIM backup. The real-time temperature data is then displayed on a dedicated app. The software is designed to alert users to any irregularities that may indicate an impending mechanical malfunction.In addition to its primary function of temperature monitoring, Rivercity Innovations also provides similar solutions tailored for mobile fleets. This allows food and pharmacy providers to track the temperature of their products right up to the customer's doorstep.

Jeff Shirley highlighted that the system also optimizes the energy usage of freezers and coolers, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Given that cooling accounts for a significant portion of a grocery store's power consumption, the potential energy savings can be substantial, with reductions of up to 10 percent achievable.Rivercity Innovations traces its origins back to Jeff Shirley's passion for beekeeping. Concerned about the theft of his bees, Shirley began exploring long-range radio technology, specifically LoRa.

Unlike WiFi and Bluetooth signals, LoRa requires minimal power and boasts an impressive range of up to 20 kilometers.Officially launched in April 2018, Rivercity Innovations has since made significant strides, securing $700,000 in pre-seed funding in 2021. Over time, the company has deployed thousands of sensors to hundreds of clients across Canada, the United States, and Spain. Recently, it forged partnership agreements with prominent Canadian grocery retailers Skip Express Lane and Healthy Planet.

Kat Bobrowska, a store implementation specialist at Skip Express Lane, attested to the system's effectiveness. She recounted how Rivercity's solution detected a power surge within the first month of implementation, preventing potential damage to valuable inventory. Without Rivercity's technology, manual checks would have continued, leaving the store vulnerable to significant losses due to equipment failures. Bobrowska emphasized the crucial role Rivercity Innovations plays in safeguarding businesses against such risks.

Kat Bobrowska shared that Skip Express Lane's network of micro-fulfillment centers, responsible for fulfilling orders for SkipTheDishes and other brands, initiated a search for a more dependable alternative to manual temperature checks following substantial losses incurred due to a power surge last summer. This incident underscored the need for a robust and proactive solution to mitigate risks and safeguard valuable inventory.After evaluating various options, Skip Express Lane ultimately selected Rivercity Innovations for its comprehensive offerings, including warehouse and delivery monitoring, an early warning system for mechanical failures, and its Canadian roots.

According to Bobrowska, the company's locations, some spanning over 4,000 square feet, experienced no connectivity or data transmission issues with Rivercity's solution. Deployment began with a two-month trial at a single location last fall, and by mid-February, all 23 locations were fully operational, resulting in cost savings ever since.In addition to its solutions for in-store and mobile monitoring, Rivercity is collaborating with the French government to implement a satellite-based system for tracking temperature-sensitive goods at sea. Furthermore, the company is partnering with Wanzl, the world's largest shopping cart manufacturer, to combat theft and vandalism.

Jeff Shirley expressed pride in Rivercity's role in supporting major brands like Healthy Planet and Skip Express Lane in achieving their goals of becoming high-quality, sustainable businesses. By enabling them to enhance their environmental footprint while delivering superior products to customers, Rivercity is contributing to their success and overall mission.