A new era of shelf-life prediction with UBQ Network

DeltaTrak, in partnership with the UBQ Network and a consortium of key industry players have pioneered a new era of freshness prediction and supply chain visibility through GS1 data standards and AI.

GS1 2D barcodes can be scanned at any point in the supply chain to provide accurate Shelf-life Prediction for grocers, restaurant chains, and suppliers and provide actionable information to extend shelf-life and reduce food waste.

A scalable, collaborative approach based on standards

This collaborative solution unlocks business ROI by tying together real time temperature data from Deltatrak,  food traceability (Starfish), GS1 2D barcodes (shelf-life prediction using USDA respiration curves, (UBQ Network), and food service insights (Danaco Solutions), offering the industry a scalable, standards-based approach to freshness management.

As Karl McDermott puts it, “How DeltaTrak and GS1 data is combined into a solution to unlock Shelf-life Prediction business benefits and ROI” is at the heart of this innovation.

P.E.: What inspired the creation of a Shelf-life Prediction platform and why is now the right time for this technology?

K.M.D.: We're excited to be joining the IFPA Steering Committee on shelf-life prediction as part of the broader 'Supply Chain of the Future' initiative. We’ve been actively involved since December with events in Las Vegas, Berlin and most recently at the June 9 symposium in Washington, D.C. Shelf-life prediction is a critical area for many of our customers whether it’s grocery retailers, food service providers or producer/growers. Given the current regulatory landscape and focus on food waste reduction, now is the right time to bring this kind of real-time shelf-life visibility for food.

P.E.: How does the GS1 2D barcode play a role in enabling this end-to-end solution?

K.M.D.: GS1 2D barcodes, what many people refer to as QR codes, are the standards that will help drive adoption of our solution. By placing a standard GS1 2D barcode on a package or case we’re able to track that product through the supply chain. Anyone, whether it’s a store associate, restaurant manager or even a consumer, can scan it with a mobile phone to get real-time shelf-life information. These barcodes are dynamically paired with our shelf-life prediction models to unlock powerful new insights.

P.E.: What makes DeltaTrak’s approach different from traditional freshness or traceability tools?

K.M.D.: DeltaTrak has a 35-year legacy in temperature recording. Our latest real-time loggers track temperature, humidity and location, three critical variables that let us calculate hidden shelf-life loss. But what makes our approach unique is how we combine that data with GS1 standards and advanced modeling of remaining shelf life using accumulated temperature damage.

We’ve also partnered with companies like Buyerdock who provide an mobile application to scan GS1 2D barcodes; Starfish which offers FMSA 204 traceability solutions; and Danaco Solutions whose real-world knowledge has been invaluable. This ecosystem allows us to turn data into actionable information for decision making, not just compliance.

P.E.: Can you walk us through how the system works for a typical end user, from scanning to shelf-life visibility?

K.M.D.: Sure. First the GS1 2D barcode is applied to the product. As it moves through the supply chain, from farm to packing sheds and processors, cross-docks, DCs and ultimately to stores or restaurants. DeltaTrak devices collect environmental data along the way. At any point a user can scan that barcode and get a simple traffic light-style readout: green, amber or red. Behind the scenes we’re using USDA degradation curves using accumulated temperature damage to predict remaining shelf-life. It’s simple to use on the front end but incredibly powerful under the hood.

P.E.: What are the measurable business benefits for suppliers and retailers adopting this technology?

K.M.D.: Remaining shelf life is a new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) that will enable business leaders to finally measure “Freshness” which is critical in buying decisions and delighting consumers. We can pinpoint the segment in the supply chain where shelf-life loss is occurring.Our customers can reduce shrink and food waste, improve customer satisfaction and enhance food safety.These insights help optimize routing and inventory decisions based on First Expired First Out (FEFO) and modify strategies for Storage, Delivery, Merchandizing, Usage and Preparation. In short it’s a win across cost, quality and compliance.

The immediate impact is felt in improving margins. Suppliers are experiencing fewer rejections and in food service, the number and value of complaints and rebates is dropping. Restaurants see a reduction in labor costs as non-value-added tasks such as cleaning, preparing, and waste management. Grocers see a reduction in shelf-life losses in the high value perimeter categories which has the knock-on effect of reducing safety stock. The industry benefits from improving ESG metrics such as reducing food waste and food miles.

P.E.: How are partners like Starfish, Danaco, Buyerdock and the UBQ Network involved in making this a reality?

K.M.D.: UBQ Network acts as the digital infrastructure that empowers business collaboration.  Our platform integrates data from IoT devices such as DeltaTrak, Starfish’s traceability engine, Buyerdock’s mobile app for 2D barcode and Danaco’s food service expertise. Together we’ve created a seamless, interoperable solution.

P.E.: Can you speak to any pilot programs or real-world use cases you’ve seen so far?

K.M.D.: We tested our first shelf-life prediction model with Strawberries. This pilot showed that 20% of shipments have more than 2 days hidden shelf-life loss due to Temperature Abuse. With Blueberries we could accurately predict QA rejections. 

We have now packaged each of the solution components into a working demo and have announced pilot projects at the recent IFPA event and GS1 Connect. We’re already seeing adoption interest from both North American and European partners, everyone from growers to large receivers who wants to reduce shelf-life loss.

P.E.: What role do standards like GS1 and FSMA 204 play in enabling scalable innovation across the cold chain?

K.M.D.: Standards are the foundation. GS1 enables interoperability across partners and EPCIS events provide a simple format for sharing temperature data. FSMA 204 traceability ties all data points together to ensure that businesses are getting real returns from their traceability investments.    Effective collaboration is driving this higher purpose. What if we could extend shelf-life 2 days across entire industries?

For more information on real-time shelf-life prediction, you can write here.