The 10 Best Refrigeration Monitoring Systems for Enterprises in 2024

Retailers and automation providers have used various strategies to cut energy use in stores. But, most take years to show value. Energy consumption is approached as a fixed expense that needs to be managed rather than optimized.

FMs rely on hardware-centric legacy software which complicates data access and makes it difficult to manage multiple sites with refrigeration and HVAC systems. This results in fragmented data, hindering portfolio-level optimization.

But first, what is a refrigeration monitoring system?

A refrigeration monitoring system tracks and analyzes refrigeration equipment performance in real time. It focuses on parameters like temperature, energy use, and refrigerant levels. It ensures efficiency, prevents leaks, and supports compliance, enabling proactive maintenance and cost optimization.

Refrigerant leaks attract heavy penalties from compliance authorities, like the EPA. Most refrigerants have a high global warming potential (GWP). The AIM Act has authorized the EPA to oversee a phasedown of HFC refrigerant production and use. This is to transition to alternative refrigerants.

Watch Webinar on Preparing for Part III of the AIM Act

Let's examine how these refrigeration monitoring systems work and explore some of today's best software options.

How exactly do refrigeration monitoring systems work?

Refrigeration monitoring systems are designed to ensure refrigeration units' optimal performance and temperature control. Here’s how they work:

1. Real-time monitoring using sensors and IoT devices

Connected refrigeration monitoring systems, like Facilio, use advanced IoT devices. They monitor temperature, humidity, pressure, and vibrations in real time. These sensors will enable precise, continuous monitoring of refrigeration units. This will allow for early leak detection.

2. Data analysis and alerts

Advanced commercial refrigeration monitoring systems analyze incoming data. They look for trends, inefficiencies, and potential issues. For instance, Facilio employs AI and ML algorithms to predict refrigerant leaks. Alerts are sent directly to property managers to facilitate swift action.

3. Automated compliance reporting

Managing reports generated from disparate tools is time-consuming. Facilio automates this process. It generates audit-ready reports that comply with regulations, like the AIM Act and EPA 608.

It removes legal fees and paperwork. It provides clean, structured data for financial analysis and reports that meet specific regulations.

5. Integration and ecosystem

Advanced fridge monitoring software offers a unified environment. It connects various systems, creating a closed-loop ecosystem. This allows for efficient issue resolution and better collaboration.

Facilio excels here with its low-code/no-code integration approach. It lets users make changes and integrate with open APIs, without complex coding. This agility results in faster implementation times, typically within 1-2 months, compared to industry standards of 6-12 months.

10 best refrigeration monitoring systems in 2024

We've assembled a selection of leading commercial refrigeration monitoring software options for 2024. Through extensive research, we've identified their standout features and reviewed verified customer feedback to offer a comprehensive overview of their capabilities and areas for improvement.

1. Facilio

2.  Samsara

3. OneEvent Technologies

4. Monnit

5.  Inauro

6. Danfoss

7. OpSense

8 Johnson Controls EcoStruxure™

9. Siemens Insights Hub

10. Liebherr Smart Monitoring

Facilio

Facilio is an advanced refrigeration monitoring software that provides real-time monitoring and analytics. It also identifies energy-saving opportunities, with preventive maintenance for temperature-sensitive assets.

It integrates CMMS and IoT-based remote monitoring capabilities to deliver comprehensive management of multi-site retail operations. This all-in-one platform streamlines refrigeration compliance. And, it combines hardware and software leak detection with compliance processes through a user-friendly, no-code interface.

Facilio's CMMS can track refrigeration compliance, from leak detection to repairs. It also checks system integrity. It delivers audit-ready reports and seamless integrations with regulatory bodies like the EPA, GreenChill, and CARB.

Facilio consolidates multiple-point solutions for refrigerant tracking into one cohesive platform. This simplifies the complexities of refrigerant management, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Facilio key features

Fault detection and root cause analysis

Facilio's advanced fault detection and diagnostics energy uses IoT technology. This allows you to monitor and optimize refrigeration systems continuously.

The software also comes with advanced alarm triaging capabilities. It uses filter alarms based on the common root causes, severity, and equipment category. It also eliminates false freezer alarms. Facilio also quickly finds and fixes issues in asset performance, energy use, and sensor errors, based on set thresholds.

Automate compliance and audit reporting

Facilio automates compliance and audit reporting by digitizing inspection records, refrigerant inventory, and maintenance history. Its intuitive dashboard ensures real-time alignment with EPA 608, GreenChill, CARB, and state regulations, streamlining audits and reducing manual effort.

AI & telemetry based leak detection

Facilio uses telemetry data and smart analytics to predict refrigerant leaks, detect faults, and analyze alarms in real time. It simplifies corrective actions with root cause analysis, automated work orders, and streamlined workflows.

Comprehensive automation of inspections across multiple sites

By automating maintenance and inspections, field teams can easily log service activities. These will be categorized by quantity at each site in your portfolio. The platform also provides precise insights into refrigerant leaks. It tracks their long-term trends and status across all locations.

Automate work order dispatch for repairs

From inspection and repair to refrigerant addition/removal and verification, every step is streamlined with Facilio, for seamless detection-to-resolution management. 

What users like about Facilio

"With refrigerant costs rising, we sought the best technology to manage our refrigeration systems efficiently,” said Jeff Carlson, Lunds & Byerlys’ refrigeration specialist. “The constant changes in the regulatory environment at the federal and state levels mean we need to stay on top of compliance. With Facilio, we no longer have to manually double book-keep assets and appliance data between multiple systems—giving back time and enabling efficiency for the facility team.”

Mitigate regulatory risks with Facilio's comprehensive refrigerant management software.

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Samsara

Samsara offers an IoT temperature monitoring solution for fleet tracking. It targets food safety, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Their system includes easy-to-install wireless sensors that monitor real-time temperature and humidity.

Samsara key features

• Sensors work with Samsara's trackers. They have a plug-and-play design, with no software configuration needed.
• Waterproof, IP67-rated weatherproofing protects against wear. It's ideal for refrigerated trailers.

OneEvent Technologies

OneEvent offers remote fridge monitoring. It uses wireless temperature sensors for coolers, freezers, and refrigeration units, all managed through a cellular gateway. Data from temperature and door sensors is collected and analyzed in the cloud. When OneEvent detects that the temperature exceeds your pre-set limits, it sends a notification

OneEvent key features

• Detects potential refrigeration failures up to 30 days in advance with Thermo Heartbeat™.
• Sends instant notifications for temperature or door activity anomalies to enable quick action.
• Offers a detailed dashboard for equipment tracking, automated reports, and compliance assurance

Monnit

Monnit offers a comprehensive refrigerant tracking solution with advanced wireless sensors and cloud-based monitoring. It provides real-time data, customizable alerts, and historical data analytics. Monnit is relevant to food safety service, agriculture, and cold storage chain logistics industries.

Monnit key features

• The iPhone app allows for easy review of sensor data.
• The ALTA line offers an affordable way to capture data and receive alerts for potential issues.
• Receive notifications via email or text for customizable conditions.

Inauro

Inauro offers accurate time temperature monitoring and data analytics for cold storage chain logistics. This ensures product quality and safety during transportation. Integrating with asset management features, Inauro provides a comprehensive solution. It helps in maintaining optimal conditions and effectively monitoring assets throughout transit.

Inauro key features

• It integrates relevant business data and external sources to provide operators with real-time tailored insights.
• Its modular data fusion platform, Pepsio™, supports telemetry and non-telemetry data sources. It enables communication via push and pull methods.

Danfoss

Danfoss is a powerful software for monitoring refrigeration systems. It enables remote access and control of those systems. Its unique offerings include advanced analytics, energy optimization, and predictive maintenance. Danfoss is suitable for supermarkets, cold storage, and industrial refrigeration.

Danfoss key features

• The software provides a 24/7/365 automated alarm management system.
• Full transparency of all relevant assets, including those in Danfoss and non-Danfoss-controlled stores.

OpSense

OpSense is an IoT platform that ensures food safety and quality in retail and food service industries. Their energy management features help monitor factors like temperature, humidity, open doors, and HVAC conditions. Also, OpSense has task checklists, alerts, and reports to streamline your monitoring.

OpSense key features

• Integrate data from sensors in walk-in coolers, or freezers and log the individual performing each task.
• Create and tailor multiple checklists to suit all your operational requirements.
• Completed checklists are dated and time-stamped upon being sent to the cloud.

Johnson Controls EcoStruxure™ Asset Advisor

Johnson Controls EcoStruxure™ Asset Advisor is an advanced refrigeration monitoring system. It offers insights, predictive analytics, and remote diagnostics. It is relevant to supermarkets, convenience stores, and food distribution.

Johnson Controls EcoStruxure™ key features

• You are always connected to your refrigeration system. It shows live sensor data and asset-specific analytics.
• A remote temperature monitoring system from the connected service hub checks the health of critical refrigeration assets. These include electrical distribution, UPS, batteries, and cooling systems.

Siemens Insights Hub (formerly Siemens Mindsphere)

Siemens Insights Hub offers a top refrigeration monitor. It has cloud-based analytics, machine learning, and predictive maintenance. It serves industries like data centers, pharmaceuticals, and critical storage facilities.

Siemens Insights Hub's key features

• SIMATIC HMI panels and industrial PCs can withstand harsh environments. So, they are suitable for reliable refrigeration monitoring.
• With SIMATIC WinCC Unified, you get a complete hardware and software solution. It provides consistent control and monitoring functions.

Liebherr Smart Monitoring

Liebherr Smart Monitoring provides comprehensive monitoring and control of refrigeration units. Its features include temperature monitoring, maintenance alerts, and energy efficiency optimization. Liebherr Smart Monitoring is relevant to industries like pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and research facilities.

Liebherr key features

• Regularly monitors appliance temperature independently of appliance controls.
• Generate service inquiries directly from the dashboard for efficient maintenance management.
• View historical temperature data and compliance reports for analysis and tracking.

How to choose the right refrigeration monitoring system for multi-site facilities

Legacy refrigeration monitoring systems often fall short in key areas, struggling with limited adaptability and scalability. They rely on rigid, hardware-centric designs that complicate integration and delay updates. Managing multiple sites becomes cumbersome due to fragmented data storage and isolated operations, hindering portfolio-wide insights.

Reporting is often cumbersome and not real-time. This raises costs and reliance on third-party tools. Integrating existing systems usually requires extensive coding and additional work, creating inefficiencies.

To avoid these pitfalls, seek modern solutions. They should offer rapid adaptability, seamless integration, and robust monitoring.

When evaluating refrigerant monitoring systems for multi-site portfolios, consider these key points:

1. Rapid adaptability

Modern solutions should allow adjustments within a few months. Most legacy systems take 6 to 12 months.

2. Centralized and actionable reporting

The reporting engine should use the same transactional database as the app. This will cut costs, reduce reliance on third-party tools, and align reports with technician activities and metrics.

3. Seamless integration

Less reliance on specialized developers and reduced coding saves costs in software development and maintenance. Code-free integration simplifies work order management and dispatching. These processes are often cumbersome with legacy software.

4. Comprehensive ecosystem

Choose a solution with a closed-loop ecosystem. It should combine maintenance, monitoring, and energy management in one platform. Such integrations allow for unified management. This speeds up issue resolution and ensures more reliable operations.

5. IoT-driven future-proofing

Opt for systems that leverage IoT technology to provide real-time data and insights from connected sensors. IoT-enabled platforms enhance predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring your refrigeration units’ health and performance.

6. Cloud command and bi-directional control

Ensure the software has cloud command and control. This allows for efficient remote management of complex energy optimization strategies. It also helps to monitor the system's response and optimization status. It allows for easy toggling of strategies as needed. Improved experience and SLAs adherence

The provider must have a proven track record in refrigeration and facilities management. They should have experience with challenges faced by multi-site retail operations.

8. Analytics & dashboarding

The system must have analytics and dashboards to study energy patterns. It should show daily, hourly, and monthly usage, portfolio benchmarking, and store-level heatmaps.

9. Connected telemetry data

The software should reduce commissioning setup time to just days. It should monitor real-time equipment health and system performance. It must eliminate the redundancy of fragmented data analysis.

10. End-to-end facility management

• Comprehensive suite: For FM companies, the solution should offer a full suite of services covering all aspects of facility management.
• Specialized management: If the focus is on managing service techs for refrigeration units, the system should excel in dispatch and FSM. This is true even if maintenance is done using Excel or in-house tools.

Facilio checks all of these boxes and then some more. :) If you'd like to learn more about how Facilio can help you unify, streamline, and optimize commercial refrigeration systems at a portfolio scale, book a demo below!

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