Kioti is a fully integrated Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) solution for
managing, monitoring and reporting on critical assets in commercial kitchens. By tracking a wide
range of data points, from environmental conditions to resource consumption, Kioti aimed to
solve the need for a streamlined, comprehensive tool that allowed operators to control their
units with just a few taps on a mobile app or tablet screen.
The development of Kioti was a collaborative and iterative process. It showcased our ability to
understand client requirements, design user-friendly interfaces, develop robust and scalable
systems, and provide ongoing support. This innovative project demonstrates our ambition to make
technology serve even the most hands-on businesses in practical, user-friendly ways.
The UpNorth Group consists of several leading companies covering a diverse range of industry
sectors. The Group companies provide pioneering solutions to both national and international
markets, from Data Centres and M&E Building Services to Foodservice Equipment & Engineering
Solutions.
UpNorth Group required a large-scale comprehensive solution to monitor and control dark kitchens
(restaurant kitchens selling meals on a delivery-only basis) on a national scale. The solution
needed to be accessible through a mobile app, as well as on larger tablets stationed at each
dark kitchen unit.
Strategy and Planning
Before any development started, OpenKit and UpNorth Group discussed the requirements for Kioti in
full detail. We explored different technology stacks and their various advantages, and
determined how each technology would scale with their needs. This comprehensive consultation
ensured that we understood Kioti's requirements and could select the most suitable stack for
their goals.
Kioti described their UI and UX requirements as a 'Tesla Tablet Style Interface'. OpenKit used
its design expertise to develop and iterate upon several UI variations, until UpNorth was
satisfied. We designed the Tesla Tablet Style Interface to be intuitive and easy to navigate,
with a highly energy-efficient dark theme which added a modern, sleek aesthetic to the
interface.
The dashboard was designed to offer a comprehensive overview of key kitchen metrics. It provided
users with essential information such as equipment health status, HACCP temperatures, air
quality, and system status. The dashboard also featured alerts for critical issues, allowing
kitchen staff to quickly identify and address potential problems.
In version 1.1, we focused on refining the user interface to create a more modern, sleek, and
intuitive experience. The tile sizing and color scheme were optimised to improve readability and
visual appeal, while the mobile view was redesigned to ensure a seamless experience across
devices.
- Enhanced Data Presentation: The left-hand navigation panel now includes
live environmental data with instantaneous updates, providing users with real-time insights
into room temperature and outside air temperature.
- Streamlined Fault Management: The Equipment tile has been renamed to
'Faults' to better reflect its purpose and streamline fault management.
- Integrated Energy Consumption: Version 1.1 introduces a new Gas Energy
Consumption tile, displaying both consumption to date in kWh and instantaneous consumption
in kW.
- Enhanced Reporting Capabilities: Version 1.1 includes new and improved
reporting features, including a comprehensive monthly report that combines HACCP, utility,
and alerts data.
We created an app that was scalable for hundreds of dark kitchens across the UK, each monitored
on thousands of data points every hour. We built the Kioti backend system from the ground up,
taking advantage of modern serverless technologies to ensure minimum long-term system
maintenance costs.
Responsive Frontend
The Kioti Kitchen Management System boasts a highly responsive frontend that adapts
seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes. Whether accessed through a desktop computer,
tablet, or smartphone, the user interface remains intuitive and easy to navigate.
Highly Reliable and Fault-Tolerant
Reliability and fault tolerance are at the core of the Kioti Kitchen Management System. The
system employs robust error handling and redundancy measures to ensure uninterrupted
operation, even in the face of hardware or network issues. Real-time monitoring and
proactive alerts enable kitchen staff to quickly identify and resolve potential problems
before they escalate.
Highly Scalable Design
Designed with scalability in mind, the Kioti Kitchen Management System can easily
accommodate the growing needs of kitchens of all sizes. The system's architecture allows for
the seamless integration of additional equipment, sensors, and users as a kitchen expands or
evolves.
Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics
The Kioti Kitchen Management System offers comprehensive reporting and analytics
capabilities that empower kitchen managers to make data-driven decisions. From daily HACCP
temperature reports to monthly utility consumption summaries, the system generates detailed,
easy-to-understand reports that provide valuable insights into kitchen performance,
compliance, and efficiency.
OpenKit continues to work with UpNorth Group for the maintenance of Kioti. This ensures that
Kioti remains up-to-date and continues to serve its users effectively. We provide regular
updates, troubleshoot any issues, and continue to improve the system based on user feedback and
technological advancements.
