Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling environmental systems in containers. A first set of environmental conditions for a first product to be stored in a container is received and it is determined if the first set of environmental conditions are compatible with a second set of environmental conditions for one or more second products in the container. An acceptable set of environmental conditions for both first and second products based on the first set of environmental conditions and the second set of environmental conditions is determined and the acceptable set of environmental conditions are stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for allocating sensors. Data from an unallocated sensor is received and a unique sensor link identifier is received where the unique sensor link identifier relates to the unallocated sensor from a user device. It is determined which unallocated sensor corresponds to the unique sensor link identifier such that the user device can access the data received from the unallocated sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling environmental systems in containers. A first set of environmental conditions for a first product be stored in a container is received and it is determined if the first set of environmental conditions are compatible with a second set of environmental conditions for one or more second products in the container. An acceptable set of environmental conditions for both first and second products based on said first set of environmental conditions and said second set of environmental conditions is determined and the acceptable set of environmental conditions are stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a vending machine. A product that is next to be dispensed in a vending machine is identified and the expiry date of the product is determined. One or more corrective actions are triggered if the current date is within a predefined time period of the expiry date of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Energy Supply and Demand Control. It is determined if energy demand is above a threshold and, if so, a location one or more mobile devices is determined, wherein said one or more mobile devices are associated with a premises. One or more corrective actions are triggered at the premises if the location of the one or more mobile devices is greater than a predefined distance from the premises.