The cold storage warehousing industry is fast gaining traction globally. With the ever-growing demand for cold-chain or perishable items globally, the need for effective and super-efficient cold storage management is becoming critical. Cold storage warehousing is a dominant industry in the United States of America. Experts at Forbes believe there is a growing need for greater transparency and more efficient food safety management in the cold storage warehousing sector. Today it is crucial to have a robust supply chain that is secure and temperature controlled for seamless transportation of medical supplies, perishable food items, and beverages across the globe. A cold storage supply chain is critical to facilitate the preservation and extension of the shelf-life of perishable items such as vegetables, fruits, seafood, meat, dairy products, frozen foods, beverages, pharmaceutical drugs, and chemicals. Cold chain logistics played a vital role in the transportation of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Three Different Cold Storage Warehousing Divisions
Ambient Warehousing
Ambient warehousing refers to a warehouse’s essential dry storage competencies, whereby food items are stored at ambient conditions or room temperature. Ambient warehousing is the most cost-effective form because there is no need for costly equipment to control and reduce temperature.
Cold Warehousing
Refrigerated warehouses provide seamless cold storage facilities. They are experts at storing items at firmly controlled temperatures ranging from 33 o F to approximately 40 o F. They are ideal for storing vegetables and fruits.
Freezer Warehousing
Freezer warehousing necessitates relatively greater chilling capacity as compared to the usual cold storage warehouse. The freezer warehousing facilitates seamless storage of items like fish, meat, or frozen vegetables and fruits. Temperatures range from -30 o F to -60 o F.
Remember that it is best to choose a cold storage facility that boasts a magical blend of cold, freezing, and ambient capacities.
Top Cold Storage Practices
Switch to Automation
Cold storage is far costlier as compared to other kinds of warehouse facilities as it involves exorbitant costs related to maintaining consistent low temperatures. With the ever-increasing labor, land, and energy costs, more and more cold storage facilities are switching to automation to keep expenses in control. You may seek assistance from the excellent freezer storage monitoring system by Fripp Warehousing for perfect outcomes.
Rely on Appropriate Equipment
A broad spectrum of machines, equipment, and tools are unitized in cold storage facilities, such as computers, scanners, sensors, pallet jacks, forklifts, etc. Such types of equipment need to be strategically modified or designed depending on the range of temperatures that need to operate in, including options for on-site forklift rental delivery for seamless operations.
Focus on the Utmost Safety of Your Employees
It is crucial to provide all the employees working in a cold storage facility with the utmost protection. They should be given appropriate personal equipment to ensure total safety and seamless running of the warehouse. You should arrange for insulated pants, coats, gloves, etc., to ensure safety and boost the efficiency of your team.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cold Storage Warehouse
Maintaining shipment timing is crucial to the smooth running of a cold storage warehouse. Ensure product dispatch within specified time frames. Product delivery should be on time. Another parameter to consider is inventory accuracy. A storehouse facility should promise cutting-edge automated inventory control software systems for maintaining accuracy. Choose a cold warehouse facility that assures tight security and boasts advanced digital video surveillance techniques for ensuring strict monitoring 24 x 7.
Conclusion
Cold storage facilities are an integral part of today’s supply chain. When managed proficiently and maintained well, cold storage facilities provide multiple benefits to ensure cost savings and extended product life.
