A Guide to Cold Storage in Warehouses
06 July 2023
In today's world, the efficient storage and preservation of
perishable goods are critical for various industries such as food and
pharmaceuticals. Cold storage warehouses play a vital role in maintaining the
quality and extending the shelf life of these temperature-sensitive products.
However, these warehouses face unique challenges that
require careful management and the implementation of suitable solutions. In
this guide, we will delve into the world of cold storage, the challenges it
presents, and how rugged devices are well-suited for use in cold storage warehouses.
Understanding cold storage
Cold storage refers to the specialised storage of goods at
low temperatures to prevent spoilage or damage, and to maintain product
quality. By controlling temperature, humidity and other environmental factors,
cold storage warehouses preserve perishable items such as food & drink and
pharmaceuticals. These warehouses are equipped with refrigeration systems and
are highly insulated to maintain specific temperatures.
There are many ways for cold storage areas to be seamlessly
integrated into larger warehouse facilities. These dedicated sections are
designed to maintain precise temperature ranges and are often segmented into
zones based on the different requirements of the products being stored.
Challenges in cold chain logistics
Cold chain logistics encompasses the management and transportation
of temperature-sensitive products from manufacturing to warehouses to their
final destination, all while maintaining the required temperature conditions.
This complex process presents several challenges, including:
Temperature control
Consistently maintaining the desired temperature throughout
the supply chain is key. Any deviation from this temperature can compromise the
quality, safety and efficiency of the products. Temperature control challenges
can arise during storage, transportation, and handling.
Able to operate reliably in extreme temperatures, rugged
devices offer solutions that enable real-time tracking of goods throughout the supply chain;
from cold storage to their destination. This allows for time stamps and
evidence that the goods have not been out of storage for longer than they
should and therefore retain their quality.
Inventory management
Proper inventory tracking, stock rotation, and management of
expiry dates are crucial to prevent product spoilage and minimise waste. The
perishable nature of certain goods requires precise tracking and monitoring of
inventory to ensure timely usage and prevent stockouts or excessive stock
levels. Accurate inventory management is challenging due to the varying shelf
lives of different products and the need for real-time visibility across the
supply chain.
Rugged devices can integrate with warehouse management systems, enabling seamless communication, data sharing, and
streamlining of operations. This enables prompt decision-making, timely
responses to stock about to go spoil and improved coordination across the
supply chain.
Traceability and transparency
Maintaining traceability and transparency throughout the
cold chain is vital for product safety and quality assurance. It involves
tracking the movement, storage conditions, and handling of products at each
stage of the supply chain. Our rugged devices can help with product safety and
quality by enabling the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain.
In addition, rugged devices can implement effective tracking systems using
barcodes and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). These technologies can also
streamline the process by allowing quick and accurate tracking of
products. Warehouse operators can easily scan barcodes or read RFID tags to
identify and record inventory movements, minimising errors and ensuring product
quality is maintained.
Equipment Durability
The harsh conditions within cold storage warehouses,
including low temperatures, moisture, and frost, can pose challenges for
standard electronic devices and equipment. Cold temperatures can affect the
functionality and durability of devices, leading to malfunctions or failures.
Regular maintenance and suitable equipment selection are essential to ensure
the reliability and longevity of equipment used in cold chain logistics.
Using rugged devices instead of consumer devices can help meet the demands of warehouse
operations due to their ability to withstand shocks, drops, vibrations, extreme
temperatures and harsh conditions. This ensures durability and reliability even
in challenging cold storage environments and minimises the risk of device
failure and extends the lifespan of the equipment, reducing downtime and
maintenance costs.
How we can help
Cold storage warehouses play a crucial role in preserving
the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable goods. However, they
come with unique challenges related to temperature control, inventory management,
and equipment durability. Rugged devices offer a practical solution by
providing reliable, durable, and temperature-resistant technology that can
withstand the demanding conditions of cold storage environments.
By integrating rugged devices into cold storage operations,
warehouses can optimise processes, increase productivity, and increase the
accuracy of data capture. At TouchStar, we have been managing rugged mobile
computers for over 30 years, including rugged handhelds and truck mounts in the
cold storage sector. Contact us today to find out more.