Cold storage facilities present a strong case for automation due to their harsh conditions, which pose risks such as cold-related injuries, fatigue, and reduced productivity for human workers. To mitigate these challenges, companies are increasingly adopting automated solutions like AGVs, robotic arms, and AS/RS, which enhance safety, streamline tasks, and improve efficiency in extreme environments. Modern Materials Handling recently published an article which details how automation is helping negate these cold storage challenges: Conquering the cold: How automation is transforming cold storage
Steven Simonson, senior managing director at Alpine Supply Chain Solutions provided his insight regarding cold storage by discussing how spreading the high cost of building new cold facilities across multiple different customers can help 3PLs defray some of that expense and justify their investments. For more on what he had to say and how this strategy made a difference, read the full article.
Beyond automating cold storage facilities to reduce human exposure, minimize cold-related illnesses, and enhance efficiency, companies are leveraging advanced technologies to further optimize operations. Mobile robots, robotic picking systems, and pallet movers are streamlining tasks like product movement and storage, resulting in improved inventory management, fewer errors, and higher product quality. Some businesses are even adopting lights-out cold storage, where automated systems function with minimal human intervention, maximizing efficiency and consistency. As demand for cold storage continues to rise with population growth, companies are utilizing vertical space and high-density storage solutions to combat high development costs while enhancing capacity and throughput.
The decision to automate often hinges on return on investment (ROI), labor challenges, and the need to optimize space in expensive cold storage environments. As companies seek to remain competitive, automation is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Standardized automation solutions are also gaining traction, making it easier for businesses to implement technology without the complexities of custom systems. Industry experts emphasize the importance of predictable ramp-ups and scalable solutions to ensure long-term value, with software standardization playing a key role in maximizing automation benefits quickly and effectively. For a deeper dive into these strategies and how they benefit cold storage facilities, read the full article here.
