In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of cold stores to understand their crucial role in the cold chain and the food industry. Explore all the innovations and advances in the field to boost your productivity.
Running an e-commerce business is like juggling several balls in the air. You have to think about supply, sales, customer satisfaction and, of course, logistics. Among the logistics options, have you ever considered cold storage? It’s not just for food or pharmaceuticals! In this in-depth article, find out everything you need to know about cold stores. You’ll see how it could be the solution to many of your concerns, from storage optimization to cost reduction, to improved productivity thanks to solutions like Shippingbo.
What is a cold store?
Definition and main role
A cold store isn’t just a big refrigerator. It’s a storage space specially designed to keep your products at specific, stable temperatures. Whether you’re handling foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals or any other temperature-sensitive goods, a cold store ensures that your products remain in optimum condition until they’re shipped.
Stored food: distinction between positive and negative cold
The choice between a positive or negative temperature warehouse depends on the nature of the products.
- Positive cold (0-10ºC): Suitable for fresh produce requiring short- to medium-term storage, such as dairy products, meat and fruit.
- Negative cold (-30°C to 0°C): Designed for long-lasting preservation, it’s ideal for frozen foods such as vegetables, meat and seafood.
The different types of cold store
Every company has specific needs in terms of storage, costs and efficiency. Choosing the right type of cold store is therefore crucial to optimizing your supply chain. Here’s a detailed exploration of the different types of cold storage available, to help you make the right choice for your needs.
The traditional warehouse: stacking and mass storage
This type of storage is the simplest and most straightforward. Bulk stacking is practical for products that are less sensitive to expiry dates, such as certain types of frozen food. But this method has one major drawback: it favors the “first in, last out” (FEDS) system. For perishable products such as fruit or vegetables, this is not the wisest option, as items stored first are likely to deteriorate even before being removed for sale.
Platform warehousing: for groupage and deconsolidation
In a flat-bed warehouse, storage is designed to facilitate the grouping of products for shipment. This can be particularly useful for companies shipping various types of product to different destinations.
Mezzanine warehouses: vertical storage optimization
This type of warehouse uses vertical space to increase storage capacity. Mezzanines or platforms are built below ground level to create additional storage areas.
The high-bay warehouse: for maximum storage capacity
This type of warehouse requires a significant initial investment, but the long-term benefits can be substantial. Not only does it make maximum use of space, it can also be fully automated, reducing labor costs and human error.
Refrigerated warehouse automation: towards greater productivity
Automation is transforming the world of business, and the cold storage sector is no exception. Thanks to technological innovations, automation can improve productivity, minimize errors and increase efficiency, factors which are particularly critical in a refrigerated environment where every second and every degree counts.
Safety first: reducing exposure to extreme temperatures
Working in a cold store can be hard on employees. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to health problems ranging from discomfort to more serious medical conditions. By using automated systems for certain tasks, you can reduce the time operators have to spend in these difficult conditions.
Automated Order Picking Systems
One of the areas that benefits most from automation is order picking. Automated or semi-automated picking systems, such as voice picking or pick-to-light, speed up this process considerably. They guide operators optimally through the warehouse, reducing the time needed to assemble the various elements of an order.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
AGVs are automated vehicles used to transport and store goods. They are programmed to navigate without human intervention, and can make a major contribution to the process of delivering goods from one point to another more efficiently.
Towards an integrated supply chain
Automation doesn’t stop at the warehouse door. With advanced WMS systems like those offered by Shippingbo, you can integrate your automated warehouse into a wider supply chain, offering greater visibility and control.
The benefits of cold storage
The benefits of investing in an automated cold store can far outweigh the initial costs. Here are just some of the key benefits that can transform your supply chain and positively impact your bottom line.
For a more detailed view of how such a warehouse can fit into your logistics supply chain diagram, we invite you to consult our article on Logistics Supply Chain Diagrams.
Increased productivity
One of the most significant contributions of automation is improved productivity. Human error, while natural, can be costly, especially when handling temperature-sensitive products. Automation minimizes these errors and ensures that products are stored, retrieved and dispatched with greater accuracy.
Picking efficiency
In a traditional warehouse, thepicking process is often the most susceptible to human error. Systems such as pick-to-light or voice picking can significantly improve accuracy, by guiding workers to the right items efficiently.
Cost reduction
Efficient automation optimizes the use of warehouse space. Since every square meter costs money to cool, efficient use of space can mean substantial savings on your energy bills.
Compatibility with management solutions
By integrating your automated cold store with a robust warehouse management system (WMS), like the one offered by Shippingbo, you can go beyond warehousing operations to optimize your entire supply chain.
Why choose a refrigerated logistics provider?
Using a specialist refrigerated logistics provider may seem like an extra cost at first glance, but the benefits it offers more than justify the investment. Let’s take a closer look at why this choice can be a crucial step for your business.
Focus on your core business
The first obvious reason is that it allows you to concentrate on your core competencies. You’ve set up your SME on the basis of an original idea or know-how, and every hour you spend worrying about logistics is an hour not spent innovating and growing your business.
Refrigerated logistics expertise
The complexities of cold logistics go far beyond simple storage. There are compliance issues, strict regulations to meet, and safety standards to follow. A service provider specialized in this field will provide you with the expertise you need to navigate these complexities.
Optimize your cold store with Shippingbo WMS
If you’ve decided to make the move to a cold store, Shippingbo’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) will be your ally.
Efficiency at every stage
Shippingbo’s WMS offers state-of-the-art functionality designed to improve efficiency at every stage of your supply chain. From real-time inventory tracking to order centralization, the WMS makes it easy to manage your business.
A strategic investment
Choosing a cold store is not a decision to be taken lightly, and the same caution should be applied when selecting a WMS. Shippingbo’s system is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure, making it a strategic investment for your business.
Towards optimized cold-storage facilities
Changing lifestyles, characterized by a growing demand for frozen foods, have reinforced the importance of cold stores. However, it’s crucial to remember that cold storage requires meticulous product management at every stage, guaranteeing real-time traceability throughout the storage process, thus ensuring food safety.
What’s more, the high logistics costs associated with running a cold store are prompting companies to look for solutions capable of optimizing the efficiency and use of storage space.
In this context, Shippingbo’s WMS dedicated to the e-commerce sector comes into its own. With its extensive expertise in consulting and implementing manual and automated warehouse solutions, Shippingbo is a trusted partner. When you work with us, you can be sure of getting the best solution for maximizing the productivity of your facility.
Our teams are here to meet your needs with expertise and reliability. Don’t hesitate to contact us to upgrade your cold store to optimum efficiency.
