Cold Storage Solutions

What options are there for cold storage racking systems?

Cold storage racking optimizes valuable freezer space to conserve energy and keep items organized. These systems can withstand freezing temperatures to ensure lost-lasting durability. Different storage solutions can be combined to create a customized system for an operation’s unique needs.

There are many different options suitable for cold storage, from traditional systems such as selective racking, flow racking, push back racking and carton flow to fully automated solutions such as shuttles and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV). 

The most common and easily adaptable type of racking used to store palletized inventory is selective racking. It can be manufactured for nearly any size and load capacity.

Flow racking is a high-density system that uses a first-in/first-out inventory flow. Ideal for perishable and time-sensitive loads, flow pallet racking is simple to use and scalable.

If inventory is increasing but cold storage space remains limited, then push back racking systems are an affordable solution.

Cold storage picking operations can benefit from carton flow racking. Inventory is quickly removed and replenished in this first-in/first-out management system.

Shuttles are a fully-automated storage solution that work by running along rails inside a racking system and safely and securely store and retrieve pallets, containers, cartons and trays of inventory.

Another fully-automated solution is AGVs. These computer-controlled, driverless machines travel through the warehouse to deliver products. Each AGV moves on a pre-installed path to deliver items quickly, safely and accurately.

To design a customized cold storage racking system, many operations choose to work with a professional design and installation company such as ISS Material Handling. Not only does ISS Material Handling ensure a storage system is installed properly, but ISS Material Handling experts also work with teams to ensure the new system is being used correctly.

What are the advantages of cold storage systems?

Properly storing goods that need to be temperature controlled is key to the cold storage chain. Cold storage maintains the quality and safety of perishable goods and goods that need to maintain a specific temperature. Food, beverages, medication, flowers, plants and chemicals are a few common goods that may require cold storage. Law enforcement agencies may also use cold storage for evidence. 

By adding racking to cold storage areas, operations reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Racking systems implemented into cold storage make better use of the valuable temperature-controlled area by organizing goods, making stock easier for employees to find and replenish and increasing storage area. Storage solutions help operations to safely manage their inventory efficiently while conserving energy and space.

Implementing a cold storage system may include adding traditional systems such as racks or even fully automated systems. When considering a storage solution, it’s critical to consider the needs and capabilities of the operation.

How to select a cold storage racking system

While a cold storage racking system can benefit an operation, to be as efficient and useful as possible there are a number of items to consider:

1. 1. Quantity of goods being stored
   2. Size of goods being stored
   3. Seasonality of goods being stored
   4. Product flow
   5. Size of cold storage area

An operation should also determine if they will be using a traditional system, an automated system or a combination of the two. A traditional, non-automated system is the most commonly used in cold storage. It’s usually more affordable and simpler to install but it requires workers to be in cold areas for a prolonged amount of time and, as with other operations, manual management can lead to increased errors. A fully-automated system reduces the need for staff to be in the cold storage area and can be more efficient with fewer errors. But a fully-automated cold storage system is a greater upfront investment.

Based on this information, an operation can begin to narrow down the best storage solutions for its cold storage space. Selective racking is an easily adaptable type of racking used to store palletized inventory and can be manufactured for nearly any size and load capacity. Flow pallet racking is a high-density system that uses a first-in/first-out inventory flow. Push back racking systems are an affordable solution to make room for increasing inventory in a fixed amount of space. Carton flow racking is a first-in/first-out management system for picking operations. Shuttles are a fully-automated storage solution that work by running along rails inside a racking system and safely and securely store and retrieve pallets, containers, cartons and trays of inventory. AGVs are computer-controlled, driverless machines that travel on a pre-installed path through the warehouse to deliver products.

ISS Material Handling specializes in warehouse solutions including cold storage. To determine the best system for a business, ISS Material Handling experts visit operations and examine workspaces before recommending the best solution for the operation. ISS Material Handling works with clients from design to install to introduction, making sure the solution fits the operation, product, space and team.

To find out more about how cold storage solutions can become a part of an operation, contact the experts at ISS Materials Handling for a free consultation.