4 Biggest Trends in the Cold Storage Industry

Cold storage and refrigerated warehouses are an integral part of supply chains with temperature control initiatives, and they are only getting bigger – literally – with cold storage space expanding at roughly 4% annually since 2013.

This growth in cold storage warehousing has been driven by a variety of factors, including online shopping, delivery time expectations, regulatory changes and new production technologies. In this sea of change, however, there are four trending paradigm shifts that facility managers should consider when making safety and efficiency upgrades to their cold room facility operations.

Automation/Robotics

Throughput speed is essential in cold storage facilities, particularly those fulfilling online orders. To maximise efficiency, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) and other automated/robotic technologies are quickly becoming the norm. The automation trend can even be seen in loading dock equipment, such as smart controls and light communications systems like the Rite-Vu Hazard Recognition System. Utilizing motion sensors, LED lights, audible/visual alarms, and interlocking controls, to safeguard and protect workers on foot both inside and outside the loading dock in addition to protecting forklift operators inside trailers. Nothing matters more than life and limb!

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Energy efficiency and cold chain integrity are key considerations for today’s cold storage industry. At the loading dock, the drive-through dock design is considered the gold standard for achieving both. The system’s key component is a vertical storing leveler and recessed pit, which allows trailers to completely back-up to the dock before breaking the seal and opening their doors into the facility. This design prevents energy loss, as well as potential cargo tampering or exposure to outside elements.

Updating your cooler and freezer doors can also contribute to energy efficiency. High-speed doors like the FasTrax Rapid Door, minimize air exchange between spaces, as equipment and material pass through, reducing energy loss. The Frastrax also automatically snaps back into its tracks when impacted by forklifts, saving costly repairs.

Taller Warehouses

To combat high operating costs and the need for quick delivery, many industrial cold storage facilities are being built in expensive, urban areas – forcing companies to “go vertical” with their workspace. This trend makes fall protection equipment a top safety priority. Barriers are a common choice for elevated workspaces; since they create a controlled access area in which the inner gate and outer gate cannot be opened at the same time.

Air Door Systems

Air door systems are an innovative solution that creates an invisible barrier of high-speed air across an opening, preventing thermal loss and maintaining hygiene by blocking outside air from entering while allowing vehicles and workers to pass through without obstruction. As they prevent heat transfer and moisture accumulation, they therefore also save energy by reducing refrigeration costs and eliminating ice formation on the floor or walls, all without affecting visibility or accessibility. The high-speed air stream creates enough pressure difference between inside and outside zones to prevent mixing of air, providing optimal sealing even when the door is in use. Vehicles can pass through at normal speed without stopping, accelerating or braking. Air doors are the ultimate option for cold storage applications in high-use doorways that need unobstructed access, offering superior performance, efficiency, hygiene and safety compared to other options, and they pay for themselves with their energy savings.

Keeping Pace with the Market

The cold storage industry is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs and expectations of customers, regulators, and competitors. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to keep up-to-date on the best practices, new technologies, and latest trends in the industry.

At Ulti Group, we have the solutions you can trust to optimize your cold storage facility operations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your safety and efficiency in your cold storage warehouse.