Characteristics of Cold Storage Warehouses

Cold storage warehousing is a trend many retailers and manufacturers are seeking out because they offer full supply chain management.  They enable better return on investments in a cost conscious manner.  Most present an exceptional realm of services, utilize state-of-the-art equipment and are run by automated systems designed to increase accuracy.  These single source providers offer cold storage warehousing, transportation services, cross-docking, unloading and loading services, freight handling and management, and inventory auditing.  Since such warehouses deal with a vast range of operations, it is essential that the construction and functionality of the facility are impeccable. 

Selecting a site and configuring building placement are more important than ever when building a cold storage warehouse.  This choice is typically based on wind and water.  A warehouse should have access to water for docking purposes; however, dock doors should not be in the same direction of prevailing winds, as they infiltrate into the warehouse threatening the preservation of products.  The amount of dock space needed is also a determining factor in warehouse design.  About ten years ago, a dock, on average, was about 20-feet long.  Today, they are expanding up to 60-feet and more. 

New technologies in the areas of security and management are being utilized at cold storage warehouses.  Operators are implementing stricter security measures, inside, and around the facility.  Some clients are requesting these systems in order to guarantee that storage and freight is not compromised.  Loss from the inside has always been an issue, but warehouse operators now sense that they need to go even further, protecting the perimeter of their facilities. In addition to security technology, warehouse management systems are introducing equipment to enable the warehouse to operate under a more automated system, needing less labor and employees managing the operations.  Bar-coding, scanning and voice picking systems provide savings on freight costs for the cold storage business. These are just several of the cost effective technologies being implemented by warehouse owners.

Energy and labor efficiency are key concerns for warehouse operators, and they remain at the forefront of their costs.  Many are saving by turning to more cross-dock functionality. Larger refrigerated docks and facilities are designed for cross docking, complete with reverse pick location zones and systems. Energy, labor and transportation demands affect the design of the warehouse, which are reflected in non-traditional structures.  Warehouses are increasing in height since material-handling equipment can handle products at higher levels. 

While many cold storage warehouses are designed differently, they all have the same key function and purpose-to provide cold supply chain management for their clients from start to finish.  Newer design techniques and equipment are being quickly introduced into the industry to keep up with the high demands a cold chain requires.

SOURCE: http://ezinearticles.com/?Characteristics-of-Cold-Storage-Warehouses&id=2368135