Space Case for Cold Storage Automation

Cold Storage Automation by Stoecklin

The most effective way to know whether an Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) will work for a cold storage or frozen distribution center is to do what we do at a trade show when someone approaches our booth. We ask a series of questions.

Even though there are multiple factors that determine the ROI of an AS/RS (including throughput, accuracy, and labor), this blog focuses on space. The central questions to ask with regard to space right now include:

• Is the building a greenfield facility or an existing distribution center? Building a greenfield lends itself to AS/RS. Especially since instead of a million feet of storage space with forklifts and associates trudging the aisles, the facility can be built more vertically to reduce the physical footprint.
• Is the facility leased or owned? Owning the facility leads down the path towards automation because the owner makes more modifications and have more freedom to pursue an AS/RS. For instance, the owner could develop a more vertical building to house the part of the SKU base that would most benefit from an AS/RS.
• Does the operation have a lot of pallets for the same SKU? If there is a wide variety of SKUs in a standard 30’ clear DC, an AS/RS might need to wait for a new facility. While the aisles are narrower with an AS/RS compared to a forklift, there are some additional clearances that an AS/RS needs that a forklift does not.  An AS/RS requires clearance underneath pallets, and maintenance work areas that forklifts do not. If the facility does have a standard 30’ clear and low SKU variation, meaning a lot of the same SKU’s on pallets, then the company can still take advantage of deep lane storage. In addition, using FIFO (First in First Out) still delivers the benefits of an AS/RS.
• How will the pandemic re-shape the design and functioning of cold storage automation facilities of the future? COVID-19 has already changed the world and will continue to impact practically every element of the cold storage industry for the foreseeable future. For executives, this means adjusting planned new facilities and renovations to ensure both the safety of the workers in the plants and the new performance requirements for the extended supply chain. 

If you would like help addressing these questions for your own AS/RS needs, please reach out and let’s chat about Cold Storage Automation.