Choosing the best organizational system can be a tough decision for any warehouse management professional — and for facilities that sell, ship, or manufacture temperature-sensitive products, finding solutions can be even more challenging. This is because, in the cold storage industry, problems with product integrity can lead to more than just a track record of dissatisfied customers — it can cause bacterial growth or spoilage that can be harmful or even fatal. Extremely strict regulatory compliance standards apply to the cold storage supply chain, and both public and private cold storage warehouses must keep these standards front-of-mind.
When making storage system decisions for freezer cold storage or refrigerated warehouses, several factors must be carefully considered to ensure optimal compliance and productivity. This article will provide a general overview of these factors, guiding cold storage warehouse owners and property managers towards more effective, compliant, and energy-efficient cold storage facilities. Let’s get started!
Ability to Store Temperature-Sensitive Goods
Multiple regulatory bodies within the United States, including the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the American Frozen Food Institute, have established specific “safe zones” governing the handling of pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, fresh produce, and many other items across the cold storage supply chain. With this in mind, the most important factor to consider when looking for a cold storage system is the ability to withstand low temperatures.
Some traditional racking materials can become worn down or more prone to damage within cold temperatures, compromising both the structural integrity of the mobile racking system and the safety of workers. Racking materials specifically suited for cold storage environments, such as stainless steel or certain coated alloys, can mitigate the effects of harsh temperatures and allow for continuous warehouse efficiency while achieving total regulatory compliance. At Diversified Rack & Shelving, our team has a track record of providing top-tier warehouse and supply chain equipment across countless industries, including cold storage warehousing. We can help you select the best cold storage facility options for your needs, budget, and preferences, optimizing every square foot of space!
Bonus Tip: If you store a large amount of cold-chain goods at your distribution or production site, it may be worthwhile to invest in backup power systems. These can keep your cooling, LED lighting, and temperature monitoring systems going in the event of an outage, helping you avoid the consequences of widespread product spoilage prior to expiration dates.
Racking Airflow
Airflow matters in every storage space, but it’s especially critical in any location that specializes in cold storage. Conditions like poor airflow or elevated humidity levels can lead to temperature fluctuations that can shorten shelf life or compromise product integrity. To promote optimal airflow and temperature control, we highly recommend that cold storage warehouses place frozen foods, medications, and other temperature-sensitive products on mobile racking that features wire mesh decking. This allows cold air from blower fans and other air distribution points to circulate freely around refrigerated containers while keeping products easily accessible to everyone at your storage facility. Improving airflow also makes your cold storage warehouse more energy-efficient, which can save you a big chunk of change on energy costs.
The aisle and shelving layout of your cold storage facility also plays a significant role in maintaining airflow and temperature control, whether you’re storing products for years at a time or regularly making shipments to local stores. Sufficient space between aisles can prevent airflow blockages, ensuring consistent ambient temperatures within your cold storage warehouse. Strategic location choices also make critical equipment — such as inventory control systems or temperature monitoring systems — easier to see and use. Along with selling new and used industrial shelving and racking for cold storage warehouses, our team specializes in state-of-the-art warehouse design services. Our experts will work directly with you to design the right cold storage warehouse layout while ensuring complete compliance with local, state, and federal government regulations.
Equipment Compatibility
What equipment does your cold storage warehouse use to retrieve, transport, and store products? This is another essential question for any cold storage provider looking for product storage solutions. The compatibility of the specific racking system with your material handling equipment, such as forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks, must be considered to achieve maximum efficiency within your cold storage facility.
First, assess the size and weight limits of the racks to ensure they can safely support the pharmaceuticals, supplies, or food products that your cold storage facility specializes in. Some racking systems, such as drive-in racks, are best suited for large-scale operations that store and transport a wide array of merchandise via human labor, while others, like carton pallet flow racks and other automated systems, are ideal for specialized cold storage facilities that need frequent access to individual products.
Next, evaluate the maneuverability of your forklifts and reach trucks within the aisles. Narrow aisle configurations might require specialized equipment like articulated forklifts to avoid bottlenecks, which can create additional operational costs for equipment purchases and personnel training. Remember that any additional equipment you purchase must be able to operate in a cold storage warehouse environment, where sub-zero temperatures are the norm. Finally, consider future scalability — all of the inventory management equipment used at your cold storage warehouse should be flexible enough to adapt to growth or changes in consumer demand.
Ease of Maintenance
Anytime you store, transport, or manufacture any kind of cold-chain merchandise, from perishable goods to pharmaceuticals, it is also paramount to choose types of pallet racking that can be easily cleaned and maintained to prevent excess build-up of ice and frost. This ensures the longevity of the equipment itself and makes for a much cleaner and safer environment overall, whether your cold storage facility relies on human labor or is primarily automated. We recommend that all cold storage facilities implement preventative maintenance plans for their stationary or mobile racking systems to keep them fully functional, avoid operational downtime, and maximize energy efficiency while keeping energy costs low.
Organized Layout
While this factor is not exclusive to cold storage facilities, an organized layout also plays a vital role in maximizing storage capacity, accessibility, and cleanliness. With the use of modular racking systems and adjustable shelving, virtually any cold storage facility can accommodate varying inventory regardless of consumer demand, all while minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing energy efficiency. Modular systems also allow for the utmost precision in product retrieval, creating a track record of excellence that your cold storage warehouse can take pride in.
Make the Right Choice for Your Cold Storage Warehouse!
Cold storage warehousing is a much more complicated industry than many people assume, and no one knows this better than the talented owners and operators managing our nation’s cold storage warehouses. Luckily, with help from the experts at Diversified Rack & Shelving, cold storage warehouse owners can maintain compliant, safe, environmentally friendly, and fairly economical operations. Cold storage facility owners can succeed in the competitive cold storage market by considering temperature resistance, airflow, equipment compatibility, ease of maintenance, and organization.
If you’re looking for racking or shelving solutions for your cold storage warehouse, you’re in the right place! We employ knowledgeable cold storage warehousing experts who are ready to help identify what pallet racking or shelving system is the best choice for your cold storage facility. Once you’ve decided on your cold storage warehousing equipment, our skilled team will deliver and install your new system to perfection, ensuring optimal quality, performance, and energy efficiency. Plus, we offer many other value-added services for both standard and cold storage facilities, including but not limited to mezzanine installation, shelving optimization, and much more. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to begin exploring your options and receive your free quote!