Deep-freeze logistics: Automation
Whether at -22°C or colder, refrigeration is expensive and labour-intensive work in deep-freeze warehouses is demanding and error-prone. When operating manually with industrial forklift trucks, the constant entries and exits lead to large losses of cold. In addition, forklift trucks require a lot of space for manoeuvring during storage and retrieval. Employees are only allowed to work in deep-freeze conditions for a limited time and require warm-up breaks.
Improved working conditions, high storage density, low energy costs
Automated deep-freeze warehouses offer a high storage density and ensure that hardly any energy is lost when storing and retrieving trays or containers thanks to efficient conveyor technology and airlocks. Warehouse automation also offers the option of pre-picking and sequenced provision of goods at ergonomic workstations using conveyor technology based on the goods-to-person principle. Order picking therefore takes place in the plus degree range, which significantly improves working conditions.
Deep-freeze logistics: optimised workstation concepts
In the automated small parts warehouse, trays are provided at an ergonomic height at the workstation using conveyor technology at the right time for the customer order and the roll containers or shipping pallets can be loaded directly. The focus here is on rapid availability, accurate order picking and reducing the workload for employees. The low height of the trays makes gripping easier and enables efficient order picking. Another advantage of trays is their flexibility in accommodating different packaging sizes and shapes. In automated storage systems, the space on the shelf is optimally utilised thanks to different shelf heights. This is particularly relevant in the deep-freeze sector, where operating costs are high due to energy requirements. In addition to automated small parts warehouses with shelves, automated pallet deep-freeze warehouses in the form of high-bay warehouses also offer compact storage on a small footprint and therefore lower cooling costs.
Minimise errors and save time with sequencing and pre-picking
Sequencing - the chronological and logical order in which goods are provided according to the customer order - is particularly important for mixed loads and just-in-time deliveries. A powerful software solution is essential here to control the processes. Pre-picking allows orders to be temporarily stored for despatch so that they can be combined with goods from other warehouse areas later on. This speeds up order processing considerably and decouples the processes. The pre-picked order trays are usually stored in the front rack bays of the automated storage systems. This ensures that the trays are kept together and that the distances for retrieving the goods are as short as possible. Efficient sequencing and pre-picking saves time, minimises errors and optimises subsequent processes during shipping, truck loading and goods distribution for the end customer. In addition to the software, the physical structures are also important. Buffer zones between the storage and picking areas provide flexibility for overtaking processes on the conveyor system and minimise waiting times.
Weighed goods in frozen and fresh food logistics
Weighed goods with different individual weights are also taken into account in the KlinkWARE ® software. The actual net weights can be recorded at the workstation by scanning barcodes on the goods with net weights and totalling them or by weighing them on a scale at the workstation. System and technology-independent logistics planning with Klinkhammer offers a comprehensive analysis of logistics processes on site as well as systematic and transparent solution finding.
Intuitive, powerful software
In addition to performance requirements and storage space capacity, the selection of modern warehouse management software, such as KlinkWARE, plays a decisive role in fresh and frozen food logistics. Temperature data, product barcode and manufacturer information, best-before date and batch number can be transferred to the warehouse management software. This ensures that the cold supply chain is maintained for perishable or frozen foods and that product and consignment tracking is guaranteed. The user interfaces of the warehouse management software are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. This ensures short familiarisation times and easy-to-understand processes with clear instructions for employees at the workplace.
The right planning is crucial: system and manufacturer-neutral
But which storage system is the right one and which aspects need to be taken into account when planning fresh and deep-freeze logistics? Technology- and manufacturer-neutral logistics planning is the key to successful fresh and frozen food logistics. This includes a thorough analysis of the operational challenges and storage infrastructure in order to identify the most efficient solution.
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