INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE IN RACKING SYSTEMS
Gray mentions the critical role of maintenance in ensuring safety within cold storage environments . “ Acrow emphasises the necessity of service level agreements with clients to facilitate regular inspections and maintenance . According to regulations , racking systems must be inspected at least once or twice a year , with compliance certificates issued afterward .”
Acrow has an in-house maintenance team that conducts these inspections and addresses any identified issues . Gray explains that regular assessments are vital because forklift damage is common in warehouses . “ The goal is to prevent accidents and ensure that any damage is promptly addressed , either through repairs or immediate replacements when necessary ,” he adds .
DESIGNING FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Addressing concerns about high warehouse ceilings ’ impact on racking stability , Gray explains that rack-supported mezzanines are often used to maximise vertical space . These structures can support shelving at various levels , making it easier to utilise taller warehouses effectively .
When constructing new facilities , Gray emphasises the importance of planning for future growth . He provides the example of a project for a clothing retailer , where the design included a rack-supported mezzanine intended to accommodate additional tiers in the future . “ This foresight allows companies to expand their operations without needing to relocate or undergo major renovations , which can be costly and disruptive .”
On the other hand , Gray notes that many companies lease their facilities for a limited time , typically five to ten years . This short-term approach discourages businesses from planning for scalability , or ensuring their racking solutions can adapt to anticipated growth . Gray acknowledges the challenges in convincing clients to adopt a long-term perspective on their racking systems . “ Many companies operate under budget constraints , focusing on immediate capital expenditure rather than considering the full lifecycle cost of their investments . However , larger companies with deeper resources are more receptive to discussions about automation and advanced solutions . International companies entering the South African market in particular tend to recognise the long-term value of robust racking systems , and are often willing to invest more for a sustainable solution .”
Acrow ’ s racking systems are designed with longevity in mind , offering guarantees of up to 25 years , which can appeal to clients looking for reliability and value over time .
PROS AND CONS OF WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION IN THE REFRIGERATED SECTOR
At the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration , Logistics , and Technology Summit , Fred Albrecht , CEO of Logistics Systems Engineering ( LSE ), addressed the complex landscape of warehouse automation in the refrigerated sector . His presentation , titled ‘ Pros and cons of warehouse automation in the refrigerated sector ’, shed light on the necessity of strategic planning and phased implementation to control costs effectively .
Albrecht underscores the dual-edged nature of automation , pointing out both its potential rewards and pitfalls . " The real challenge is mastering the effective use of automation ," he explains , identifying it as a vital catalyst for operational efficiency . He urged attendees to regard automation as a strategic priority rather than just a technological enhancement .
Emphasising the need to align automation initiatives with broader business goals , Albrecht states , " It ' s essential to pinpoint what matters most for your organisation ." He also discusses the specific hurdles faced in cold chain logistics , particularly the crucial need for temperature control to ensure the integrity of perishable goods . " Relying on manual processes in the traditional cold chain often leads to inefficiencies and inflated costs ." Albrecht advocates for the comprehensive integration of automated systems in every aspect of the cold chain , from storage to control mechanisms , as a solution to these ongoing challenges .
Highlighting the impact of cutting-edge technologies , he remarks : " Innovations such as IoT sensors and blockchain are revolutionising operational efficiency and reliability , providing essential tools for real-
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Fred Albrecht , CEO of cold chain automation company Logistics Systems Engineering ( LSE ) speaking at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration , Logistics and Technology Summit earlier this year .
COLD LINK AFRICA • November / December 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 19
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