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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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systems, improving response times during peak harvesting and shipping periods when throughput is critical
• Space utilisation: Automated shuttles allow ultra‐dense racking configurations— for instance, Mecalux notes up to 40m high or 45m deep systems and Jungheinrich achieves up to ~ 90 % fill rate, they claim— a clear advantage in landconstrained or volume-intensive postharvest storage hubs
• Energy and cost efficiency: By reducing volume inside cooled storage, energy requirements drop; and fewer handling vehicles reduce labour and maintenance costs— vital in the context of sensitive post-harvest cargo that requires uninterrupted temperature control
• Automation and safety: Eliminating forklifts from aisles enhances workplace safety and minimises operator fatigue— an added benefit in sub-zero environments common to post-harvest cold storage
Many providers offer modular shuttle systems tailored post-harvest logistics include:
• Wi‐fi enabled units supporting tablet or handheld control and full integration into warehouse management systems
• Freezer‐rated shuttles with specialised mechanisms( eg. magnet-based retention) to ensure safe, reliable operation in sub-zero environments
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• Cost‐optimised base models focused purely on pallet movement efficiency— ideal for high‐throughput yet simpler operations
EFFICIENCY, FOOTPRINT AND ROI
Adopters typically see development cost savings of 25 – 50 % through optimised racking layouts and reduced cold-space volume. Dense storage configurations not only cut land and refrigeration costs but also increase usable storage per square metre. In implementations like Coldo’ s or Zikooenabled facilities, space and energy savings combine with fast ramp-up deployment to deliver strong ROI.
Automated shuttle systems are increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure for efficient post harvest operations. Major intralogistics providers— such as Dematic, Swisslog, Jungheinrich and Mecalux— now offer variants of pallet shuttle or channelshuttle systems, often fully integrated with warehouse management software and tailored for environments ranging from ambient to deep. These technologies enable businesses worldwide to transition from labour-intensive, slow processes to automated, scalable, and space-optimised storage systems— supporting faster throughput, higher density, and reduced operational costs.
In short, across the global warehouse automation sector, mobile racking and shuttle-enabled cold storage systems
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deliver faster post‐harvest cooling and pallet handling, greater storage density, cost‐effective operations, and higher throughput than traditional manual methods— backed by modular design and seamless integration into modern WMS / WCS frameworks. CLA
REFERENCES:
1. Jungheinrich. co. za
2. Movu Robotics
3. zikooint. com
4. Mecalux
5. coldlinkafrica. co. za
6. LSE Group
Citrus, by far the largest commodity, shipped 2.8 million tons in 2023.
The US Food Administration authority estimates that globally, approximately 40 % of food produced is lost before reaching retail— much of it due to poor post-harvest handling, inadequate storage, or unsuitable containers.
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Image by Standret / Freepik |