UNIS's Top 10 Innovations for Cold Chain Excellence

1. Embrace Smart Scheduling Tools:

Implementing advanced appointment scheduling ensures products don't overstay in staging areas, preventing congestion and temperature deviations.

2. Opt for High-Speed, Energy-efficient Doors:

Install high-speed, insulated doors with a narrower design to minimize temperature energy loss and boost efficiency. Separate entrance and exit doors can further enhance energy savings.

3. Prioritize Workforce Safety:

Adherence to OSHA guidelines is just the start; understanding and accommodating the needs of your workforce can reduce turnover and ensure a safer working environment in cold storage facilities.

4. Maximize Storage Solutions:

With the high operational costs of cold storage, leveraging solutions like double deep racking or automated systems can significantly increase your storage density and efficiency.

5. Implement Full EDI Integration:

Encouraging EDI integration with vendors streamlines data handling, reducing manual entry errors and maintaining product temperature integrity.

6. Advance Cold Chain Monitoring:

Invest in cutting-edge monitoring equipment for real-time visibility across the supply chain, ensuring product safety and optimizing logistics operations.

7. Meet Regulatory and Customer Requirements:

Utilize a warehouse management system capable of handling complex requirements around product life, labeling, and tracking, crucial for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act.

8. Leverage Automation for Efficiency:

Automation technologies, from AS/RS to robotics, can reduce manual labor in the freezer, speeding up operations and minimizing human exposure to extreme conditions.

9. Adopt Efficient Cycle Counting Methods:

Integrate count-back or count-to-zero processes to limit time spent in cold environments, enhancing both accuracy and worker safety.

10. Invest in Specialized Equipment:

Ensure all equipment, from vehicles to radio frequency devices, is rated for freezer environments to guarantee compatibility with cold conditions and reduce wear and tear.

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