Technology is fast transforming the cold chain sector both locally and abroad. According to Anthea van Breemen of Forte Warehouse Solutions, more and more cold stores are opting to implement warehouse management systems (WMS).
“This software application helps control and manage the day-to-day operations, while it also guides inventory receiving and put-away, optimises picking and shipping of orders, and advises on inventory replenishment.”
There was also, she said, a move towards more cloud-based WMS. “We are receiving more enquiries to integrate WMS to business intelligence tools for smart reporting, dashboards and web portals where 3PL cold stores can allow their customers to log in and view their stock on hand and movements.”
Android scanning was another new development fast gaining traction, said Van Breemen. This also caters for random weights for the food industry. “It is all about improving efficiencies. Those who are still active in supply and distribution following the outbreak of Covid-19 are having to compete for business more than ever now, and keeping up to date with the latest technology is crucial.”
She said the cold chain had been affected by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown as it had prevented projects from coming to fruition.“It has also increased pressure on staff who have to work alternate days, halving the complement, but trying to keep the same service levels to their customers. In many cold stores extended working hours have been implemented to address this.”
Van Breemen said before Covid-19 the cold storage industry was settling after a spurt in the implementation of WMS in small to medium-sized companies. “Since the lockdown, with foods being an essential service, cold storage has proved to have a certain resilience to the recession and the demand for WMS seems to be rising again.
After a few very quiet months the market is starting to buzz again and the number of enquiries into WMS is growing.”Ultimately, however, customer service is what will set cold stores apart.
“Only technology can help improve this by highlighting trends (good or bad) of your customer and being a step ahead of them, making recommendations for improvement.”Van Breemen said companies were getting smarter about how they did things. “We are being consulted at the early stages of new projects so that the right decisions are made upfront long before the WMS is implemented to ensure a successful result. That is a very encouraging development. Companies are looking to the future and planning for it now."
