Leveraging Advanced Sensor Technologies to Optimize Cold Storage Logistics
Cold storage logistics is a critical component of the supply chain, ensuring that perishable goods are stored and transported under optimal conditions. As the demand for efficient and reliable cold storage solutions grows, SICK has developed a range of innovative sensor technologies designed to meet the unique challenges of deep-freeze and cold-storage environments.
What is Cold Storage Logistics?
Cold storage logistics involves maintaining the integrity of perishable goods by storing and transporting them at controlled temperatures. This ensures that products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals remain safe and effective from the point of origin to the final destination.
Facilities that store these types of products include refrigerated warehouses, blast freezers, and temperature-controlled distribution centers. These facilities will cater to various temperature ranges, from frozen goods to chilled and ambient temperature products
Cold storage logistics also includes the transportation of goods, including refrigerated trucks, railcars, ships, and air freight. Advanced refrigeration units and real-time temperature monitoring systems ensure goods remain within specified temperature ranges during transit.
Another consideration of this process is handling and packaging. Specialized packaging materials and methods are used to maintain temperature and prevent contamination. Proper handling procedures are crucial to avoid temperature fluctuations and ensure product safety.
Challenges with Cold Storage
There are a lot of moving parts associated with cold storage logistics, which can lead to some challenges. Perhaps the biggest challenge is maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the supply chain. Any deviation can compromise product quality.
In order to maintain these temperatures, cold storage facilities and transportation methods require significant energy, making efficiency and sustainability important considerations
By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, companies can optimize their cold storage logistics operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and contributing to a more sustainable supply chain. And the key to doing this is through advanced sensor technology.
Key Sensor Technologies
Automation reduces manual errors and increases throughput, ensuring that goods are processed quickly and accurately. Sensors protect both workers and machinery by detecting potential hazards and preventing accidents. SICK's sensors are designed to operate efficiently even in extreme temperatures, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Identifying Solutions
CLV61x: This barcode scanner is perfect for identifying codes on totes, shipments, and pallet feet. It features simple installation and energy-efficient identification, with an integrated heater enabling use down to –35°C.
Lector62x: A compact image-based code reader that reliably detects 1D, 2D, and stacked codes. It performs well even at –35°C, thanks to its cold storage device variants.
Zx36: These scanners detect a wide range of codes, including 1D, 2D, and DPM codes. They are rugged and can withstand temperatures as low as –30°C, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Tag-LOC System: The Tag-LOC system is an industrial localization solution that provides real-time tracking and precise location data for assets like vehicles, workpieces, and materials. It enables continuous monitoring of goods movements and material flow. The system integrates with SICK's Asset Analytics software for data visualization and evaluation. Additionally, it can be combined with identification technologies such as RFID and LiDAR to automate production and logistics processes. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –20°C.
Measuring Solutions
VML: The VML track and trace system uses light grids to accurately determine the smallest enveloping box of objects, regardless of their surface properties. It is reliable for measuring transparent objects and those wrapped in film. The system's measurement data can be used to calculate object dimensions and, depending on the variant, for billing purposes. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –24°C.
VMS4x00/5×00: In intralogistics, reliable object data is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted material flow and fostering collaboration throughout the value chain. The VMS4200/5200 volume measurement system accurately measures package dimensions down to 2 mm, regardless of size and color. This data helps determine transport costs and allows for real-time invoice adjustments. The system can be integrated with various reading and weighing stations for enhanced functionality. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –10°C.
Detecting Solutions
RAY10 / RAY26 Reflex Array: These sensors are designed for detecting flat objects and optimizing object spacing before singulation or infeed to main sorters. They are reliable even in temperatures as low as –40°C.
MLG-2: Ideal for length, width, and height measurements, this light grid offers high measurement accuracy and is suitable for detecting transparent objects. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –30°C.
Z18 Simple Sense: For conveying equipment, it's crucial to detect whether delivery and transfer points are occupied. Reliable detection of various objects, including containers, parcels, polybags, and pallets with diverse surfaces, is necessary. The detection signal is used for control tasks like triggering other sensors or start and stop functions. The Z18 Simple Sense sensors are ideal for close-range standard applications. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –40°C.
Storing Solutions
InspectorP: The InspectorP Rack Fine Positioning for cold stores is exceptionally suitable for fine positioning of driving and lifting units in cold storage facilities because it can be employed without difficulties at temperatures down to –35 °C. After absolute positioning of the driving and lifting unit, the 2D vision sensor allows precise fine positioning in front of the storage bay even in double deep applications for pallets.
G6 / G10: Before the pallet is finally put into storage, a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor checks whether the load height exceeds the maximum permissible height for the allocated storage area. The sensor is characterized by a high level of resistance to vibrations and immunity to contamination. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –40°C.
W4: W4 miniature photoelectric sensors and photoelectric proximity sensors are the ideal solution for the intelligent automation of industrial processes. The powerful sensors in the miniature housing reliably detect glossy, flat, uneven, perforated and transparent objects and detect a wide range of parameters such as remission and distance values. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –40°C.
ISD400: The data exchange between the automated storage and retrieval system and the stock management system occurs via an optical transmission system that uses infrared technology. This eliminates the need for fieldbus cabling. The device is available for a wide range of communication protocols. Fast transmission rates and long sensing ranges ensure best possible performance. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –40°C.
Quality Control Solutions
Multi Physics Box: The Multi Physics Box monitors temperature, shock, and vibration in electric motors, fans, turbines, and ventilators. This early detection of potential machine failures extends the service life of the equipment, increases availability and production quality, and reduces maintenance costs. Enhanced by the SICK Monitoring Box digital service, real-time data can be accessed via a dashboard or cloud from a mobile device, allowing for continuous monitoring and analysis. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –40°C.
SLG-2: Ensuring error-free processes on conveying equipment is crucial. The G6 photoelectric sensor, combined with the SLG-2 light grid with zone function, checks for pallet load protrusions to prevent downstream issues. The SLG-2 light grid, available in frontal and side light emission variants, integrates easily into various applications with detection heights from 100 mm to 2,400 mm and no blind zones. It operates reliably at temperatures down to –30°C.
Integration and Connectivity
SICK's sensor solutions are designed to be open and compatible with other systems. Many components can be connected to networks via IO-Link, ensuring seamless integration and scalability. This connectivity allows for real-time data exchange and enhanced automation, contributing to more efficient and streamlined logistics operations.
SICK Sensor Intelligence offers a comprehensive range of sensor solutions tailored for cold storage logistics. By leveraging these innovative technologies, businesses can optimize their operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency in deep freeze and cold storage environments. As the industry continues to evolve, SICK remains at the forefront, providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the demands of modern logistics.
