If you're running a food business, you understand the constant pressure that comes with the job. Managing limited shelf-life, supply chain disruptions, changes in consumer trends, ensuring product safety and traceability, reducing spoilage and following health and safety regulations, the list can be endless.
We are talking about the everyday challenges that you have to face during food storage.
But it is possible to manage many of these challenges with the help of advanced technology and getting the workers involved. You can better manage the risks, address operational complexities, and improve efficiency.
That said, here are some of the top technology trends for optimizing and enhancing operations by warehouses dealing with food storage.
1. Warehouse Management Software
If you want to keep your warehouse running smoothly, then a warehouse management system is a must-have tool. It helps control, monitor, and optimize all the critical functions of your warehouse.
With a modern WMS, you can
• Avoid problems like having too much stock or running out of things.
• You can organize inventory and streamline communications all from a secure central hub.
• Integrate the WMS system with RFID, billing and inventory software, and other tools to automatically receive, validate, and reconcile items against online purchase orders.
• Receive storage recommendations based on each product's food type (dry/ frozen/ refrigerated), shelf-life, expiry date, and demand forecasts.
• Schedule your team based on when you need them most - like during the holidays.
By using a WMS, you're making sure your products are safe and easy to track, which is great for your customers and your peace of mind.
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT sensors facilitate real-time tracking of food products when they are in storage. This technology helps warehouse operators monitor and prevent spoilage caused by exposure to elements like humidity or sunlight.
• You can now classify food storage into zones (dry/ cold/ frozen zones).
• You can optimize orders and supply chain processes in real-time using IoT-enabled warehouse inventory tracking devices.
• IoT sensors can also detect stock degradation and damage. It alerts warehouse managers about expiration dates.
• It tracks customers' behavioural trends and assists distribution centres in fulfilling orders and meeting tight delivery deadlines.
Read More: Common problems associated with warehouse food storage
3. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID technology is widely used today to improve the food industry's handling of raw materials and finished products.
• RFID tags can store specific information about any objects where it is placed on. It becomes easy to track inventory in the warehouse.
• RFID tags help ensure that food products like dairy, fruits, meat, and bread remain within a safe temperature range.
• RFID-based temperature data loggers are used to monitor and log the internal temperature of food during processing. This helps in determining the shelf-life of a product.
RFID tags are a valuable tool for tracking the supply chain in the food industry. They help in accurately tracing inventory as it moves through the supply chain.
4. Temperature Monitoring & Regulation Systems
Automated temperature sensors can help keep track of storage conditions and immediately alert management if there are any changes. These sensors are convenient, and you can monitor them from a distance.
• Wireless temperature sensors help warehouse operators quickly locate and navigate products that need to be shifted and stored within ideal temperature levels.
• Temperature data gathered from wireless sensors over a while, allowing warehouse operators to implement strategies that help reduce energy costs, save electricity consumption, and ensure ambient warehouse temperatures across the facility.
• Automated temperature control and monitoring technology help ensure the safety, nutritional value, and wholesomeness of food products across various supply chain stages, from product receiving, storage, transportation, and delivery.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized database (digital record keeping) that stores data in a distributed manner, which removes the need for trust or central authority. In the food industry, blockchain technology is used to combat food fraud and mitigate consumer safety risks.
• Due to its immutable nature, blockchain helps increase traceability and decentralization in food supply chains. It is almost impossible to hide or manipulate transactions.
• Consumers can scan the QR codes on the packaging of food products to learn more about the origin of their food, when and how it was harvested, or how long it will remain safe for cooking/ consumption.
All such data related to the food is collected and stored in a tamper-proof blockchain.
• Blockchain-based supply chain ledgers can help identify food lots that may be subject to product recalls. You can promptly remove unsafe food from store shelves.
• Blockchain-based warehouse records provide a complete audit trail for the food supply chain documents, including supplier qualification licenses and accreditations, food origin and quality certificates, health information, etc.
6. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI and ML algorithms detect potential contaminants and defects in food products to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases. They can identify demands and optimizes food production by analysing sales history, consumer behaviour, buying trends, seasonal demand variations, and other vital data.
This allows warehouses to reduce waste, stock adequate inventory, and optimize supply chain efficiency.
• Food warehouses can employ AI-based monitoring solutions to track and report critical equipment failures, such as faults in temperature monitoring systems, downtimes in order handling, pallet breakages, etc.
• You can adjust orders, change delivery schedules, or customize inventory levels at different locations. This helps in restricting food waste and spoilage and optimizing inventory levels.
• AI is used to optimize routes in real-time for food delivery trucks and drivers. This is accomplished by considering various factors such as traffic conditions, delivery locations, and order volumes.
Final Thoughts
Automating warehouse activities reduces your dependency on physical labour. There is lesser scope for human errors and associated costs in day-to-day operations.
Modern warehouse technologies like IoT, AI, Automated Guided Vehicles, Sensors, Blockchain, and Voice-Picking increase your organization's efficiency and competitiveness in the food supply chain sector.
Cargoz provides various types and grades of food storage warehouses approved by the municipality in the Freezone and mainland locations across the UAE. Our warehouses use state-of-the-art technologies to offer our users better visibility, control, and experience.
Contact us today to find the perfect storage facility for your food-grade inventory.