What is ambient-controlled storage?
Converting warehouse space into an ambient-controlled storage area is increasingly crucial in today’s e-commerce driven landscape, particularly for preserving high-value non-perishable goods. Ambient-controlled storage involves maintaining a stable environment within a facility, typically at a specific temperature, to safeguard product quality. This method is vital for various items like toys, electronics, packaged foods, chemicals, apparel, and more.
To ensure consistent interior temperatures, which usually range between 15ºC and 25ºC, air conditioning or heating systems may be necessary to prevent fluctuations that can harm goods. Additionally, maintaining transportation temperatures aligned with storage conditions is vital for inbound and outbound logistics.
Advantages of having an ambient controlled area
Ambient-controlled storage areas can enhance operational efficiency and product preservation, save costs, and reduce waste.
1.Product Preservation: It extends shelf life, prevents spoilage, and maintains product freshness and quality.
2. Operational Efficiency: Streamlines operations, enhances organisation, minimises handling, and expedites order fulfilment.
3. Cost Reduction: Reduces losses from product damage or degradation, leading to waste minimisation and cost savings.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Helps adhere to stringent storage regulations in industries like pharmaceuticals and food, reducing the risk of recalls and associated expenses.
5. Customer Satisfaction: Ensures consistent delivery of high-quality products, minimising returns and refunds due to damaged goods.
Setting up and managing an ambient storage area involves ten steps:
1.Define environmental requirements.
2. Select an isolated area within the warehouse.
3.Design layout and infrastructure.
4.Install and test HVAC systems.
5.Implement suitable lighting.
6.Consider air filtration systems.
7.Install sensors and monitoring systems.
8.Control access to the area.
9.Provide staff training.
10.Schedule regular maintenance.
How to set up and manage an ambient storage area in your warehouse
1.Determine the specific environmental conditions needed for your ambient-controlled area. This can include temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting requirements.
2.Select an area within your warehouse that can be easily controlled and isolated from the general areas in the rest of the warehouse. Ideally, this area should avoid external factors that could affect the ambient conditions.
3.Design the layout considering factors such as the size of the area, suitable racking systems and access, including entry and exit points.
4.Install and test environmental control (HVAC) systems to ensure that they can maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels. Use separate HVAC zones if needed to maintain different conditions.
5.Install appropriate lighting systems that meet the requirements of your ambient-controlled area.
6.Consider air filtration and purification systems to maintain air quality.
7.Install sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, and other relevant parameters. Use a centralised monitoring system to keep track of environmental conditions in real time. Set up alerts for when conditions fall out of the desired range.
8.Control access to the ambient-controlled area to prevent unauthorised entry. Use access control systems such as keypads, RFID readers, or biometric scanners.
9.Provide training to warehouse staff on the importance of maintaining the ambient-controlled area and how to properly operate the environmental control systems.
10.Schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems, lighting, and other equipment to ensure they continue to operate efficiently.
The warehouse consultants at SCCG have a deep knowledge of warehouse optimisation. They understand the design options and integration opportunities available for achieving the best ambient storage solution within a new or existing facility. Give us a call at +44(0)1926 430 883 or info@sccgltd.com.
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