Page 74 - FoodFocusThailand No.212 NOVEMBER 2023

STORAGE, HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Intra-Logistics Systems in the Food Industry or a small box storage system that can be combined into
The food industry can be considered a pioneer in optimizing a large box (Unit load or Mini-load). In this regard, automated
automation, and manufacturers must comply with strict rules warehouses (AS/RS) may be designed to be consistent with
and regulations such as HACCP, GMP, or others. Therefore, each specific use and storage size, as follows:
when automated material management systems are to be - Automated Mini-Load AS/RS Automated Mini-Load
applied, entrepreneurs are expected to take into consideration AS/RS can help make storage faster and more efficient as they
the various following factors when considering their system can store containers, trays, boxes, and other small items quickly.
designs: This ensures that products are delivered promptly and
• Minimization of the emission, dispersal, and build-up of accurately and can also be processed in a refrigerated
dust. warehouse. This type of storage system is suitable for storing
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance. small items on a single or multiple levels. Moreover, it can also
• Preventing cross-contamination. double as a distribution center as well.
• Prevention of human error. - Automated Macro-Load AS/RS It is suitable for loading
The correct procedure of a material handling system should specially designed small items of varying shapes and weights.
consider the above key points. There must also be a suitable The system is widely used to enable accurate selecting and
process in place that can help reduce the workforce in the delivery of goods, as well as being able to quickly supply the
various steps, such as storing raw materials, work in progress, required quantity of products.
storing finished products, transportation during production,
storage of packaging materials, etc. The Advantages of Digital Supply Chain
Management and Logistics in the Food Industry
Automated Storage of Raw and Packaging Maintaining Product Quality The quality of a product does
Materials not entirely depend on the raw materials used or the
Raw and packaging materials that have arrived from suppliers manufacturer itself but also depends on supply chains and
are inspected and then stored in an AS/RS. Afterward, each logistics systems. This is due to the undeniable fact that food
product lot is inspected. Until a lot is given a pass, it is prevented products are easily perishable, and thus must rely on a
from moving to the manufacturing process. In cases where the systematic supply chain management process, as well as an
manufacturing process takes place across multiple floors, the efficient & suitable temperature control throughout the storage
AS/RS also acts as an elevator. (Figure 4). and distribution process under all temperature conditions.
If a particularly clean environment is necessary, depalletizing Avoid Product Contamination Food is easy for
robots will separate each case and individually send them contaminants, such as bacteria and mold, which may affect
through an air shower. Afterward, a palletizing robot will re- the consumers' health. Therefore, maintaining high hygiene
palletize the cases on new pallets for storage in the AS/RS. and safety standards is an absolute necessity. For example,
warehouse systems should meet standards such as the GMP
Automation of Product Shipping Preparation or BRC Global Standard for Storage and Distribution, as well
Finished products are boxed and loaded onto empty pallets as ensure reduced contact, which can effectively mitigate risks
which are then shrink-wrapped and stored. When an order is while at the same time enhancing the manufacturer's credibility.
received, the pallet will then be removed, and the products are Avoid Breakage and Damage In addition to quality and
loaded onto the truck. If this process is carried out through the cleanliness, the transportation of products also plays an
use of manual labor, it would be a labor-intensive one. However, important role as most food products have an expiration date.
suppose various solutions are applied collaboratively with an Arrangements must be made to distribute products with
automated system, such as empty pallet conveyors, robotic expiration dates first (First Expire Date, First Out; FEFO), which
palletizing machines, automated labeling machines, AGVs, and requires packaging, product loading, and special equipment
other comprehensive material handling systems for preparing for transporting the products.
products for delivery. In that case, it should be effectively able Ensure Fast Delivery to Avoid Deterioration Logistics
to reduce the use of manual labor to a significant level. At this management within an organization can help deliver products
stage, the product may be temporarily quarantined until it passes to customers within the time commitment and avoid product
inspection. deterioration, such as conducting same-day delivery at multiple
points within the same delivery route (multi-drops), ensuring a
Designing Supply Chains Solutions that Suit the smooth and timely delivery process, including savings to
Production Process shipping costs.
At the production sites of the food process, it is common to need Intralogistics management, though not a small investment,
to maintain certain storage conditions such as high humidity, is undeniably an evolving global trend, and being ready for
varying temperatures, and maintaining hygiene in order to such changes is imperative. Therefore, changes should start
comply with ISO or GMP standards. Some examples include with building the organization's basic systems, such as the ERP
controlling dust emissions on all contact shelf surfaces, as well system, investment in people, and changing “mind set”. These
as conveyor systems that can be washed and cleaned through are among the courage and challenges in ultimately
the use of stainless-steel material, waterproofing, and oil-free transforming the organization towards modern logistics
chains, preventing cross-contamination through the building of management.
negative and positive pressure areas, or using a conveyor belt
to pass containers through boxes when moving in and out of
the storage areas, etc.

Get to Know More about the Automated Warehouse
Systems (AS/RS)
Automated warehouses (AS/RS) are either a shelf type (AS/ More Information Service Info C012
RS Rack) that can accommodate stacks of up to 30 meters high

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