TAKEAWAYS
EM
ACING COLD CHAIN AUTOMATION
Automation in cold storage also comes with challenges: High upfront costs, integration complexities, and a need for specialized equipment can slow adoption, the report notes. What’s next? Interact Analysis predicts the industry will see greater adoption of AI-powered analytics, robotic picking solutions, and energy-ecient cold storage innovations.
As further proof that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping logistics operations, a new study looks at its importance for back-oce functions in the supply chain— with 98% of respondents saying AI is useful, important, or vital to their business. The survey, conducted by Deep Analysis and co-sponsored by Hyperscience and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), reveals that companies are leveraging AI-powered solutions to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and enhance overall decision-making for back-oce tasks. Here are some key findings from the survey: • 82% of survey respondents report a high volume of manual processes still in use, highlighting automation opportunities. • 70% say they are willing or very willing to invest in an AI-optimized system for back-oce functionality. • 45% of organizations are using AI, with 13% in the operational stage and 32% in the advanced or transformational stage. • 34% of respondents are motivated and planning to pilot AI solutions but have not yet fully deployed them. Despite widespread enthusiasm for AI, challenges remain. Many organizations struggle with legacy systems, data accuracy, and the need for skilled talent to maximize AI’s potential. Nearly 65% of respondents say their organizations are not fully prepared to implement AI at scale. The cold chain sector is experiencing a surge in automation—with the cold chain warehouse automation market expected to exceed $2 billion in revenue by 2030 ( see chart, right )—as companies race to meet growing demand for ecient, reliable temperature-controlled logistics. That’s the takeaway from the latest Warehouse Automation Report from technology insights firm Interact Analysis. Cold storage logistics has traditionally relied on manual labor—a costly and inecient approach in a sector where precision and speed are critical. Today, automation is changing the game, with cold storage facilities turning to advanced automation solutions to keep goods moving seamlessly. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and AI-driven warehouse management systems (WMS) are now optimizing everything from inventory tracking to order fulfillment. The report highlights the following key drivers behind the boom in cold chain warehouse automation: • Ecommerce growth: Online grocery sales are increasing, requiring faster, more reliable fulfillment. • Rising labor costs and shortages: Automation helps reduce reliance on manual labor in harsh cold storage environments. • Stringent food safety regulations: Tech-driven tracking can improve compliance and reduce waste. • Energy-eciency concerns: Smart automation helps minimize cooling costs and optimize storage space.
Warehouse Automation in Cold Chain
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Source: Interact Analysis
AI: THE BACKOFFICE BACKBONE?
March 2025 • Inbound Logistics 15
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