Inbound Logistics | August 2025

services for on-island and inter-island cold chains, door-to-door trucking, and short-term storage capacity. “The benefits and operational efficiencies provided by a single dry, chill, and frozen facility are considerable,” Lyskoski says. “Our goal is to keep shipments moving in a timely manner throughout the islands, and that is particularly critical for temperature- sensitive goods.” HFS is moving forward with technological improvements, replacing and complementing manual processes with new software and automated procedures such as e-signatures and dispatch systems to put the focus on the customer rather than on administrative processes. “HFS continues to evaluate our processes to create additional efficiencies for our customers,” Lyskoski says. “Temperature-controlled equipment is expensive to operate and requires consistent measurement and monitoring. Making sure equipment monitoring steps are processed and adhered to improves the chances that safe and efficient handling of goods can be executed successfully.” Lineage: Building Resiliency With A Smarter Cold Chain With 480 strategically located facilities across countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Lineage offers end-to-end supply chain solutions and technology for some of the world’s largest food and beverage producers, retailers, and distributors. “Lineage has invested in our world-class network and integrated transportation solutions, so our customers have the benefit of leveraging one provider to truly optimize their supply chains,” says Sudarsan Thattai, chief information officer and chief transformation officer. Lineage views supply chain as a team sport and strives to be a trusted partner for customers by helping them reach their goals. Earlier in 2025, Lineage announced landmark agreements with Tyson Foods to optimize their network

and help them realize cost savings. “This is a great example of how Lineage can be a strategic partner for customers, not just a transactional vendor, by helping them analyze their supply chains holistically and develop a plan to achieve their goals,” Thattai says. “Moreover, our team of experts can implement the solutions that we recommend—that’s a huge advantage and reduces speed to market, time, and cost. Essentially, we can be the customer’s consultant, designer, and supply chain provider.” Lineage rises to challenges in the current environment, including tariff disruptions, limited storage, shifting demand, and port congestion. “Thanks to our long-term relationships with customers, global network of warehouses and transportation hubs in key markets, plus our in-house team of experts, we can mobilize at a moment’s notice and provide solutions backed by data so our customers can make smarter decisions when they need to pivot,” Thattai says.

and decision-making algorithms to help warehouse teams work more efficiently. The Sybil algorithm uses historical data and AI-powered machine learning to predict the length of stay and assign an ideal storage location. Faster-moving product is stored in more accessible locations, and slower-moving product (like seasonal items) are further back; this minimizes unnecessary moves and reduces forklift travel times, contributing to more efficient operations. Lineage Eye uses AI-powered computer vision technology at select sites to automate the pallet receiving process. Using cameras and computer vision in a type of visual artificial intelligence, Lineage Eye identifies what’s on a pallet in a matter of seconds, helping warehouses receive products faster while reducing mistakes. “By streamlining a very manual process, our team members have more time to focus on providing great service

to our customers,” Thattai says. Pilot programs of the LinOS

specialized warehouse execution system have boosted operational efficiency by using unique, patented algorithms to optimize task allocation and strategically prioritize tasks within Lineage’s advanced automated warehouses, proving the concept for wider use. “Early pilots show potential for extensive deployment across our conventional warehouse network in the future,” Thattai says. “Those efficiency gains can have a compounding effect.” Lineage has also invested in ways to increase the resiliency and efficiency of its network so that when severe weather events or other disruptions happen, the company can help customers keep their supply chains moving—the benefit of a robust network and integrated transportation solutions. Looking toward the future, widespread adoption of decision automation and integration of AI may help reduce some of the complexities of the cold chain. “We aim to use data and automation to build more resilient supply chains, which benefits our customers,” Thattai says. n

intelligence is powering some cold chain advancements. Lineage’s Data Science team has developed automated solutions, including some using robots

Lineage Eye uses AI-powered computer vision technology at select sites to automate the pallet receiving process.

52 Inbound Logistics • August 2025