What are some of Americold’s newest technology innovations that I could benefit from?

Americold’s IT infrastructure is second to none – we work with top-tier providers who specialize in supply chain systems to ensure we’re at the forefront of what’s available.

Our WMSs are the brains behind inventory management, planning, and electronically building order instructions for our Associates and systems to fulfill. You’re able to customize pallet builds so orders are loaded sequentially for ease of use at the destination, be it a distribution center or an aisle in a grocery store.

We can even support your pallet management program within our systems if you have one.

Our WMSs work through Warehouse Execution Systems to control multiple solutions, such as Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, Automated Guided Vehicles, pallet moles, pallet transportation systems, lifts, and pallet wrapping and labeling equipment.

With our linked facility network, we’re able to provide visibility to all of your inventory, no matter where it is across our network. And we’ve streamlined our truck appointment process by introducing Online Appointment Scheduling through i-3PL.

Americold’s Warehouse Management Systems are fully integrated, meaning that you have complete control of you supply chain and inventory through our i-3PL system. Access it on any computer, tablet, or smart phone. Reach out to us if you’d like to know more information and a system demonstration.

How does Americold protect its customer data?

Firstly, we have very little need to share customer data, and only then share only what’s necessary.  We classify our customers’ data as confidential and add additional layers of security and monitoring to warrant adequate protections over that proprietary information.  The full details of our security protocols are not made public.

How do Americold’s operations continue to provide service if there is a system failure?

Complete system failures are extremely rare events and we’re proud of our systems availability record.  This is supported by our complete backup of 100% of our files in our disaster recovery replication environment.  We employ high availability disaster recovery solutions that are tested as a part of our SOX compliance to ensure systems availability and our IT infrastructure provides IT service from two separate data centers.  We work hard to ensure any service interruptions are addressed as quickly as possible, and bring systems back up as it’s safe to do so.

What are some of the requirements of Safe Quality Food for Storage and Distribution?

SQF maintains a web page that provides a tremendous amount of information regarding the food safety programs, training opportunities, and detailed requirements: www.sqfi.com. The actual Code for Storage and Distribution can be found under their “Resource Center” and it’s free to download. You can also find additional information about FDA and the recent Food Safety Modernization Act on the same site.

Americold’s Director of Food Safety is an active member of SQF’s Technical Advisory Council and could likely answer any further questions you might have. Contact us for additional information.

What are some examples of controls employed by Americold warehouses to keep my food safe?

Each Americold facility follows FDA-mandated requirements for documenting and implementing Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls. As food is received and shipped at our warehouses, product temperatures are collected, recorded, and verified to meet customers’ strict requirements. Trailers are inspected to ensure they are capable of maintaining food security and product integrity. During storage, cold room temperatures are monitored multiple times per day to ensure tight temperature control. Additionally, Americold facilities deploy several other food safety perquisite programs, such as allergen control to prevent allergen cross contact, cleaning and sanitation, preventive maintenance, and pest control.

How can Americold minimize business transition risk and launch disruption?

Our Program Management Office (PMO) includes experts in operations, engineering, construction, and refrigeration. We build or retrofit proven solutions on-time, with full risk and contingency planning. Our network of warehouses enables us to create short-term storage strategies with tollgate milestones to implement a backup plan. Our rigorous methodology ensures your launch is successful through detailed ramp-up and staffing planning, multi-workstream integration, and KPI visibility and oversight.