Page 17 - ITLN May-June 2025

through minimal human presence
in sub-zero zones, and improve food
safety by reducing contamination risks.
He also noted that automation
ensures precise handling, better
inventory rotation, lower wastage, and
cost savings through efficient space use
and reduced energy and labour needs.
However, Jalan points out that
automation for Indicold has been a
discovery by chance and not by design.
In 2023, Indicold planned to build
a conventional double-deep pallet
storage facility in Dholasan for one
of their clients. After identifying and
finalising a piece of land, they faced Interior of Indicold's Detroj facility equipped with Four-Way Shuttle ASRS system
aggressive pricing changes by local
landowners. This forced them to select
a plot within an industrial park. Building the pallets the wrong
The new plot, however, was way also points to the next challenge
limited to just two and a half acres, in warehouse automation: manual
which made it unfeasible to build the intervention. "Problems start
originally planned double-deep pallet wherever there is human intervention
facility. To meet their storage target in the path of material movement.
of 7,000 to 8,000 pallet positions, they Human intervention usually happens
explored automation. “So when a because of issues like incorrect
problem presented itself, automation pallets or system errors that require
was the way to get out of that situation manual tweaking."
and still get that capacity in that small While automation is where Jalan has
piece of land.” built his expertise, that is not his primary
He plans to leverage their focus. He plans to position the company
expertise in automated warehousing as an environment-controlled logistics
to design new facilities. "We have Four-Way Shuttle ASRS, firm, focusing on the cold chain while
pioneered automated warehousing combined with AI, is what remaining open to other specialised
in India. This has equipped us with a future automated buildings storage needs.
unique skill set and knowledge. This will look like. It is likely For him, environmental control
gives us a competitive edge when can mean temperature, humidity,
designing any new facility, ensuring it to remain for the next 15 carbon dioxide, oxygen, or even
meets the needs of Indian consumers years—unless we see flying carbon monoxide levels. “Whether it’s
with the right mix of automation and shuttles or some form of battery storage, chemical storage,
traditional warehousing.” anti-gravity technology. or anything that requires controlling
In fact, Jalan is preparing to roll environmental factors, that’s the
out a new, improved design for a Kartik Jalan space we want to be in."
45,000-pallet facility across five to six Indicold Jalan emphasises that the food
locations in India. industry is crucial for their business
But automation comes with its A pallet is essentially a cuboid model. “Cold chain remains our
own challenges. Jalan pointed out — about 1200 [mm] in height. The bread and butter, but we are open to
that the workforce and customers are material should fit within this space. It opportunities beyond it.”
so used to the ordinary warehouses cannot stick out, because if it does, it Jalan is now planning to accelerate
that he has to constantly engage with will hit something. “One of the biggest Indicold's growth by partnering with
them to build pallets the correct way challenges we have faced is giving them high-net-worth (HNI) individual investors
for the machines. “The automation — and their on-ground teams — the to expand cold chain facilities through
system is ruthless. If the pallet is not confidence that they can build straight long-term leases. Earlier in March 2024,
correct, it will not go in correctly, it will pallets and send them properly. It’s been Fundalogical Ventures invested in the
not come out correctly.” a true challenge.” pre-series A round of Indicold.
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