The maker's 56-plate capacity does not define every operator's need or usable count in each installation.
Build the decision from three site inputs: dispatch count, plates per container and time until plates are ready again after return.
For dispatch volume, use actual departure times rather than the plan alone.
Take plates per container from your product and transport plan; do not blend different products into one average.
Log each plate group's return, inspection and refreezing times.
Daily use is dispatch count multiplied by the plate need per container.
If conditioning takes longer than a day, plates from earlier trips may still occupy the freezer; a cycle schedule exposes this.
Add date, departure, return, plate count and ready-again time to a simple table.
Then total the plate need for loads leaving at the same time; do not confuse it with the daily total.
Compare the concurrent peak with usable plates on hand. If there is a gap, first verify freezer capacity and the actual cycle.
An investment based on 56 plates without measured records can mislead; confirm current alternatives with the maker.
Show spare capacity in the scenario too: a damaged plate, late return or extra order can use the reserve.
Do not assume a universal fill target; document your demand variation and reserve policy.
Calculate electricity cost from measured freezing cycles and your tariff; do not assume generic savings.
If existing equipment falls short, compare only options with current quotes and technical terms in hand.
Check that plates do not touch and that rack arrangement follows equipment instructions.
Photograph the layout during the first measurement week and add it to shift records so capacity is assessed under a repeatable arrangement.
