Technology has helped industries take big leaps and modernize how their operations are handled. Warehousing and shipping are the life’s blood of the economy, and current customer trends have made it very important to pay special attention to increase the efficiency of these industries. With the rising popularity and growth of E-commerce in the global trade world, it is getting harder and harder to fulfill the ever-growing high standards and expectations of the modern customer.
The only way to keep the demand up to the standard is by streamlining the logistics department. It involves better shipping and better Warehousing Solutions. Luckily, there is plenty that technology has to offer when it comes to satisfying the constantly evolving customer base.
There was a time not long ago when warehousing was done for only customers around a 50-mile radius. Nowadays, warehouses must be prepared to house products for a customer base around the world. Hosting such a wide variety of items in such large numbers requires help from technology for the sake of management. For all retailers, there are certain warehousing trends that they should keep up with! Let’s have a look at the best of them.
1. Cloud-Based WMS
Warehousing has become more complicated with the evolution of industries. Now, a warehouse is packed with a myriad of products, employees, distribution centers, etc, all of which need to be managed. This management can be hectic given the magnitude of elements. This is where a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) comes into play.
Such systems are packed with features that help you track real-time analysis of inventories, employees, and basically all your facilities on one aggregated platform. A cloud-based system will allow you to tap into all the data stored in one place, and access it remotely from anywhere you are.
2. Value-Added Customer Preferences
Customers these days require instant gratification. They are more likely to pick a service or an online shop that gives them the product they want as soon as possible. This opens up the gates for competitive shipping practices and warehousing practices that streamline the process for speed.
Regardless of the business model is B2C or B2C, shipments are expected to be either quicker, or more value-added. For example, you could have free shipping for some products if you adjust and do the math right. This gives you a competitive advantage when it comes to brand recognition.
3. Automation and AI for Ease of Workflow
Global trends are picking up when it comes to technological advancements like AI and advanced robotics. Machine learning is another component that is being implemented by warehouses around the world. Robots in the warehouse are an excellent placement for such technology. Them and drones combined can do the job of 100 men with more accuracy and efficiency. This investment in such technology is a great way to streamline the workflow at a warehouse. Labor-intensive tasks can be automated using such technology and it can reduce the costs and time it takes to fulfill tasks.
4. Optimized Space Management
A warehouse is all about space. In modern times, companies are fixated on trying to reduce their carbon footprint and managing space wisely is one way to do that. Optimizing warehouse storage requires one to make sure no space is wasted. Some practices to implement include vertical storage carousels, customized racks based on products, and flat storage systems. This is just scratching the surface of the possibilities when it comes to optimizing space.
Here are some other methods to optimize warehouse space.
1. Investing in energy-efficient equipment that takes less energy is one thing that can help you save costs and also reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Using less packaging is a way you can save space, money, and the environment at the same time. Some E-commerce businesses tend to use a lot of packaging with a lot of branding.
3. Insulation in the warehouse is an important factor that can make a lot of difference. When you end up paying more than required for cooling or heating bills, you’re losing an opportunity to save money. Poor insulation is something that will make you lose a competitive edge.
These are some ways in which you can efficiently improve the utility of your warehouse. Making smart decisions when it comes to organizing and maintaining your storage space can take you a long way. Industries everywhere in the world are benefiting from the latest trends in warehouse management, and it is making their business profitable in the best ways.