This article will cover the core of warehousing services that businesses can utilize to improve their logistics and supply chain management.
What is a Warehouse?
A warehouse is a building designed to store large quantities of goods, known as “wares” in Old English. However, not all warehouses are identical. There are variations in accessibility, with some being open to the public and others being restricted. Additionally, while some warehouses offer logistical services, others simply provide storage space. Let’s take a better look at different types of warehouses.
Different Types Of Warehouses
Warehousing is an integral part of logistics. Therefore, there are multiple different types of warehouses, created to be as effective as possible saving you time and money.
The private warehouse is solely owned and operated by a single corporation. Examples of private warehouses include distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and storage facilities.
A public warehouse, on the other hand, is a storage space that can be rented by individuals or businesses. These types of warehouses only offer storage services.
A bonded warehouse is used for storing imported goods until they have cleared customs.
Distribution warehouses act as waystations in the supply chain for wholesale goods. They often combine products from multiple vendors to facilitate wholesale delivery to retail shops.
Fulfillment warehouses, also known as 3PLs or fulfillment centers, specialize in providing order fulfillment services for eCommerce businesses.
Within each of these categories, there are sub-types of warehouses that offer specialized services such as beauty product fulfillment, cold storage and transportation for perishable goods, and large-scale product fulfillment.
Warehousing Services Benefits
Choosing a third-party logistics provider for commercial storage can greatly reduce the logistical burden for business owners. There are several significant benefits to delegating storage to a third party:
Save on overhead costs. One of the most significant advantages of using a 3PL for storage is cost savings. The existing network, facilities, and management systems that a third-party logistics provider has in place will save you both time and money that you would otherwise spend on finding and running your own location.
Gain specialized knowledge. Although warehousing may seem like a simple concept, there is a lot involved that should not be left to chance. Working with an experienced partner in storage, transportation, documentation, and specific requirements can greatly benefit growing businesses. Professionals can use their years of expertise to help you foresee and avoid potential issues.
Increase flexibility. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider gives your business more options. Whether seasonal sales are booming or an unexpected disaster temporarily halts sales activity, your warehouse needs will always be met. Plus, when it’s time to expand your business, your warehouse partner will be ready.
Manage special circumstances with ease. Need a more cost-effective way to convey a less-than-truckload shipment or want to pay extra attention to temperature, humidity, and light while in storage? 3PLs equipped to manage storage and transportation of any kind can easily handle special circumstances.
Core Components of Warehousing
The process of warehousing involves more than just storing goods. There are a number of important steps that must be followed to ensure that inventory is properly received, managed, and shipped in and out of the facility. Here are some of the essential components of warehousing:
Keeping Items Safe
To ensure that products remain in good condition, they must be properly stored using appropriate equipment such as bins and pallets. Temperature, humidity, and other factors may also need to be controlled to preserve product quality.
Inventory Management
As goods move in and out of the warehouse, they must be recorded in the inventory management system so that managers can keep track of what’s in stock and make informed decisions about future orders.
Planning for Capacity
The availability of space is a critical resource in any warehouse. Therefore, personnel must plan ahead to ensure that incoming products can be accommodated in the most efficient manner.
Receiving Inbound Shipments
When products arrive, employees must accept them and move them to a staging area for processing.
Reorganizing
Warehouse managers may need to adjust the layout of the facility as new products arrive to optimize space utilization.
Shipping Inbound and Outbound
When products are ready to be shipped out, personnel must gather, process, package, load, and release them from inventory to make room for new incoming shipments.
Interlane Storage Solutions
Disorganized storage systems and long travel times can significantly slow down processes, while uncontrolled tools, parts, or items can pose a serious risk of tripping hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to have a structured and well-planned storage system, especially for busy operations like large e-commerce companies or manufacturing facilities.
A well-managed warehouse not only improves internal processes but also enhances the daily lives of all warehouse employees who perform strenuous and complex tasks regularly.
Benefits of Interlane Storage Solutions
By utilizing effective transport storage solutions, you can easily eliminate investment costs, reduce management expenses, enhance your security standards, and minimize risks. Our storage solutions are designed to help you meet customer demands with ease and without any hassle. We maintain and upgrade all our storage solutions regularly, providing you with our experts, state-of-the-art technology, and extensive infrastructure.
One of our top Transport Storage Solutions is our Flatbed Transportation Service, which allows for the efficient transportation of large or heavy items. Our team is experienced in handling all types of goods and materials, ensuring their safe and timely arrival at their destination.
In addition to our flatbed transportation service, we offer a range of other comprehensive solutions, including dry van transportation, less than truckload logistics, full truckload transportation, packaging and consumables handling and management, value-added services, stock management and tracking, inventory management and much more.
