There has been a massive boom over the last decade in the world of e-commerce. Now, online shopping is no longer just a luxury or a fun convenience—it’s a baseline expectation that companies will allow customers to purchase their products online. This massive growth in e-commerce has led to some significant changes in the world of warehousing and logistics.
Simply put, warehouses have been forced to make some large-scale changes because of other developments in the business world. Customization is becoming much more common in warehouse settings, and there is a constant pressure on warehouses to maintain competitive pricing with how hot the market is at the moment. This means warehouses need to be able to implement strategies that will not just improve the customer experience, but also improve efficiency and advanced planning so their warehousing work can be sustainable.
Here are a few examples of some of the trends we’re seeing in warehousing service in Columbus, OH as a result of the constantly growing reliance on e-commerce:
- New technologies: It should come as no surprise that with an increased reliance on warehousing services, these companies are required to rely more on technology as it becomes harder to keep up with staffing. Drones, optical readers, mobile devices, robotic devices and augmented reality are all starting to find usage in warehouse settings, going along with more traditional hardware and software and material handling systems. Smart integration and data communication between systems is crucial to ensure a strong level of productivity and performance.
- Interior changes: The way in which the interiors of warehouses are designed is changing to accommodate the changes in how these spaces are being used. The height to which products can safely be stored (as high as lights, fans and sprinklers) has become more important. With more demand in delivery and storage volume, warehouses are being designed to have higher clear heights than ever before. A 20-foot clear height was once the standard, but now many warehouses are being designed with 40-foot clear heights, which increases construction costs and the kinds of fire protection and drainage designs needed.
- Floor changes: New warehouses are frequently being designed with engineered concrete floors, which are denser than standard concrete and do not have as many joints or saw cuts. This helps to reduce buckling and shrinking, allowing for smoother forklift operation.
- HVAC changes: Because warehouses are being designed with greater clear heights to ensure more volume, this means adjusted needs for HVAC, as there is more space to heat and cool. Automation in these HVAC systems helps to ensure the building remains at the proper temperature while doing so in as energy-efficient a manner as possible.
- Lighting changes: More warehouses are being built with skylights to bring in some natural light and help reduce the reliance on electric lighting. LED fixtures are also being implemented more frequently to provide greater energy efficiency and long-term savings.
For more information about the latest trends in warehousing service in Columbus, OH, contact the experts at Quality Experienced Moving, Inc. today.