As the world continues its technological evolution, so does warehouse space and all that it encompasses.
No longer is warehouse storage limited to traditional inventory keeping; today’s warehouses are changing with the times and revolutionizing their strategies through innovative technologies and trends.
From efficient routing of shipments to ever-increasing complex automation processes, there are now an endless number of possibilities that can be explored within the realm of warehouse space.
With this in mind, we will be exploring some of these new developments and how they can benefit anyone involved in buying or selling goods – as well as provide a roadmap for future success.
In short: if you’re interested in staying ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends in warehousing solutions, then keep reading!
A Look at the Growing Demand for Warehouse Space
The demand for warehousing space has been steadily growing in recent years, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic being over, this demand is expected to skyrocket.
Companies that focus on warehousing services are expected to witness a 7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the coming years and reach revenues of up to $326.3 billion by 2024.
This surge reflects increased online purchases of things like vegetable and grocery items, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals as customers continue to stay safe at home during the pandemic. Businesses need more warehouse space than ever before in order to accommodate higher orders and have quicker turnaround times for their delivery services, as well as avoid the infamous supply-chain issues that Covid presented to companies of all sizes.
It appears that the demand for warehousing space is here to stay, even after the coronavirus crisis subsides.
What Types of Technology Are Moving into Warehouses
Warehouses are moving full-steam into the world of technology, incorporating a variety of new tools and capabilities to improve efficiency and productivity.
RFID Tracking helps warehouses keep tabs on inventory, while Multi-Modal Technologies provide real-time visibility into various factors like labor productivity and shipping times.
Integrating voice tasking with automated workflows can help streamline overall warehouse efficiency. It can also be optimized by using OAU (Optimal Asset Utilisation), this allows items to be moved from place to place in the most efficient way possible.
Predictive Assets Lifecycle Management furthers efficiency by predicting maintenance needs before they arise. Streamlining warehouse lighting with motion sensors increases speed and accuracy of processes too, as well as reducing energy usage.
IoT (Internet of Things) and Drones allow for ever more efficient warehouse operations by gathering data which is analyzed for better decision making and resource management in a short amount of time.
R&D for automatic warehousing has been essential for the success of many large-scale distribution centers around the globe. By designing warehouses with robotics, automation, data analysis and cloud-based technologies, companies have been able to manage inventory more efficiently while reducing costs and boosting productivity.
Moving into the technological arena is proving beneficial for warehouses around the world – providing time gains, cost savings, improved productivity and higher customer satisfaction levels than ever before.
Creative Solutions to Maximize Warehouse Efficiency
The key to maximizing warehouse efficiency is two-fold: maximizing and optimizing all available space and incorporating enabling technology.
By ensuring that space is used as effectively as possible, using storage solutions such as pallet racks, modern inventory systems can be implemented to enable effective tracking of products. This in turn can reduce task-errors or lost stock items.
Technological advances such as automated robots and barcode scanners can enhance efficiency and speed up the movement of products through the warehouse for faster delivery times. Creative solutions that reduce manual labor ensures workers are used only when absolutely necessary.
The end goal being a leaner operation with improved productivity and better customer service standards.
Latest Trends in Warehouse Design and Construction
In the world of warehouse design and construction, there are some exciting trends emerging.
Companies are redesigning their warehouses with larger square footage to accommodate increasing demands for their products and services.
Automation has also become commonplace in new warehouses under construction, which is enabling businesses to improve productivity and efficiency while reducing costs.
An increased emphasis on sustainability has led to the incorporation of “going green” practices into warehouse design, such as the utilization of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Additionally, advanced ventilation systems with updated air quality filters are being used to keep employees safe and healthy while they work. It is amazing how technology can improve upon the structures that support our economy.
The Impact of Automation on Warehouse Management
Warehouse automation has swiftly become a warehouse mainstay, impacting warehouse managers in many ways. With warehouse automation, human errors are reduced, costs and processing time are cut, warehouse productivity is improved on a daily basis, safety risks are totally eliminated, space is optimized and customer satisfaction is strengthened.
The long-term benefits of warehouse automation are truly remarkable – it can help to streamline your warehouse processes and ensure low operational costs without sacrificing speed or quality of service. If you’re looking to capitalize on the warehouse automation trend, consider looking into automated warehouse systems better suited for your business operations.
Conclusion
Instead of merely being used for inventory storage and shipping, warehouse space is also home to a variety of new technologies and trends that not only meet modern demands but will help businesses streamline procedures and innovate further into the future.
Understanding all these options should be a priority when looking to invest in warehouse space – whether it’s to store existing goods or take advantage of any number of the other services out there. So, if you are in need of warehouse space, we urge you to connect with us today!
We have the resources and expertise necessary to help you make your project a success. With our knowledge, we can ensure you find the perfect solution for your needs and give your business a real leg-up compared to its competition.