Warehouse Space vs. Industrial Space: Key Differences

Most people presume that there is no difference between warehouse space and industrial space. But boy are they wrong.

The truth is – many people are confused when it comes to differentiating these two types of space. The difference is how space will be used and the level of occupancy on behalf of the tenant.

This blog post will help you evaluate which type of storage facility would be best suited for your needs, whether that’s increased productivity from a highly specialized operating system within an industry or flexible workflows that are optimized for scalability in a project-based setting.

By exploring the differences between these two types of specially designed workspaces, you can make informed decisions while finding innovative solutions to maximize efficiency according to unique project requirements.

Jump To: 

What Is a Warehouse Space?
What Is Industrial Space?
Does the Difference Matter?
Lease or Buy

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What Is a Warehouse Space?

Warehouse real estate plays an essential role in the modern business world. These spaces are more than just storage units. Warehouses are multifaceted centers designed to manage and streamline warehouse operations. Warehouse infrastructures must be efficient and accurate, incorporating everything from sophisticated software systems to high-tech machinery, along with skilled employees.

Commercial warehouse space, specifically, is designed to support businesses in storing, managing, and distributing products. These spaces must be optimized for maximum productivity to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the industry. They often feature advanced logistics solutions, such as automated storage and retrieval systems, to handle large volumes of inventory efficiently.

In short, warehouse space, whether general or commercial, is a critical component of any successful business’s operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to manage inventory, improve distribution efficiency, and meet market demands.

Key Features of Warehouse Spaces

• Extensive Storage Capacity: Warehouse spaces are known for their ample storage capacity, allowing businesses to store inventory, supplies, and products in a centralized location.
• Racking Systems: These spaces often feature racking systems, shelves, and pallets to maximize vertical storage and efficient organization of goods.
• Loading and Unloading Areas: Warehouses typically include designated loading and unloading areas equipped with docks, ramps, and equipment for seamless movement of goods.
• Logistics Infrastructure: They may have integrated logistics infrastructure, including conveyor belts, automated sorting systems, and material handling equipment to streamline operations.
• Inventory Management Systems: Warehouse spaces often employ inventory management systems, such as barcode scanners and tracking software, to monitor stock levels, optimize supply chain processes, and ensure accurate order fulfillment.
• Climate Control Options: Depending on the stored goods’ requirements, warehouse spaces may offer climate control features like temperature and humidity regulation to preserve product quality.
• Security Measures: Warehouses commonly have security measures in place, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and security personnel, to protect stored inventory from theft or damage.
• Location and Accessibility: These spaces are strategically located to facilitate efficient transportation and distribution, with proximity to major roadways, ports, or airports for seamless logistics operations.

What Is Industrial Space?

Industrial space couldn’t be further from warehouse space, even though these terms are often used interchangeably. It is a type of property that combines the features of an office and a warehouse. It’s often used by businesses for manufacturing, assembling, fabricating and hosting meetings. Industrial space is different from warehouse space even though they are sometimes confused with each other. 

It should be managed by an experienced manager who can make sure that all aspects of the business operations are considered adequately. 

In conclusion, industrial space is an ideal property solution for any business wanting to carry out activities such as assembly, fabrication and manufacture, while also having somewhere suitable to host meetings.

Key Features of Industrial Spaces

• Ample Floor Space: Industrial spaces are characterized by their spacious layouts, providing substantial floor area for various operations and equipment.
• High Ceilings: These spaces often feature high ceilings to accommodate large machinery, storage racks, and vertical expansion possibilities.
• Loading Docks and Bay Doors: Industrial spaces commonly offer multiple loading docks and bay doors for seamless transportation, shipping, and receiving of goods.
• Specialized Infrastructure: They are equipped with specialized infrastructure, including heavy-duty electrical systems, ventilation, and utility connections to support specific industrial activities.
• Zoning Flexibility: Industrial spaces are typically situated in areas zoned for industrial use, allowing for diverse industrial operations and potential proximity to suppliers, customers, or transportation hubs.
• Flexibility for Layout Customization: These spaces provide the flexibility to customize the layout to meet specific operational requirements, enabling efficient workflows and optimal utilization of space.
• Security Measures: Industrial spaces often incorporate security features such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems to safeguard valuable assets and ensure a secure working environment.
• Adequate Parking and Vehicle Access: They typically offer ample parking space and easy vehicle access to accommodate employee parking, delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles.

Industrial Warehouse

An industrial warehouse is a large facility used for the storage, distribution, and management of goods, materials, and products on a commercial or industrial scale. Industrial warehouses are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of businesses and industries by providing ample storage space, efficient logistics, and often specialized facilities for handling different types of items.

Industrial warehouses are an essential component of supply chains and play a crucial role in the movement of goods from manufacturers to retailers or consumers. They offer a controlled environment for storing goods securely, protecting them from damage, theft, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Why Does the Difference Matter?

Knowing the difference between industrial and warehouse spaces can help you find out which one is best suited for your company and operations. 

Many people mistakenly believe that these two types of spaces are interchangeable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Commercial warehouse space is designed for storage and distribution, while industrial space is built to accommodate complex manufacturing processes. This distinction is crucial because choosing the wrong type of space can create a host of problems for your operation.

By taking the time to understand the differences between these two types of spaces, you can make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your company and operations.

When Should You Choose Warehouse Spaces?

When it comes to choosing warehouse spaces, it is important to consider the potential benefits that these spaces can offer.

While some companies may think that warehouses are only suitable for storage and distribution purposes, there are actually many benefits to turning them into creative office spaces.

This is especially true for companies that prioritize employee creativity and performance. By embracing the open space and unique layout of a warehouse, businesses can create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.

So, if you’re searching for a workspace that encourages innovation and productivity, a warehouse space could be the perfect choice for your business.

When Should You Choose Industrial Space?

Industrial space should be your choice if you have several types of business operations that you want to be performed in the same place.

Oftentimes warehouses are not big enough to accommodate all the needs in this case and the industrial space is simply a better option. You can put one department in one room and another in the additional space when you opt for industrial warehouse space. 

Industrial warehouse space comes with the possibility of renting out individual spaces to tenants. Space can always be allocated for certain tenants, depending on their terms and demands. 

Lease and Contractual Differences

When comparing warehouse and industrial spaces, it’s important to understand the lease and contractual differences that shape these commercial properties.

Warehouse leases typically involve long-term agreements, providing stability for both landlords and tenants. These leases often encompass storage, distribution, and inventory management. On the other hand, industrial spaces offer more diverse lease terms, ranging from short-term leases to build-to-suit arrangements.

These contracts cater to specific industrial activities such as manufacturing, assembly, or research and development. Warehouse leases prioritize storage capacity, loading docks, and logistics infrastructure, while industrial space leases focus on utility requirements, specialized equipment, and zoning compliance.

Should You Lease or Buy Office and Warehouse Space?

Now that you know the difference, the next logical question that arises is: do you lease or buy the space? Our experience says that many business owners and companies looking for warehouse space have seen more benefits from leasing warehouses instead of buying one.

On the flip side, some companies look for warehouse real estate to buy and hold as an investment. Typically, a real estate company that invests in warehouse buildings focuses on CAP rate when analyzing a property. If the building is currently leased with good cash flow, the warehouse could be a worthwhile investment for someone.

The sole reason for this is that when you choose a warehouse or industrial space for lease, you can sign the terms of the lease or make use of the space in long or short periods of time, whichever suits you best and brings the most advantages.

Knowing the differences between warehouse office space and industrial office space can save businesses a bundle, so get informed on time and choose what’s the best for your company and its operations.