Growth is the warehouse industry’s biggest strength right now, but it’s also brought an increasing number of challenges. Warehousing 
services in 2015 calls for greater flexibility, environmental awareness and utilising the latest technology.
With customers increasingly expecting low costs and fast delivery times, greater efficiency is needed to remain as a key name in the logistics industry. The growth of developing markets and foreign consumers have also put more strain on warehouse services, and customers are now enjoying a brilliant standard of online shopping, ordering more frequently and in smaller quantities. This will require greater creativity in picking and fulfilment operations, with speed being increasingly important. Logistics leaders are looking to technology to implement this. At the basic end there’s a growing trend of Bring Your Own Device schemes, where team members can take control of machinery using their own smartphones, tablets or laptops. Another solution is advanced picking systems, for example headsets that organise a schedule and guide the wearer to the right areas.
At this time 3D printing presents a challenge and a new opportunity. It’s capable of producing products that would have previously been made from separate components in one unit, even with moving parts. This could save labour costs by eliminating an extended assembly phase, but has consequences for the storing, distribution and handling of products, possibly decreasing an average workload. Warehouse managers will need to be aware of the possible effects this will have on their business. Although the necessary designs can be accessed wirelessly by customers, one business-boost will be in the home delivery of the raw materials required. At the complex end of the scale is the real possibility of a fully automated warehouse, where engineers and robotics specialists are needed instead of a traditional workforce.
Generating interest in Warehouse Logistics
It’s well known that warehousing has an image problem, and struggles to attract the next generation of graduates and trainees. Although some creative marketing can help solve this, utilising the latest technology and updating warehouse practices and environments will go a long way to drawing in young logistics talent.
With public and governmental awareness of environmental issues at an all time high, logistical orchestration will be at the forefront of this effort, and this is likely to be the biggest challenge to emerge from the growth of the industry. Changes can be made to many areas of the supply chain, and it’ll be the responsibility of the warehouse to cater for these schemes. Warehouse sharing is on the rise, with companies collaborating to increase efficiency of materials. Managers will also be encouraged to achieve greener energy usage, and recycling and minimising waste will be top priorities. There’s potentially a financial benefit here too, with environmentally friendly practices avoiding possible government taxation, and skirting rising fossil fuel prices. It’s likely that new sites will factor in solar panels and space for turbines, as well as catering for electric vehicles. Inside the warehouse, machinery is going to be increasingly electric, although with total automation a realistic possibility in the future, it’s possible that a complete overhaul of day to day warehousing services may supersede and fulfil other environmental changes.
The key ideas for the future are adaption and flexibility. Logistics is on the rise, and an exciting place to be right now. Technological and environmental advancements are the biggest game changers for the near future, and warehouses will need to be ready for change, and be able to fit into whatever form that might take.
Leave a Reply