Four Factors to Take into Account when Picking a Warehouse Solution

Warehousing is vital in the supply chain and affects everything from inventory management to orders delivery to end consumers. Specialized fulfillment services are available that result from improvements in warehousing practices and technological advancements. Such services handle everything from picking manufactured goods at factories, storing them in a warehouse, and shipping goods to customers. When picking a warehouse solution for smart and convenient storage, there are factors to keep in mind. Keep reading to learn about them:

Number of SKUs

You must determine your specific needs and requirements such as the kind of storage you need, how much storage space you require, and the computability between your products and the warehouse. Good warehouses utilize SKUs for tracking inventory items, calculating storage charges, and estimating the space necessary for storing such items. The fee might depend on a per-SKU or per-foot storage rate for every shelf, pallet, or bin used for storing the goods. But, for bigger companies with thousands of SKUs, warehouse put minimum monthly order limits.

Kinds of Products

Some warehouses provide special facilities like cold storage while others don’t let companies store some products like flammable goods or alcohol. That is why the kinds of product you sell play an important role in identifying the right warehousing solution for you. If you are selling products that require strict safety requirements for storing and handling, pick a warehouse solution with trained employees, fire alarms, and sprinkles as well takes adequate measures to reduce risks.

Seasonality

When you look for a warehousing solution, you must be mindful of the timeframe and the cost. If you are selling seasonal goods such as jackets and blankets, consider choosing public warehouses. These warehouses are made around giving short-term storage service. You may need to pay a monthly fee and transaction charges.

Businesses have to deal with challenges in terms of seasonality. Frequent order volume fluctuation impacts those that sell to other companies and individual customers. Warehouse storage space may become too expensive at times when sales are low or there may not be enough space for inventories when sales are high.

Location

Your warehouse’s location directly impacts your entire supply chain. It determines how efficiently and quickly manufactured goods are delivered and stored at warehouses. When picking a warehouse solution, pick a facility near transportation hubs like food markets, ports, or railway stations. Warehouses in huge cities can fulfill orders quicker than distant warehouses. But, storage space in rural areas may be more affordable or situated near transportation hubs.