Utilizing the supply chain process is crucial for any individual or business that wants to distribute products efficiently. Companies will find it much easier to generate revenue if they can seamlessly process their product flow; this makes the supply chain process exponentially important when considering increasing revenue generation.
One of the most significant factors in this process is the warehousing stage. If you are a business in Miami, read on to learn from Esquire Logistics about the importance of utilizing proper warehousing services in Miami (and everywhere!).
A brief outline of the supply chain process
The SCOR Model outlines this as:
- Plan — planning of the inventory, manufacturing, and development processes
- Source — to find resources for planned purposes, i.e., materials, vendors, storage, etc.
- Make — creation of the final product through assemblage, testing, feedback, reviews, etc.
- Deliver — using various transportation, storage, and logistics methods to meet customer demands
- Return — a “reverse logistics” that deals with returned products through customer service
Where does warehousing fit into all of this?
Warehousing is involved in the “deliver” component of the supply chain process.
Many people think that transportation is the only thing that matters when it comes to delivery, but it is more than that. Warehouses are a key component because they are responsible for storing, picking, packing, and shipping items to customers. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Allows bulk storage, which can improve the price margins
- Better organization
- Storage in strategic locations can reduce delivery time and cost
- Creates overall better service and therefore increases customer satisfaction
- Efficient warehouse management ensures that you’re not wasting any resources or time
Since warehousing is vital in the supply chain process, it will significantly matter which ones you choose.
How do you select a warehouse?
The following are the most important considerations and questions you should think about when looking for a warehouse.
How much floor space do they have?
Are you looking for a small storage unit, or do you need something much larger? For example, if you are looking to store furniture, you’ll probably need to rent a large storage unit that’s the size of an entire warehouse. If your company is anticipating or experiencing growth, you should also consider this when looking at the size of the space.
Do they have a warehouse inventory management system?
A WIMS is important because it will automatically ensure that items are being stored in the best way possible, which reduces errors. It also provides that necessary information regarding items is easy to access, making the whole delivery process much more efficient.
Is there sufficient transportation access?
When you are trying to courier, pick up, deliver, and ship items from your warehouse, you’ll need to check whether it is accessible by vehicle. In other words, will your delivery men have easy access to the warehouse? If it’s difficult for your employees to get to the warehouse, this will increase the delivery time and cost.
Are there multiple unloading bays?
Not only does the warehouse need to have easy access for your delivery men, but it also needs to have multiple of these access points. If you’re planning on shipping a lot of items and this is not an option at your current location, then you should consider finding a new warehouse that does have multiple access points.
What kind of security is there at the site?
When you are looking into warehouses, security should also be a key consideration. You will want to look at whether employees must go through any identification process when entering the warehouse, if there are cameras on-site to monitor activity, etc.
Is the location of the site appropriate?
You will need to utilize a warehousing facility that fits your unique product and business needs. For instance, if you are a local business in Miami, you will need a warehouse with a good amount of storage space.
Does it have appropriate climate control?
It would be best if you also thought about more than location. If you are a business that requires specific temperature control options, it will be essential to find a warehousing facility that can offer this feature.
What is the cost?
Finally, it would be best to consider the cost because this will directly affect your bottom line. You should try to find warehousing services that don’t charge too much per month or square foot because expenses can quickly pile up if you aren’t careful.
Conclusion
Take it from Esquire Logistics, a full-service logistics and warehousing provider, and utilize warehousing logistics in Miami to increase efficiency and therefore company revenue. Contact us to learn more about our warehousing services in Miami or to learn more about logistics management.
Esquire Logistics, Inc 