The Three Aspects of an Effective Warehouse

Selecting the right warehouse is an important decision for any business owner. From a large-scale space, to small self-storage facilities, or even cloud-storage platforms if your goods are able to be digitised, there are many different options available to you. While the type of storage that works best for your business will be dependent on your individual needs, you should always choose a facility that can offer these three features.

Location

“Location, location, location” shouldn’t just be a phrase on property developer’s lips, it’s also a determining factor when deciding whichwarehouse is right for you. Whether or not it’s in close proximity to carrier facilities, if there’s the potential for expansion, and how all of this will factor in your day-to-day running costs should all be questions on your mind. Another aspect of the location you may have to consider is the local job market. When evaluating the area, find out if the community has a history in the industry: are there other competing businesses that could potentially affect your growth, will there be enough potential staff to facilitate a second shift—or, if necessary, full 24-hour operation.

Flexibility

If you’re thinking about working with a logistics partner, you’ll want to choose a provider that allows you to tailor your square footage on a case-by-case basis. Howard Tenens Logistics aim to accommodate most businesses’ requirements, whether it’s on a short-term or long-term basis. Flexible storage contracts allow for scalability which is crucial, especially for a small business that may experience unpredictable demand during certain months of the year. Likewise, you’ll also have to consider the other side of the coin. Downsizing, during a recession or similarly harsh economy, could make a break your company.

Security

Finally, any good warehouse needs to be secure. Even a small business can start to accumulate a valuable inventory of stock quickly. Abreak-in or some kind of natural disasterwould result in a major downtime for your business, putting a halt to productivity as you attempt to re-order the stock you need or wait for an insurance payout. This is why it’s crucial that you choose to invest in features such as 24-hour CCTV surveillance, break-in and fire alarms, and,if necessary, even additional security personal before it’s too late. If you’re considering working with a service provider, many facilities now offer 24-hour access, giving business owners unlimited access to their stock.

While finding all of these features may take time, the long-term benefits for your business will be worthwhile. Does your business currently use a warehouse facility? If so, let us know what you think are the most important features it provides in the comments below.