The markets have evolved, they are more digital and the online route has developed like never before. But everything that advances also encounters a significant increase in problems, especially those related to warehouse management.
Many of the problems have their origin in the design. Because as in fashion, “cutting and tailoring” is what we need to adapt to new situations, as well as a point of customization to adjust to market fluctuations.
With a good design, you will have a great future
Optimizing space, due to lack of it, is one of the most important main problems. Storing more and better is one of the maxims that has been applied in the logistics environment due to the rising cost of logistics land.
According to the logistics and transport association UNO, in its Report on the price of logistics land in Spain, the interest in locating last-mile supply platforms, due to the increase in online sales, in the vicinity of areas where there is a large population density, has caused the square meter to increase.
We no longer only talk about the height of the warehouse through the use of much higher racks, now we talk about the mezzanine with removable systems for unloading and moving packages. Small spaces become the new vanguard and design “loft” thanks to the “Ikea” concept in logistics.
Taking advantage of minimal space, in height and with modular options is no longer just closed to homes, it opens up the world of automation and logistics.
“The IKEA concept in logistics. Small spaces, designed to the millimeter, personalized and automated!”
Other options are the installation of compact storage systems such as “pallet shuttles” or what is the same, a semi-automatic high-density storage solution, “racking system” mobile shelving or “drive-in” compact shelving.
And the second key point is the choice of a good management system. The Warehouse Management System (SGA) or Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a great pillar in the management and design of the warehouse, being the software that automates the processes and does daily monitoring of a warehouse.
A poorly implemented Warehouse Management System (WMS) will involve management and process automation problems, causing setbacks at all stages. The implementation of logistics software such as a WMS ensures that product traceability from its origin to the warehouse entrance until it finally leaves the warehouse.
Here we have to point out that the great challenge in connecting the components of an automated system is the integration between the equipment control system and the WMS. This tool will help us a lot but we must also think that it is not as easy as turning on a computer and connecting the mobile with Bluetooth.
In addition to the two previous points, we must not forget that traceability in the supply chain is another pillar that will help our design to be efficient.
“To talk about logistics design is to talk about logistics efficiency.”
The control and optimization of processes can multiply the efficiency and profitability of the warehouse. So, if you can describe the warehouse in one sentence, make it this: “Just in Time”! The concept that perfectly describes how it should work.
Do not forget that automation in warehouses and the use of Warehouse Management Software (WMS) are the essential pieces in its design to control and monitor the entire process.
And as Benjamin Franklin said, “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is gained.”
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