Spring is around the corner, the first snowdrops are dipping their heads in the sun and we thought we would do a little round-up on what’s going to be big news as we delve further into 2023.
If you are a manufacturer or retailer, efficiency is key and on-point distribution is vital. Here are some trends that we think you can expect to see in 2023.
Sustainable warehousing.
Big brands (and little ones!) need to show in today’s market economy that they are environmentally responsible. This is a biggy! new emerging brands’ identity is inextricably linked to their carbon footprint and the need to minimise any impact it may have on the environment. So how do you do this if you need warehousing? Your business needs to show you incorporate sustainable practices, if you don’t have anyone in-house to check all this out for you, you can partner with a 3rd party logistic provider (3PL) that operate electric vehicles, drones etc for all the delivery commitments.
You will need to scrutinise any waste your company creates. Every detail will need to be investigated to ensure that you are not wasting resources on boxes, do you need that many in that size etc. An automated system could help you lower your wastage, a ‘smart’ warehouse saves materials and time, and it will generate boxes from a roll of cardboard, or even another type of material that you use, based on the best size for your product.
Smart warehousing environment.
To retain your customers in a competitive market you need great efficiency. Today’s warehouse management systems have the impressive computing power you need and can connect to other vital applications to help plan your resources and build a relationship with your clients or customer.
With all these applications from different apps, you will need additional software as a routing engine between devices, ensuring smooth functioning within the warehouse environment.
Warehouse design modelling and software.
Many e-commerce shoppers now find that having to wait more than a day for an order, is a day too long. To help get that order out as quickly as possible warehouses are creating multiple interconnected centres to manage customers in clusters.
Modelling and simulation software allows a brand to optimise space on its inventory. If you need to add any stock-keeping units, a quick simulation with the software helps make a plan without moving it all first.
Predictive analytics.
Coping with surges in demand can be very challenging for sellers, think peak season ie, Christmas, Summer, Easter etc. Generally, these seasonal peaks mean you will need more labour to help feed the demand. This could be made easier by using artificial intelligence, they collect data on previous events and buyers’ behaviours which can also identify your best-selling item, region etc. You could then position your best-selling items, closer to your loading dock for quicker dispatch, you can also consider increasing your warehouse storage capacity to ensure the safe storage of these products. At STS Storage we can advise on the best warehouse storage solution for you, from a mezzanine floor installation to pallet racking, shelving and partitioning.
Gamification.
What’s this I hear you ask? You want to retain your employees, right? You have spent time and money recruiting them, so how do you keep them happy? You need to keep them engaged, if they are happy, they work better and more effectively. Gamification is motivating them using reward programs, leaderboards, recognition for their hard work and actively encouraging working feedback.
Will you be implementing any of the above to improve your warehouse productivity?