We’ve entered an era where customers expect their online orders to be parcelled up and shipped as soon as humanly possible. High costs and sluggish shipping can put people off buying online, which is why it’s so vital to get your ecommerce fulfilment operations spot on. As this sector rapidly expands, it’s no surprise that the demand for efficient warehouses and fulfilment centres is also at an all-time high.
Thankfully, fulfilment centres have reorganised how online merchants manage their inventory and shipping, freeing them from the confines of physical space limitations. But are you getting the most out of your fulfilment centre warehouse set-up? To cut above the rest, Unistor offers multi-level warehousing solutions that are reshaping this landscape. We’re here to break down how multi-level warehousing can serve fulfilment centres, so you have a better idea of how to maximise your operations.
The Rise of Fulfilment Centres
The ecommerce explosion has given rise to a new age of warehousing and fulfilment centres. These centres are not just storage facilities; they are the pivotal points in the supply chain where products transition from sellers to customers. They play a critical role in inventory management, an aspect crucial for cultivating an outstanding customer experience. With the increase in online shopping, the role of fulfilment centres in ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products has become more significant than ever. This surge has led to the evolution of traditional warehousing into more complex, multi-level structures.
Fulfilment Centres and Standard Warehouses: Two of The Same?
Not quite! Warehousing and fulfilment centres vary in storage duration and operational complexity. Warehouses are designed for long-term storage of products, focusing on storing inventory without extra services. In contrast, fulfilment centres, often run by third-party logistics providers (3PLs), aim for quick inventory turnover, typically holding items for less than a month. They involve a range of services including receiving, picking, packing, labelling, and shipping orders, as well as managing returns. Fulfilment centres are more dynamic, with continuous movement and complex operations, and are strategically located near customers to reduce shipping costs and transit times.
Why Fulfilment Centres Need Multi-Level Warehousing
Two words: space optimisation. Multi-level warehousing is an innovative approach that maximises the use of vertical space, offering a more efficient way to store and manage products. This approach is especially beneficial for warehouse and fulfilment centres dealing with large volumes of inventory. When paired with a warehouse mezzanine system, it allows for better organisation and faster retrieval of products, enhancing the overall efficiency of the fulfilment process — and ultimately improving your bottom line.
Benefits of Multi-Level Warehousing for Fulfilment Centres
Here are some of the top advantages that multi-level warehousing can offer to fulfilment companies:
Space Efficiency:
By utilising vertical space, multi-level warehousing significantly increases storage capacity without expanding the warehouse’s footprint.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Multi-level warehousing offers a more economical solution for both small and large-scale sellers, reducing the need for additional physical warehouses off site.
Improved Inventory Management:
With well-organised storage, inventory tracking and management become more streamlined, reducing the chances of errors and delays.
Enhanced Scalability:
As businesses grow, multi-level warehousing allows easy scalability, accommodating increasing inventory without the need for relocation.
Focus on Business Growth:
Utilising a multi-level warehousing allows businesses to spend less time worrying about logistics like packing supplies and post office lines. This shift in focus gives business owners more time to concentrate on expanding and growing their business.
How to Implement Multi-Level Warehousing in Fulfilment Centres
Implementing multi-level warehousing requires strategic planning and expert knowledge. At Unistor, we suggest that you:
Assess Space and Inventory Needs:
Start by evaluating your current and future inventory needs. Consider the types and quantities of products to be stored and their turnover rates. This assessment helps in determining the required size and design of the multi-level warehouse.
Design Efficient Layouts:
Plan the layout of the warehouse to ensure efficient movement of goods. This includes deciding the placement of shelves, aisles, and picking areas. The layout should facilitate easy access to frequently moved items and optimise the flow of goods from receiving to shipping.
Install an Industrial Mezzanine Floor:
Add an industrial mezzanine to maximise vertical space, ensuring it’s built to support heavy loads and includes safety features like staircases and handrails.
Incorporate Advanced Shelving Systems:
Invest in high-density shelving systems that are designed for multi-level storage. These systems should be sturdy, adaptable, and able to support the weight and size of your inventory.
Implement an Effective Inventory Management System:
Utilise a robust inventory management system that can track stock levels, monitor inventory movement, and forecast demand. This system should integrate seamlessly with your warehouse operations to ensure real-time tracking and accuracy.
Ensure Safety and Compliance:
Adhere to all safety regulations and building codes. Implement safety measures like proper signage, guardrails, and secure ladders or lifts for accessing higher levels. Regular safety training for staff is also essential.
Future-proofed Design:
Design the warehouse with scalability in mind to accommodate future growth. This may involve modular shelving systems and flexible layout designs that can be easily expanded or reconfigured.
Fulfilment Centre Multi-Level Warehousing – Leave it to the Unistor Experts
Without a shadow of doubt, as the ecommerce landscape continues to evolve, the need for efficient, space-optimised warehouse and fulfilment centres becomes more pressing. Unistor’s multi-level warehousing solutions are designed to meet these challenges head-on, providing a competitive edge to businesses looking to thrive in the dynamic world of online retail.
Unistor is not just a service provider; we’re your trusted partner in navigating the complex world of ecommerce. With over thirty years of industry experience in Australia, our expertise in multi-level warehousing makes us the ideal choice for your fulfilment centre needs. We understand the intricacies of warehouse and fulfilment centre operations and are committed to providing solutions that are not only efficient but also cost-effective and scalable.
Need help with multi-level warehousing for your fulfilment centre, but don’t know where to start? Contact our team at Unistor today to learn more about our multi-level warehousing solutions.