Warehouse Space Archives

The Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains

Pre-pandemic, the just-in-time (JIT) supply chain model, which minimizes inventory to reduce costs, was the norm. However, this model exposed companies’ vulnerabilities when COVID-19 accelerated change across every supply chain industry vertical – especially warehousing.

The shift to remote work and the exponential rise of e-commerce exposed supply chains to crushing demands and major disruption. Companies didn’t know if their warehouses were going to be empty week to week, or if they were going to be overstocked. Extra industrial space that goes unused is a huge financial strain for a business, but on the other hand, purchasing patterns were so unstable during the pandemic that overflow also became a financial concern.

With changes in consumer preferences, supply chain setbacks, project delays and more as a result of the pandemic, there has never been a greater need for regional space that can be leased on flexible terms. Because of the nature and uncertainty of the economy, many businesses don’t want to commit to a long-term sublease for space, but at the end of the day, they still need a solution. Tenants and landlords also want the opportunity to generate earnings if they have unused space simply racking up their expenses. Short-term, on-demand warehousing has allowed companies of all sizes and industries to make smart decisions about warehouse space and plan more effectively for the future during COVID-19.

The Rise in Popularity of Short-Term Warehousing

The supply chain industry understandably doesn’t want to fix what’s not broken. However, when the COVID crisis hit, many traditional processes and workflows began to fail. This accelerated the need for more innovative solutions and new, tech-based services like Chunker became a mainstream necessity.

Warehouse leasing has long been predicated on long-term commitments and needs. For example, a business would have to commit to a 10-year lease, which meant predicting and planning space needs over the course of a decade. This left a ton of room for error, especially as consumer behavior evolved so quickly.

Short-term, on-demand warehousing supports supply chains in the new era by adding agility and flexibility. Companies no longer need to sign a five-year lease when they only have a five-month problem to solve. By enabling short-term deals, flexible warehousing allows a business to respond faster.

Additionally, companies are able to take advantage of new opportunities and move into new markets faster. Typically, it takes six months to a year to source and secures long-term warehousing space. Through short-term, on-demand warehousing options, a company can now find industrial space in 24 hours and enter a new market, while planning for the long-term. This allows for better market testing, while removing some of the risks that comes with entering a new market.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for Warehouse Space and Supply Chains

Where we will see short-term, on-demand warehousing proliferate is in areas such as construction, 5G rollouts, hotel remodels and overflow storage for retail and e-commerce. For instance, construction projects require truckloads of goods to be brought on-site, necessitating a short-term space for materials storage. Flexible warehousing is going to become more and more vital to supply chain resilience in the future, and is less expensive than a traditional brick and mortar.

Short-term, on-demand warehouses are the natural next step in the evolution of commercial real estate and the industrial space in particular. Over the last few years, we have seen the space evolve and adapt to new entrants in the market like on-demand office space, short-term rentals, co-living, pop-up retail and more. As the industry continues to shift and adapt to more on-demand solutions, it will continue to be a go-to resource for people seeking convenience, simplicity and efficiency for finding and leasing warehouse space in the post-pandemic era.

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Brad Wright is the CEO of Chunker

Warehouse Engineers attended the Modex Conference looking for low-cost solutions to improve warehouse operations. As a previous warehouse manager, I understand traveling isn’t always an option because you have to get orders out the door. No reason to fret, Warehouse Engineers has you covered with 10 solutions to common warehouse problems.

Problem 1: Cycle counts

We’ve all been there… the quarterly cycle count or worse, the full annual. Ware eliminates the cycle counting dilemma. Yes, that’s right, Ware deploys fleets of drones, powered by machine learning, to perform cycle counts. Ware creates the software and analytics that lets the drones do the work, saving time and money.

Problem 2: Tracing orders

Ever had an order delayed by the rail or carrier?

Me!!! I’ve been on the phone with the carrier asking where is my order?

Pallet Alliance developed a platform to track individual pallets from end to end of the supply chain with IoT connectivity. Intellipallets integrate with existing wooden pallets providing efficient tracking of shipments. Once the pallets become “intelligent” they provide information like transit location or stationary time. Now you will know when your order is stuck in a rail yard.

Problem 3: BOL Paperwork

Why does the customer call for the BOL that you can’t seem to find?

BOLs are a necessary evil. You must get the driver to sign for the order, then store the order for years. The process creates so much paperwork, and it’s even harder to track individual BOLs. I hate when the customer calls for a BOL from 3 months ago. The smart people at SMART BOL developed an automated solution for bill of lading signing and document retention. Yes, there’s an app for drivers to sign the BOL and the signature magically goes into the cloud.

Problem 4: Communication Boards

I’ve struggled with outlining a whiteboard for daily huddles. The magnets are not straight, the markers start to fade. Sometimes I spent more time preparing for the meeting than the actual meeting itself. Visual Workplace is a source for Lean & 5S Supplies. They have great templates for KPI Tracking and daily huddles. Visual Workplace can also print dry erase board overlays for kaizen events and root cause analysis.

Problem 5: Workstations

We all know the value of 5S, “a place for everything, and everything in its place.” But what if you don’t have a place for everything? Literally, while you are setting tools in order, you are missing a place for a tool. With PioneerIWS, you can easily build a custom workflow to meet your needs. Their Flexturs can be transformed into mobile workstations, shelves, and packaging stations. Setting and Sustaining workstations are a lot easier with PioneerIWS.

Problem 6: Shifted Rail Cars

Ever been nervous about opening a box car?

I’ve been there, crossing my fingers hoping that the pallets are still upright.

Of course, the pallets have shifted and spilled over. Have you ever seen a rail car full of spilled tomato paste, yuck! Shifted cars are a no-win for everyone involved. Filing a claim with the rail line is so difficult, most people don’t bother. The rail always points the finger at the packaging and swears they never hump cars. Next time I have this problem, I’m calling Southern Bracing Systems (SBS) for a solution. SBS manufactures a patented Ty-Gard 2000® approved by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to keep orders in tack. They also provide expert training for AAR-approved cargo securement equipment and cargo restraint systems uniquely designed to prevent damage in transit.

Problem 7: Missing Labels

In wet or grimy conditions, labels just won’t la

I’ve had to label entire warehouses: entry doors, ramps, racks, etc… Sometimes a label just doesn’t work. The Patmark 1533 provides a solution for quick, custom permanent applications. MarkinBOX is the world’s most compact portable marking machine system. Combined with a carbide pin, you can mark on a vast range of surfaces like racks and bins. I wish I had the Patmark 1533 when I 5S’d a battery storage room.

Problem 8: Data Overload

We’ve all heard the phrase “big data” but what do we do with it?

Big data creates value when leaders can make data-driven decisions. With all the data coming from the WMS, ERP, and time clocks, who has time to consolidate the data for reporting? Easy Metrics solves the big data problem by providing custom reports and KPIs for your team. I know tracking labor can be burdensome, at times requiring a full administrator. Easy metrics make it easy for everyone.

Problem 9: Packaging Dimensions

Length, Width, Height…. And where is my tape measuring?

We’ve all had to answer those questions when preparing parcel for delivery. It’s so frustrating when you have a large or heavy box that you need assistance with to get all the dimensions. Sizensor designed an app to instantly capture parcel dimensions. Sizensor has a lot of benefits around the warehouse-like planning a load diagram for new products. Consider how easy the app is to install and use, it’s a win.

Problem 10: Warehouse Space

We need more space.

No warehouse manager wants to tell their president or sales team those words. I’ve lead tens of projects to increase density and utilization. We go vertical, we consolidate, move things around, but sometimes just need more space. When you literally need to pop up a warehouse, ClearSpan is your solution. ClearSpan warehouses can be custom designs or turnkey solutions for the appropriate storage solution.

There you have it, ten solutions for common problems within a warehouse. I hope this information is useful and please share with your colleagues. Collaboration and networking is another benefit of attending conferences. All the companies listed above have great salespeople Warehouse Engineers interacted with. If these are great ideas, and you don’t have the capacity to manage the project contact Warehouse Engineers.

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Brandon Ashby, the managing partner, is a certified Project Management Professional who can manage the project for you.

Short-Term On-Demand Warehousing and How it Can Support Supply Chains