There has arguably never been a more uncertain time in the logistics world.
Supply chains that have been established over many years, with reliable volumes and predictable lead times, have changed overnight. This is particularly true of manufacturers and retailers who have been working with the just-in-time (JIT) principle to minimise stockholding within the supply chain. Some of the key issues have been:
- Increasing logistics costs, particularly with container shipping
- Container shortages
- Port delays, both with unloading and onward transport
- Driver shortages
- Brexit complexities
Industry experts believe that these issues are here to stay, particularly in the short to medium term. As a result, now is the time to review your warehousing requirements to counteract these challenges:
- Review lead time assumptions
- Challenge existing stockholding policy, such as order quantities
- Switch to more locally sourced product
- Implement space creation enablers such as automation
- Review existing warehouse layouts
- Consider alternative storage solutions such as racking design, mezzanine, etc
- Source additional warehousing space
Davies & Robson have years of experience in helping clients increase existing warehouse capacity, and in finding and designing new facilities to boost future capacity. For an informal discussion to find out how D&R can help your business, please contact us on 01327 349090