Why Warehousing Matters: Exploring its Role in Supply Chains in India
Supply chains are like dominoes- every piece must be in place for the operation to succeed. Businesses are collaborative ventures, relying on a string of suppliers, vendors, distributors and logistics to get goods out to customers. In today’s world of e-commerce and quick last-mile logistics, supply chains have become even more central to a successful business, especially when it comes to manufacturing and warehousing facilities. Sub-par warehouse facilities can interrupt a business’ workflow, slow down delivery time and order fulfilment and disrupt effective storage and inventory management. Continue reading to learn more about why warehouses are the foundation of a seamless supply chain and what kind of modern solutions can help address blind spots in the sector for logistics service providers.
What is the Function of Warehouses in Supply Chains?
Warehousing facilities are the backbone of effective supply chain management. A warehouse serves as a complex landing base that facilitates storage and inventory management, quick delivery services and order fulfilment. Apart from boosting quality control and customer satisfaction, warehouses are also data mines. The right technology can help extract valuable information from data gathered at a warehouse to transform a supply chain. Here are a few points along the supply chain that are profoundly impacted by warehousing facilities:
- Receiving Goods: A warehouse serves as a loading dock where a business can receive the goods needed for its operation. A warehouse provides space for an order to be processed and goods to be inspected for quality and quantity and included in the inventory. Warehouses enable businesses to record and track the goods received to maintain their inventory with greater accuracy.
- Inventory Management: Warehouse facilities are crucial for effective inventory management. They provide a space where inventory can be stored and stock levels can be tracked. With the right kind of inventory management system, warehouses can also enable real-time tracking of the movement of goods to avoid overstock or stockouts. Quality inventory management allows businesses to have goods on hand when needed and improve order fulfilment.
- Storage: Warehouses are storage facilities where different kinds of goods and products can be kept safe and secure. Grade A warehouses are fitted with stringent safety protocols like sturdy shelving, temperature-controlled environments, handling procedures, etc. They are also equipped with robust security systems to help prevent damage or theft.
- Strategic Location: Location is at the crux of the supply chain process and can help reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Finding a warehouse at a strategic location can help businesses fulfil orders and cut down on supplier transportation costs. For instance, our state-of-the-art industrial & logistics park, LILP Palava, one of the leading industrial park developers in India, is strategically located in the Taloja MIDC area and is designed to serve a wide urban customer base by offering seamless connectivity to Mumbai’s key industrial zones. Meanwhile, LLP Kurla, situated at the heart of the city, provides unrivalled access to 25 million consumers across Mumbai and Thane, enabling businesses to accelerate last-mile logistics and optimize distribution.
- Picking and Packing: Warehouses help speed up the process of picking and packing orders for customers by using innovative methods like batch picking and zone picking.
- Value Addition: Warehouses can also add value to a supply chain by allowing for extra perks like kitting, assembly, labelling and more. Such perks make the supply chain tighter.
- Arranging Transportation: Most importantly, warehouses are integral to arranging transportation with various suppliers and vendors along the supply chain for goods to move to their destination.
How Can an Efficient Warehouse be Advantageous to a Supply Chain?
Warehouses are beneficial to the supply chain in the following ways[2]:
- Real-time tracking: Instead of hiring staff to conduct manual counts and create spreadsheets, businesses can rely on Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to keep track of their inventory in real time.
- Automation: Warehousing allows businesses to sort, pick and pack goods easily and without error by switching to automation.
- Data Analytics: Top-notch warehousing facilities also allow businesses to gather data and analyse the same to gain insights into performance metrics and bottlenecks and improve decision-making.
- Scalability: Warehouses enable businesses to scale and meet ever-evolving demands associated with growth.
- Cost Control: Well-designed warehouse facilities also help businesses cut down on labour costs and excess inventory, improving the bottom line.
- Quality Control: Fitted with advanced systems, a warehouse is the perfect space for thorough quality checks before goods move further along the supply chain.
- Sustainability: Today, warehouses are designed to allow for sustainable business practices, including features like alternative energy systems and better waste management.
- Compliance Management: Warehouses can help businesses adhere to industry-specific mandates and compliances, adding credibility to the supply chain.
Lodha Industrial and Logistics Park
With so much at stake, it is no surprise that a warehouse can make or break a supply chain. At Lodha, we believe in creating industrial real estate solutions that are future-oriented. While Lodha Industrial and Logistics Park, Palava allows businesses to meet their bulk warehousing needs and streamline logistics, Lodha Logistics Park, Kurla is designed for seamless in-city distribution, warehousing and last-mile delivery for quick delivery service, food delivery company, third-party logistics service provide, etc. for in-city warehousing solutions in Mumbai.
Being one of the best industrial parks in India, LILP ensures the best-integrated logistics experiences and provides the best warehouses in Mumbai and industrial property for sale compared to warehouse in Navi Mumbai, industrial plots in Bhiwandi, industrial plots near Mumbai, industrial plots in Taloja, industrial plots in Thane, industrial plots in Navi Mumbai, industrial land for sale in Panvel, industrial land for sale in Mumbai, warehouse in Bhiwandi, warehouse in Taloja, warehouse in Kurla, warehouse in Thane, warehouse in Palava, in-city warehouse in Mumbai, in-city warehouse in Thane, in-city distribution centre in Kurla, industrial land for sale in Maharashtra and distribution centres in Mumbai.
Lodha, India’s leading real estate developer, is creating top logistics parks in India and best-in-class warehousing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses. With a focus on supply chain optimisation, warehouse management and logistics integration, Lodha delivers plug-and-play solutions designed for seamless operations and provides built-to-suit warehousing solutions for your tailored needs. Our warehousing spaces are equipped with the best features of industrial park cutting-edge automation technology, ensuring enhanced inventory management, reduced operational costs and faster turnaround times for businesses.
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