Warehouses play a critical role in the supply chain. Managing a supply chain requires maintaining an uninterrupted flow of goods, from the initial collection of raw materials to the distribution of the final product to the consumer. Warehousing is vital to streamlining these processes throughout the supply chain.
Managing the supply chain is more critical than ever before, given the speed at which modern business is conducted. With e-commerce, consumers expect it to be delivered quickly once they order something. Therefore, warehousing is essential in meeting consumer demand and minimizing disruptions to the supply chain.
As a key part of supply chain management, e-commerce warehousing provides multiple functions, including:
- Providing safe, secure, and efficient storage: Much supply chain management is figuring out the timing. The right materials must be available when they are needed. Warehousing services provide a location to store materials during lulls in production and before shipping to the consumer. In addition, these warehouses often have advanced security systems, fire and smoke detection, and inventory management software, which ensures that you are alerted when running low on any goods or materials, allowing you to place an order before running out. Secure storage facilities also ensure that your products are stored at optimal conditions to prevent damage or spoiling before delivery to the consumer. These activities all serve to keep your supply chain uninterrupted and ensure your company can meet consumer demand and expectations.
- Giving your company a strategic location: In the modern market, many products are assembled with materials and other products sourced or created from locations spanning the globe. By selecting a warehousing partner with a strategic location along your supply route or near a port, you can minimize your shipping costs and speed up production. Your warehouse location can also improve inventory turns by optimizing the supply chain to meet current market demand.
- Providing inventory control: Inventory control plays a big part in ensuring your goods make it to the consumer quickly and that the customer is satisfied with the quality. But finding the balance between having too little and too much inventory on hand can be tricky. Having too much inventory means you have likely depleted much of your operating capital without recapturing sufficient revenue. Conversely, having too little inventory means you run the risk of running out of something, likely leading to the consumer shopping at a competitor’s site. Unfortunately, when you are out of balance, it can cost you money. Warehousing service providers can give you the data and knowledge you need to make smart decisions about inventory that ensure you keep the right amount on hand at any given time.
- Delivering quick and accurate order fulfillment: You can expend a ton of effort in keeping your supply chain functional and efficient, but it will all be for nothing if you fail at the last step during order fulfillment. Yet, order fulfillment is a complex process that involves processing an order, selecting the right inventory, updating inventory management systems, packing the material and selecting the right shipping method and company, and tracking the order until it arrives at its final destination. Order fulfillment also includes tracking and responding to consumer complaints and returns. While this entire process can be very complex, warehousing service providers have streamlined processes and cutting-edge technology that simplify order fulfillment to ensure your entire supply chain is working optimally.
- Providing economic benefits: As a small business owner, you likely know the price of all materials you use or distribute. Unfortunately, recent global supply chain disruptions have shown everyone how fragile the system can be, and the dramatic price increases resulting from these disruptions make it hard to conduct business in the current environment. Conversely, there are times when your suppliers may have excess inventory, and you can negotiate a better price than usual. Having warehousing services available means you can take advantage of lower prices when it makes sense for your business and stores the materials until you need them. This process allows your business to keep its prices stable, even when competitors may not be able to achieve the same.
Maintaining a reliable supply chain can be a challenging task for any business, especially in turbulent economic conditions. Warehousing can play a key role in ensuring that you have all the products and materials you need to continue meeting the demands of your customers. To learn more about the benefits of warehousing related to supply chain management, contact Dawson Logistics today!