Co-warehousing, also known as flexible warehousing, is a practical solution for industrial users of all sizes, particularly smaller ones, as it helps them cut costs.
Smaller companies that lack the resources for automated inventory processing systems or invest in new storage equipment, such as storage racks and trolleys, can benefit from co-warehousing. Flexible warehousing gives businesses control over their fixed costs, allowing them to downsize or upsize as needed while enjoying all the amenities of modern co-warehousing facilities. The flexible model can also make supply chains more efficient for small businesses, which often lack the resources or expertise to manage logistics on their own.
According to Jordon Lawrence, Director of Logistics Strategy at logistics company Flexe,
“Flexible warehousing will likely become its own subsector within the larger industrial market by providing an answer to a constant challenge: matching fixed, capital-intensive resources with volatile and unpredictable demand.”
Co-warehousing is not limited to small to medium-sized businesses. Larger companies may be hesitant to build new warehouses in a high interest rate environment and may fear a downturn in the economy leading to fewer sales. Using shared warehouses with other businesses can be a solution to this uncertainty.
Expanding into new markets can be expensive. Flexible warehousing eases the costs and makes it easier to test new markets without committing to new expensive warehouse facilities.
With the unpredicted shifts in consumer buying patterns and significant rises in supply chain costs over the last two years, it is essential to manage warehouse inventory storage resources efficiently or, alternately, use flexible warehousing.
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