Where once the role of a warehouse may have been slightly overlooked and neglected, it is now the strategic hub of any ecommerce business. The pressure on space and infrastructure is ever-present, particularly during peaks in customer behaviour and in accommodating new technology, but in recent months the coronavirus has taken this to another level entirely.
CopriSystems are able to adapt quickly to build temporary or permanent buildings that can cope with increased stock flow, complex logistics and new social distancing requirements as well as allow for innovation and future progression.
Safety is undoubtedly a huge concern for warehouses right now, but the biggest challenge appears to be trying to keep up with unprecedented consumer demand. The retail landscape has changed beyond all recognition and our customers are reporting sales increases of up to 120%. Price has been overtaken by time-to-delivery and fulfilment responsiveness as the leading competitor advantages. As a result, we are getting many enquiries from online retailers looking to increase their distribution capacity so they can continue to honour their next day delivery promise.
Whatever the challenge and whenever it arises, there’s no question that warehouses need to be constantly reviewing their operations process to ensure it is streamlined, as efficient as possible and has room to grow quickly.
Automation is a key trend that is only going to be fast-tracked in light of current circumstances with new robotic and process technology driving higher levels of productivity, improving accuracy and enhancing safety. From digitising inventory data collection and wireless barcode scanners to robotic picker systems and load-carrying robots, the advances in warehouse automation can significantly boost efficiency and free up human resources to focus on more high-value activities that require direct customer interaction.
While this is all positive, it does put pressure on existing supply chains and more space could be required to make navigation an easier process for robots and machinery. Adaptability and space optimisation have therefore become a key factor for us in creating new building designs. After all, technology can only work if you have the room to bring it in and deploy it effectively.
It’s our job to move into the future with new trends and we understand there is no one-size-fits-all model. This is where our expertise in creating bespoke solutions really comes into it’s own. Our structures are carefully and individually designed to lead a dynamic life so they can be relocated or modified to suit a business’ ever changing needs.
With market changes coming thick and fast, so is the rate of innovation and we are ready for it!
