How is Technology Changing Warehouse Property Requirements?

Technology is becoming more and more central in almost every aspect of business. This is no different in the warehousing and logistics industries. From the Internet of Things to robotics and drones, technology is altering the requirements of the very buildings that contain warehouses. So how should a warehouse be equipped, and what technologies are changing the face of warehouses?

Technologies

As technology becomes more integrated, it enables the processes within a warehouse to become more and more accurate, efficient and swift. With technological improvements within the home, customer and client expectations of logistics providers become more sophisticated. So for businesses that rely on warehouse processes, where are the changes happening?

Devices

Smart technology and devices are the most widely used pieces of kit that increase efficiency and accuracy within warehousing. So in this way, there is a direct impact on the performance of a warehouse and the supply chain.

Data

Big data means big business but it can only enable productivity and efficiency if it’s utilised efficiently. Cloud technology allows smaller businesses the agility to act faster than some more established competitors.

Internet of Things

Connected devices and sensors can manage product quantity, price, and location with accuracy. The supply chain journey can be managed in such a way as to improve quality and end user experience.

Drones

Predominantly useful in inventory management, these are already being used in larger scale warehouse buildings. These unmanned aerial vehicles – UAV’s or drones – can locate an item in a warehouse or scan a barcode at a distance, meaning that their use is likely to roll out to smaller warehouses too.

Robotics

The world of robotics has been threatening to change the face of packaging for some time. Packing for delivery often involves customisation and a need for flexibility. Rather than taking over this process, it is likely that we will see more collaborative robots used to support and improve a manual process.

The Building

So how do all these leaps and bounds in technology change the way that a building is used? Firstly it alters the requirements of a warehouse building. From location to size to utilities, technology means that bigger need not mean better! At Curchod & Co we know that service levels are vital and so we extend these principles in helping our clients find the ideal warehouse space.

Location

With the expectation of speed that technology has placed on logistics, location is even more key when choosing a warehouse building. While the need for city centre warehouses has decreased, the demand for well located out of town spaces is on the up. Areas in Surrey and Hampshire are ideal with access to the M3, M25, airports and sea ports all at hand.

Space Utilisation

Probably the largest way that robotic and drone technology has changed things is the way that space is utilised and the ease with which the height of a building can now be used. This decreases the need for large floor areas.

Size

In this way, the size of a building is less pivotal for growing businesses. Cloud based technologies have improved the accuracy with which smart devices can communicate across different locations. This has enabled organisations to chose multiple smaller spaces over one large space.

So, as technology advances, it is key for industrial, logistics and warehouse based businesses to keep up. Your warehouse building can adapt to change, based on the technologies that you choose to invest in. The one change that you can’t make to your building, however, is its location. So whether you want a large central hub, or smaller more scattered satellites, discuss with an experienced professional at Curchod & Co to identify the best located buildings

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