Top 3 Warehouse Trends for 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic surprised us in more ways than one. The trading, merchandising, and retail industry was shaken. It has caused businesses to adapt and operate differently whether it’s within or beyond their comfort zone.

It wasn’t only the store owners dealing with end-users who adjusted to the new normal. Those who are at the top of the supply chain like distributors and suppliers also had to pick up the pace.

That said, new trends in warehousing have been observed and practiced in various industries. If you own a warehouse or if you are in charge of operating a storehouse, then this article is for you. Today, we’re going to look at the latest warehouse trends that might help you and your business.

Voice-Activated Technology

Because of the conditions brought by the global health crisis, many businesses — warehouses included — have decided to carry out contactless operations. It has been noted that the use of touch-dependent systems like clocking-in machines and manually entering item codes in the company’s system can help spread the virus.

On that note, many warehouse companies have switched to using equipment with voice-activated technology. By using voice-activated systems that allow automated barcode scanning for data collection, warehouses can minimise the risks of having the virus spread in the workplace without affecting the majority of the business operations.

In addition, voice-activated systems can also boost the warehouse’s productivity allowing the employees to work efficiently on top of keeping them happy and healthy.

Not only are voice-activated systems on demand during these times but also technologies that can automate a warehouse’s operations. What this means for business owners is that they can achieve the same productivity with fewer people on the floor. Fewer people working on the site means there are fewer chances of them getting sick.

Renewable Energy Sources

Granted that the pandemic brought nations and industries to a halt, but the industrial pause allowed Mother Nature to recuperate. Many people have seen how drastically our planet recovered and started paying more attention to the integration of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly products since then.

This movement has reached supply and distribution businesses and also caused new warehouse trends.

Many warehouses have started using alternative power sources like solar panels. These technologies allowed them to use as much power but without doing as much harm to the environment compared to using conventional power sources.

Companies also observed that investing in renewable or alternative power sources reduced their operational costs. The funds they saved from switching to this new trend were used in expanding the warehouse’s operations.

For example, some companies have started using electric forklifts and other lifting equipment that function as well as their internal combustion engine counterparts.

Sustainability also gave way to attracting more customers. Businesses, including warehouses, have enjoyed the benefit of going green as customers — and business owners alike — who prefer to purchase and support companies that help protect the earth have started getting products and supplies from them. Their newfound brand identity allows customers with the same inclination to relate to their products or business operations resulting in more clients.

This proves that alternative and renewable power sources are a win-win solution for most warehouses.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Using a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is beneficial to your operations, even after the pandemic.

What’s WMS you might ask? It’s a program that can be installed on a company’s internal system. Growing companies with excel spreadsheets or clipboards that can no longer accommodate the rapidly increasing numbers should be looking into getting WMS.

WMS allows warehouse managers to digitalise their in-house operations. While considered as one of the newest trends in warehousing, WMS has been used by several storehouses even before COVID-19. If you plan to apply WMS to your operations, it’s best to include inventory management, labor management, employee management, as well as packing, and shipping organisation.

Doing so will allow you to cover all the important aspects of your warehouse operations and effectively manage the movement of each function.

You can have a third-party company provide you with your WMS needs or if you have a capable team, you can develop one specifically for your storehouse.

Conclusion

These are just some of the most popular warehouse trends today. Many business owners in the industry of distribution and supply have seen their advantages in their day-to-day operations. You can use all three or you can just take one that applies to your business.

Remember, the goal of these new warehouse management trends is to ensure everyone’s safety without sacrificing business operations. Who knows, one of these operational approaches might help you succeed.