In: Operations Management
Explain the significance and importance of the warehousing industry using examples from real life. Also, considering the fact that the US is moving from a manufacturing economy to a Service oriented economy, do you think the warehousing industry will become obsolete in the future? Give appropriate reasons from your answer and be very detailed in your answers.
The significance of warehousing includes a
warehouse creates time utility by bringing the time gap between the production and consumption of goods. It helps in making available the goods whenever required or demanded by the customers.Warehouses provide a centralized location for your goods, making it easier to track and manage our inventory. By investing in a warehouse, we will store, ship and distribute products more efficiently. Most warehouses provide the equipment and supplies us need to store, move, package and process orders from customers. Pallet racks, loading docks and packing materials are just a few to mention. This way, you'll have everything in one place, which will save you time and money.
A warehouse enables businesses to pack and grade their goods according to legal requirements and customer needs. The logistical cost is reduced, while flexibility is maximized. This type of facility can be an ideal distribution location, eliminating the need to arrange for pickup and hire employees to manage fulfillment. In fact, delivery speed is one of the first things buyers take into consideration when choosing a shipping carrier.As a business owner, we want to keep our customer satisfied and engaged. If we fail to deliver their orders on time, our reputation will suffer.
Warehousing allows for timely delivery and optimized distribution, leading to increased labor productivity and greater customer satisfaction. It also helps reduce errors and damage in the order fulfillment process. Plus, it prevents your goods from getting lost or stolen during handling. In order to export and import goods industry uses these ware houses at various places .
The demand for goods and services varies from month to month and year to year, depending on customers' income, government policies, employment rates, climatic conditions and other factors. A warehouse allows you to store your products for a later date when the demand is high. This helps ensure price stabilization and reduces revenue losses.
Let's say your company manufactures and distributes sports equipment. If you offer ski accessories, you can store them in your warehouse rather than selling them for next to nothing when the cold season ends.
Warehousing not only protects against price fluctuations but also provides safe storage of perishable products. Depending on your needs and type of business, you can lease a warehouse equipped with refrigerators, freezers and optimal temperature control.
Plants, artwork, candles, food and medications are just a few examples of goods that require cold storage. A warehouse that offers this service will store your goods at the right temperature, preventing spoilage and changes in color and texture. This also helps extend the product’s shelf life and ensures customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the products stored in warehouses are typically insured. This means that you have higher chances to receive compensation from your insurance company in case of damage, fire or theft. America is moving from a manufacturing to a service orientated industry. But I don't think that warehousing will obsolete in the near coming future as there a huge scope in the warehousing industry and it it ready to incorporate technical changes. With the increase in e commerce the challenges have increased but these issues can be resolved. And warehousing industry is an important auxiliaries to trade like banking. It is also have important place in distribution channels.