Storage logistics definition is the management and operations needed for the reception, storage, and movement of products. All tasks carried out to supply, store, and access these products are included in storage logistics.
Ultimately logistics are all about the flow of goods in and out of a warehouse, so you need storage and logistics to work hand in hand.
What type of storage logistics does your company need? Read on to find out more…
Logistics storage
Both warehousing and storage fulfil functions within a business’s supply chain. Whilst warehousing focuses on the safe storage of the goods, logistics handles the inbound and outbound flow of the goods.
Warehousing involves the provision of a commercial building where goods or raw materials are stored ready for production or sale. This effectively is the central location for receiving, storing, and distributing. And will cover unloading, receiving, the inventory of inbound goods, storage, order picking, and handling returns.
The logistics aspect is all about transportation – the movement of goods or raw materials in and out of the warehouse. This includes not only transportation but the internal movement of goods, with detailed organisation and implementation of complex operations, as resources are handled along the supply chain.
When you have warehousing and logistics working together safe storage and delivery of your products will ensure complete customer satisfaction as an end result.
Warehousing purposes
The benefits of warehousing are many, both in the short and long term. With real-time and accurate inventory counts, goods being checked before being sent, and stock availability, warehouse logistics form an integral part of the storage cycle in a company.
The main objectives of warehousing are:
- To provide essential storage for goods in a safe central location
- To increase turnover and decrease shrinkage with better inventory management
- To deliver shorter lead times for ever-increasing customer satisfaction
- To reduce costs by an efficient warehousing process
Warehousing categories
There’s an entire range of different warehouses that you can choose to suit your business needs – depending on your location and requirements. These include:
Ambient storage
This refers to warehousing where goods don’t need temperature control, simply a comfortable room temperature.
Automated warehousing
Using advanced technology this type of warehousing requires very little human interaction. Advantages of using robotics include faster order processing, precise order management, boosts in storage and capacity, and better workplace health and safety. Storage elements are integrated and controlled by a computer system.
Cold storage
Freshly cut flowers are just one product that can be safely stored in chilled storage keeping them in premium condition. Fresh food and other perishables are stored in these warehouses to prevent damage from bacteria and pests.
Distribution centres
If you need temporary storage distribution centres are a point in the supply chain where goods are almost instantly shipped out on arrival. Perishables are often delivered via this form of warehousing to prevent spoilage as goods will typically be received in the morning and distributed by the end of that same day.
Hazardous storage
Flammable liquids, chemicals, and other dangerous materials will be kept in specially designed storage units that are locked for extra security. Gas-based items like oxygen tanks or propane cylinders are usually stored in large cages to prevent them from being knocked over.
Private warehousing
Generally, these privately owned buildings will be used by retailers to store extra inventory in bulk, particularly during busy seasons. They can be cost-effective in the long term.
Public warehousing
When business needs are short-term leasing a public warehouse is a viable option – particularly for those with seasonal peaks where business reverts to lower levels after a period of time. There’s no contract keeping the business tied into.
Types of storage logistics
Warehouses may use counterbalanced or retractable mast forklifts, dependant on the heights that need to be reached. Drive through storage is ideal for storing large quantities of heavy goods with a small variety of items.
The main forms of warehouse storage can be categorised as:
- Pallet racking – any goods that are delivered and stored in boxes and requires inventory logging is perfect for storing on pallets made of wood, metal, or plastic.
- Shelving – ideal for quick, easy access to stock unable to be retrieved via forklift.
- Mobile shelving – this makes the most of tight spaces by using shelving fitted with a traction system.
- Multi-tier racking – taking advantage of vertical space with different tiers that can be accessed manually all the way up to the maximum limit.
- Mezzanine flooring – mezzanines can provide two or three extra layers that can be custom designed and fitted to integrate with most storage solutions.
When you need storage logistics
DRG Solutions can help with any international shipment from Barcelona – this includes storage logistics or a warehouse. Whether you need short-term warehousing to deal with over-flows or long-term options to simplify the distribution of goods to the local area. Or you want to store goods ready for international shipping, you’ll get the best deal and the perfect storage solutions.
