Strategic storage in the logistics operation
In recent years, we have observed a generalized change in the activities of logistics centers. With the increase in demand and the high turnover of teams, routine operations were impaired and required strategic actions in storage systems.
Another aggravating factor was the change in consumer thinking, which began to demand even more specific products, in fewer numbers and with a high frequency of deliveries. Consequently, warehousing has become complex, with intricate inventories of increasingly varied items transported over long distances nationally and internationally to their destination.
In the face of all this, speed and efficiency became indispensable in developing a constantly improving routine that would solve these obstacles and prioritize obtaining favorable results.
Currently, there is no doubt that it is essential to take into account the market where the distribution center is inserted and the desire of the target audience. For this, companies needed to redistribute storage and expand reach, which was only possible with the creation of several and numerous logistics centers, which would maintain the integrity of deliveries and provide a quality service.
Strategic warehousing also played an important role in this, allowing logistics operations to change focus, leaving aside the old maxim of delivering, regardless of how it happens, and adopting customer satisfaction and employee well-being as a main point. of any action.
What is strategic storage?
A strategic storage is one that considers a facilitated and analytical management of the storage of products. In retail or wholesale, the adoption of concise actions centered on the needs of the public in question can influence the 5 activities of distribution centers:
Each of these pillars requires specific work formats. They determine the path of the items until they reach the customer, therefore, the logistics used must meet local specifications and optimize the routine.
Some positive actions manage to organize the products and improve their handling and delivery. Complementary strategic projects work in a planned manner, with each activity previously chosen to avoid bottlenecks in maintenance and identify possible stock losses in certain situations.
1. Scheduling
The dimensioning of the functions of the distribution centers is part of a series of activities of a strategic storage in the logistic operations. This assists in storing items according to pre-defined concepts, such as specifications, region and local purchase intent.
The idea is to stagger the products in the centers’ warehouses, that is, organize them by region, distributing the items and facilitating deliveries. Thus, when a purchase occurs, the products are shipped from warehouses close to the location, reducing the completion time.
2. Transit Point
The Transit Point refers to a transitional point of products that are stored until a purchase occurs and proceeds to the final stage of the logistical delivery process. With this, there is no need for stocks, as storage depends on the volume of cargo and the chosen form of transport.
Transportation, including, requires assertive choices. It is important to consider demand, purchase interest and the carrier, as all of these will be decisive for any complementary strategy to yield good results.
3. Cross-Docking
Unlike the Transit Point, in Cross Docking the product is sent to the center as soon as the purchase is made, facing temporary storage. From the center, the item faces an intrinsic redistribution system and only then is it shipped to the customer.
In both Cross-Docking and Transit Point, the storage location and handling structures are key points in the strategy. Quality and resistance can ensure the longevity of products and facilitate handling, and this can be achieved with these structures.
4. Automation
Automation is also an action that can deepen the improvement of activities. In this case, it can streamline repetitive tasks and allow those involved to focus on the total strategy, minimizing errors and ensuring that each customer is served in the best way.
Where strategic storage can play
Knowing clearly where these complementary tools and other actions can help is also important. With clear knowledge of the routine and needs of the flow, it is possible to optimize the process as a chain of adjustments.
An example is knowing exactly where a problem may be or understanding if there is room for improvement, which can reduce maintenance costs and future expenses. More than controlling small fires, the previous strategies manage to prevent their emergence.
Consequently, it positively influences the optimization of the so-called picking, or order separation. As this happens at the time of shipment to the customer, it is essential to pay attention to a concise analysis and control process.
If these actions are well structured, they can reduce completion time. Thus, the customer is better served, with needs resolved in a complete and personalized way.
However, first of all, strategic storage begins with reorganizing activities, investigating the results obtained and determining measurable objectives. For this, logistical management and well-structured solutions can help by serving as a basis for administrative decisions and improving the work environment of employees.
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(The text above was written based on information from the websites oihandover.com, venture.org.br, ilos.com.br, esales.com.br and cargox.com.br).