Warehouse Storage: Which Style is Right For You?
Whatever your business, if you offer a tangible product (and sometimes even if you don’t), the issue of storage is bound to come up at some stage. These days, there are so many storage options and packages available, from buying or building a warehouse for your business, to leasing or renting space, to outsourcing and even self storage. All of these options work well, the only concern is deciding which work well for you. We’ve put together a list of four different types of storage solutions, from warehouses with sophisticates shelving systems all the way down to self-storage rental space to help you decide. Enjoy!
Build or Buy a Warehouse
For some companies, it becomes more cost effective to simply acquire a warehouse primarily for their products and run it as an extra arm of the business. Large automotive companies and food factories often decide that this is the right storage solution for them, as the sheer quantity and turnover they have makes controlling the warehouse themselves a more efficient option.
Outsource
This is becoming more and more common, and as the industry grows, so does the quality of the services offered by outsourcing warehouses. To outsource your warehousing and 3rd party logistics to a separate company is often a perfect solution for a company who needs storage and distribution taken care of in a different area than where they manufacture. As opposed to undertaking the cost of building, setting up, staffing and training employees for their own warehouses, more and more companies are taking advantage of outsourcing solutions, which means that they can focus on design, manufacture and marketing, and let the administrative stuff be taken care of by someone else.
Leasing or Renting
While leasing or renting warehouse space is part of an outsourcing deal as well, it is also possible to rent the space only, and have it staffed and managed by your own employees. If your storage needs are greater at certain times in the year or if you only need storage at intervals, a renting agreement works well as you can arrange a package where you pay on a needs-basis. Some warehouses also rent out space within it to several different businesses, so what you pay for is not the whole space, but an allocated number of pallet rackingshelves and an area within the warehouse.
Self Storage
For companies with limited or moderate storage needs (files, excess furniture, a few boxes of products etc) self-storage is an inexpensive and accessible option. Self storage involves renting out a small garage or room in a complex of similar rooms, to which you have full secure access.
Before deciding on a storage solution, always consider the specific needs of your business and the way in which the storage you choose will impact on productivity and profit margins. Whichever solution you decide upon, ensure that OH&S regulations are adhered to and that high-quality shelving and materials are used.