Warehousing India. 7 simple things to consider to choose the right warehouse for your business

Most businesses do not have ample space for warehousing needs, requiring the assistance of a rented storage facility. Storing your goods in a commercial warehouse is essentially entrusting your business to a third party that is totally separate from your company. Choosing the right commercial warehouse is picking out a friend in protecting and growing your business. Here are a few things to keep in mind while choosing the right warehouse in India:

1. What are your warehousing needs? Warehouses provide short-term and long-term storage of goods. Warehouses that provide short-term storage are called distribution centers. The warehouse serves as a landing area of goods, which are to be shipped out quickly. With long-term warehousing, or contract warehousing, storage space is being rented out for a fixed term, usually six months at minimum. If you’re a warehousing newbie, it is advisable that you get a lease with the shortest term in order to test drive the services of the warehouse.

2. How strategic is the location of the warehouse? Ideally, a commercial warehouse should be located near an airport, a seaport or a rail line. The shorter the transit of goods from one distance to another, the less stress it incurs. Study the distance between the warehouse and the final destination of the goods you are dealing in. Are you providing materials to factories? If so, it might be more profitable to choose a warehouse that is near the factory to minimize transportation costs. Also consider how far the facility is from your company building since shuttling from office to warehouse has costs, too. And with petrol prices having a free run these days, it makes sense more so!

3. Are the warehouse equipment complete and in optimal working condition? Goods are mostly locked in crates and boxes, allowing for little to zero inspection so only efficient equipment must be used to keep goods in their proper condition.

4. What kind of ventilation does the warehouse have? Different goods require different ventilation and temperature. Warehouses maintain a certain degree of warmth, cold and humidity to protect the entrusted goods. Also remember that there are human beings working there and they need to feel comfortable too.

5. Is the warehouse equipped to withstand disasters such as earthquake, floods and fire? Additional structures are required to prevent goods from getting damaged in times of calamities. The warehouse should also adhere to building codes set by the area and should have in house fire fighting capabilities too. You know how long it takes for the Indian fir brigade to arrive.

6. How tight is the security in the warehouse? Are their surveillance cameras that cover the entire facility? It is also wise that you know who has access to the warehouse and what kind of access they have.

7. Does the cost fit in your budget? Cost is usually computed by square foot. Apart from the storage space, you also have to factor in the taxes. Conduct a cost study, especially if you’re warehousing for pure cost purposes, instead of profit.

That pulls the shutter down on this topic for a while! We will be back soon with some more warehouse dope. To browse our other warehousing India articles, just click here.

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