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Strategies for Scaling Warehousing Capacity During Seasonal Demand

September 9, 2024 John Griffin Warehousing

Many industries, such as consumer packaged goods, see a hike in product demand during specific times of the year. During these periods, most businesses face the problem of storing products and fulfilling orders efficiently to match the increase in demand.

One effective solution to this issue is implementing strategies to scale warehousing to meet seasonal demand, such as adopting the services of third-party logistics (3PL) providers like Crown LSP Group. By leveraging our services, you can make the most of peak seasons.

Understanding Seasonal Demand and Its Impact on Warehousing

Purchasing behavior fluctuates throughout the year, with customers buying more during some periods and less in others. Several factors, such as industry-specific trends, weather changes or holidays, cause these fluctuations.

Seasonal demand variations result in changes in warehousing and distribution needs. During peak seasons, businesses must scale operations and increase stock to meet increased customer orders. If a company is unprepared for this surge, it will face a strain in its logistics networks, leading to stockouts and delays. On the other hand, if a business has excess inventory in low-demand seasons, it may face high storage costs.

Forecasting demand accurately and executing flexible warehousing and supply chain strategies can help you navigate different seasons. These measures can enable businesses to respond quickly to changes in consumer behavior, manage inventory efficiently and keep costs low.

Strategies for Scaling Warehousing Capacity

Businesses can implement the following strategies to help them increase warehousing capacity to accommodate seasonal demand:

Flexible Warehousing Solutions

Flexible warehousing solutions can benefit companies that need to respond to inventory spikes due to high product demand. 3PL providers offer flexible options, such as short-term storage, warehouse operations and logistics solutions.

Crown LSP Group is a reliable 3PL distribution and logistics solutions company. We provide short-term warehousing solutions as an ongoing solution or one-off service, depending on your needs. As a family-owned provider, we are dedicated to providing custom solutions that meet your business’s specific requirements, helping you streamline operations.

We understand how stressful running daily operations can be when there is a rising surge of materials, which is why we also provide comprehensive on-site warehouse operations services. We have qualified personnel to simplify the day-to-day management of your facility, allowing you to focus on running and growing your business.

Advanced Inventory Management Techniques

Implementing technology and data analytics improves inventory forecasting, allowing a company to prepare for seasonal demand. A business can apply techniques for optimizing inventory turnover and reducing excess stock or shortages, such as:

  • Adopt lean inventory practices: Lean principles aim to maximize value by reducing waste and optimizing order quantities. They can help you strike a balance between customer demand and inventory levels, improving your efficiency.
  • Implement just-in-time (JIT) inventory management: This inventory management approach involves receiving inventory only when a customer orders it and can help companies quickly respond to changing demand patterns. Businesses can minimize the risks of excess inventory and reduce storage costs by maintaining low stock levels and depending on frequent deliveries.
  • Conduct regular inventory audits: Inventory audits allow you to better track your stock and identify obsolete or slow-moving products that lower your turnover rate. With this information, you can take appropriate action to resolve the problem.
  • Eliminate obsolete inventory: Obsolete inventory items are those without customer demand. With data analytics, you can monitor product demand and develop strategies to reduce inventory levels before the items become obsolete.
  • Automate stock replenishment: When planning stock replenishment, you can incorporate demand and supply variables to make your ordering accurate and avoid stock buildup. If you have inventory management software, you can also automate the reorder process for predictable products.
  • Use batch and serial tracking: To simplify monitoring the movement of products through your supply chain, use batch and serial tracking. This approach helps you gain more control and broader visibility over your inventory.

Optimizing Warehouse Layouts

Optimizing your warehouse from the start is essential to ensuring its capacity to thrive throughout all seasons. Consider factors such as the type of products you’re storing and how the inventory will be moved and maintained in storage. Adjusting layouts to suit your processes allows you to maximize space utilization during high-demand periods. You should also aim to simplify material handling processes for smooth access and product retrieval.

Here are some other considerations when improving your warehouse layout:

  • Create efficient order-picking paths.
  • Label shelves and add signs that allow easy recognition.
  • Design your warehouse to accommodate changes.
  • Make use of vertical space by stacking products.
  • Designate specific pick and pack zones.

An innovative tool, Crown LSP Group’s Warehouse Space Calculator, can also help optimize your warehouse storage. This user-friendly tool considers factors like warehouse utilization ratio, stacking height and pallet size to accurately determine your required square feet. When you enter your specifications, you will immediately receive an estimate of the space you need.

Leveraging 3PL Expertise for Seasonal Scalability

Outsourcing the services of 3PL providers, such as Crown LSP Group, can help a company effectively navigate seasonal demand surges. We enable you to maintain ample stock to accommodate seasonal demands.

With our long-term warehousing solutions extending several months to a couple of years, you can guarantee prompt access to your items when necessary. This solution works great for seasonal products that are meant to be available for a specific time but need storage before the date arrives.

If you need to store temperature-sensitive products, we can also help. It is essential to pick a provider with storage facilities equipped with units that can regulate temperature to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality during high-demand periods.

Our temperature-controlled warehouse solutions ensure a consistent temperature range to keep your temperature-sensitive inventory, like perishable goods, in good condition. Other solutions we offer include fulfilling orders and handling logistics to facilitate seamless, timely deliveries when your orders are coming in at high volumes.

Benefits of Effective Warehousing Strategies During Seasonal Peaks

There are several advantages to adopting effective warehousing strategies, including:

  • Improved supply chain efficiency: Strategic warehousing solutions can improve order processing and delivery times and ensure accurate shipments. Businesses can also easily identify improvements by tracking turnover rates to boost efficiency even more.
  • Reduced operational costs: Shipping products from the manufacturer directly for every customer order can be costly compared to storing products in a warehouse near your customer base. Furthermore, with shared warehousing solutions, businesses can save on storage costs.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction: A business that properly implements warehouse strategies can deliver products in a timely manner, meeting customer expectations and increasing their satisfaction.
  • Enhanced inventory management: Streamlined warehousing allows companies to maintain optimal inventory levels, meaning they can capitalize on demand spikes by having easy access to their stock. 3PL providers offer specialized storage units for temperature-sensitive products, ensuring quality control measures.
  • Increased cash flow: When product demand is high, a company can make more sales if it can meet these increasing orders. With proper inventory management, businesses can ensure they have items in stock, ready for a hike in demand during specific seasons. Fulfilling more orders keeps cash moving through the business.

Contact Crown LSP Group for 3PL Solutions

Businesses can increase profitability by implementing key strategies for scaling warehousing capacity when demand is high. Collaborating with Crown LSP provides optimal results. We are a 3PL provider dedicated to helping meet your warehousing and supply chain needs during seasonal demands.

With the right strategies and our services, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and satisfy their customers. Contact us today for more information about our services.

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Temperature Control in Pharmaceutical Warehousing: Why It Matters

Temperature Control in Pharmaceutical Warehousing: Why It Matters

April 30, 2024 John Griffin Warehousing

Pharmaceuticals play an essential role in the lives of millions of people around the globe. To reach these end users, pharmaceutical companies must pass through a complex supply chain. Since many of these products are temperature sensitive and potentially lose their efficacy under the wrong conditions, it’s crucial to store pharmaceuticals in controlled environments.

Crown LSP Group is a leading temperature-controlled warehousing provider for pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products. We understand what it takes to develop cutting-edge warehousing solutions that protect your products while aligning with your business objectives.

What Is Pharmaceutical Warehousing?

The pharmaceutical industry is a global market responsible for researching, producing and distributing prescription drugs and medications. There are currently more than 20,000 approved prescription drugs on the market, with over 6.7 billion dispensed as of 2022. Getting these products into the hands of those who need them is an intricate process, with pharmaceutical warehouses at the heart of it all.

Pharmaceutical warehousing is the process of successfully storing medications using advanced equipment and technologies. This practice is a part of pharmaceutical cold chain management, the end-to-end operation of controlling temperatures and environmental conditions while also addressing factors such as sanitization practices and handling techniques. These procedures aim to construct an organized facility that promotes the safe treatment of delicate products.

The Importance of Temperature Control in Pharmaceutical Warehousing

Temperature control is essential to any pharmaceutical warehouse to ensure these products are safe and in top-quality condition upon arrival to the end user. These individuals rely on their prescription drugs and medications to improve their quality of life by relieving symptoms and curing diseases. This importance to human life is reason enough to establish a solid temperature control workflow in your warehouse. However, it also provides additional benefits, such as:

  • Quality: Temperature control is a key factor in preserving the chemical integrity of pharmaceuticals. Any deviation in storage climate could cause degradation, reduce potency or lead to unwanted effects in patients.
  • Compliance: Various regulatory bodies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), set strict guidelines for proper storage practices. Temperature control is often at the center of these guidelines, and failure to follow them results in penalties and possible license revocation.
  • Cost: Implementing the proper temperature-regulating equipment will minimize the risk of damaged products and lost inventory. Consistent and accurate temperatures create a safe environment to keep your operations profitable and your customers satisfied.

Calculate Your Pharmaceutical Warehouse Space Needs

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Types of Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals are unique in their chemical makeup, giving them distinct temperature sensitivities. Most products have strict conditions at which they must be stored to ensure their integrity. Even the slightest variations in temperature or humidity can lead to changes in the product’s chemical stability, which can potentially cause harmful side effects or loss of effectiveness.

Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors must store most pharmaceutical products within temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius or 35 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This range includes many biologics, vaccines and other medicines, such as insulin.

Some require slightly higher temperatures, around 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, called ambient medicines, which are drugs and medications formed as tablets, capsules or powders. Finally, “Ultra-cold” temperatures below -176 degrees Fahrenheit are generally required for specialty vaccines, biologics, blood products and tissue samples.

Regulations and Standards for Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceuticals

Patients cannot truly know if the prescribed medications are safe to use unless manufacturers, distributors and other pharmaceutical organizations adhere to strict safety and temperature control practices. The FDA is one of the organizations responsible for ensuring quality by creating a systematic set of rules under their Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. These temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical regulations are developed to reduce the likelihood of contamination, mix-ups, failures and deviations.

CGMP enforces the suitable design and control of manufacturing processes, as well as the proper facility monitoring practices required to ensure pharmaceuticals are of the highest quality. These guidelines require testing and address essential factors such as properly maintained and calibrated machinery and operator training. Drugs that are not manufactured, processed, packed or held according to these standards are known as being “adulterated” and deemed not to be safe for use.

Other temperature control regulations include:

  • International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Quality Risk Management Q9: Under the ICH Q9 guidelines, all manufacturers and suppliers must ensure their storage and transport equipment are well-maintained to create suitable conditions. Factors determining suitable conditions include the container’s design and its ability to maintain specified temperatures, humidity levels and capacity.
  • Temperature Control Regulations (TCR): The International Air Transport Association (IATA) routinely publishes its comprehensive TCR guide outlining the key elements necessary to your cold storage facilities and shipping practices. Aligning with these requirements facilitates the ideal storage, labeling, marking and tracking of temperature-sensitive vaccines and other pharmaceutical products.

Methods and Technologies for Maintaining Temperature Control

The cold chain management workflow encapsulates the end-to-end process of storing and transporting temperature-sensitive products, such as vaccines, medications, biologics and more. Maintaining an effective environment to accomplish these goals requires specific climate control and monitoring equipment to avoid contamination, degradation and loss of potency. These tools will allow you to create the ambient, refrigerated, frozen and ultra-frozen conditions that many products require.

You’ll have to consider multiple parts of the cold chain to acquire the right temperature control technology and machinery to support your workflow. Logistics solutions providers, like Crown LSP Group, offer services to simplify the cold chain process. They’ll help you address components such as:

Storage

Pharmaceuticals, such as prescription medications, drugs, biologics and others, respond differently to various types of conditions. There are three types of temperature-controlled facilities equipped with a variety of cold rooms, freezers and refrigerators to create the perfect environment. Which one you require will depend on the products you’re storing, falling within one of the following facility categories:

  • Frozen: Facilities are chilled to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Refrigerated: Facilities are maintained between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Conditioned: Facilities are cooled to temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Packaging

Products must be adequately packaged before being placed on transport vehicles to ensure they arrive at their destination in top condition. The right packaging will provide the necessary insulation while also offering adequate protection against any potential threats they may encounter during transit. Finalized packaging should also present the necessary temperature information and special delivery instructions.

Materials that can be used to package pharmaceuticals include:

  • Cold packs
  • Phase change materials
  • Foam coolers
  • Insulated boxes
  • Thermal bubble wrap

Transportation

Once packed in the proper containers and correctly marked per regulations, pharmaceuticals are placed within transport-specific equipment. Refrigerated trucks are often the most popular form of transportation, equipped with a high-powered refrigeration system, insulation and a heat-tight seal to reach the low temperatures required to maintain the integrity of pharmaceuticals. Operators should perform cargo inspections at regular intervals to ensure products remain in the proper temperature range.

Monitoring

Whether in storage or on the road, utilizing high-quality temperature monitoring technologies is imperative. These technologies provide professionals with an accurate, real-time look at products moving throughout the supply chain.

Control systems look at various factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and differential pressure to alert your team to deviations in optimal conditions. Alert notifications can be customized to meet your product’s unique specifications and temperature ranges, giving you the time necessary to react before the effects become permanent.

Monitoring practices during storage are known as static monitoring, while surveillance during transport is referred to as dynamic monitoring. Some of these technologies that make this possible include:

  • Data loggers
  • Wireless temperature sensors
  • Digital temperature logs
  • Real-time temperature monitors

Store Your Temperature Sensitive Pharmaceuticals With Crown LSP Group

At Crown LSP Group, we pride ourselves on supporting the workflow of pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers with premium distribution and logistics services. We’re a family-owned business that’s been in business since 1987, dedicated to our mission of serving our local community in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and delivering top-of-the-line customer experiences.

These years in business have given our experts the in-depth knowledge and experience to develop personalized strategies that address your pharmaceutical supply chain demands. Count on Crown LSP Group to supply temperature-controlled pharmaceutical warehousing solutions you can trust.

Our facilities are strategically equipped with high-performance temperature regulating units to ensure we meet the needs of your products. We have the ability to tailor these spaces to fit your inventory configuration and take the weight off your shoulders while saving you time and money. You’ll only ever pay for the services and warehouse space you use, ensuring you can make the most of your resources.

Contact Our Team to Learn More

Count on Crown LSP Group to care for your pharmaceutical products with the care and attention to detail you deserve. Interested in learning more about our temperature-sensitive warehousing solutions? Request a quote or contact us online to connect with our professionals and discover all the ways our team can benefit your pharmaceutical business.

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forklift in warehouse

Retail Warehousing: Cost Benefits of Warehousing for Retail Businesses

February 12, 2024 John Griffin Warehousing

Retail warehouses work as a one-stop station that optimizes operations, from stock management to product distribution. Retail warehouses serve as an extension of your service to help you meet customer demands. With their crucial role in supply chain efficiency, businesses have long considered retail warehouses a necessity.

While warehouses aim to scale business processes, there may be predicaments along the way. Shifting to retail warehouses can lead to an increase in order volume, affecting your overall operations, especially if you have inadequate stock and limited staff. Other issues may stem from poor technology or even a lack of expertise on the side of the third-party provider. Before you take on the next step of your business, it’s important that you fully understand the ins and outs of warehousing.

Advantages of Warehousing

From streamlining complex processes to ensuring proper storage, warehouses offer a sweeping list of benefits that help businesses. Here are a few reasons why retailers opt for outsourced warehousing:

  • Bigger storage space: Storage is one of the challenges experienced by retail businesses. The limited space on their site restricts business operations and growth. This is where warehouses come into action. Warehouses offer a solution to insufficient storage, providing enough space to keep a bigger inventory and various types of commodities under one roof.
  • Better stock management: Besides inventory accuracy, retail businesses need proper stock management for customer satisfaction and increased profit. Big warehouses streamline key processes through automated technologies, managing your inventory smoothly and resulting in seamless and more secure stock tracking. Better inventory tracking also impacts the overall efficiency of operations.
  • Efficient distribution and logistics: Apart from storage and stock management, retail warehouses regulate the transportation of raw materials and end products. They are capable of fulfilling and transporting orders to various locations, including the customer’s address. As such, warehouses contribute to the smooth operations of the supply chain.
  • Meeting customer demand: The centralization of inventory, seamless fulfillment of orders and efficient shipping of products allow businesses to satisfy customers. When you meet customer expectations, there is a higher chance of achieving business goals and growing your company.

Calculate Your Retail Warehouse Space Needs

Use our warehouse space calculator to find out how much storage you need.

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Cost Benefits of Warehousing for Medium-Sized Retail Businesses

Optimizing medium-sized retail businesses is easier with warehousing services. Here’s how warehousing impacts the financial aspect of the business:

  • Optimized storage space leads to cost savings. Removing large storage sections from your site creates a more conducive space for other business activities. That is why many companies opt for warehouses to maximize the storage space on their site for more relevant allocations. Storing stock in warehouses also means fewer expenses since you won’t have to build additional storage areas from scratch. You will only be paying storage fees and other costs to the warehouse, which requires less upfront capital.
  • Streamlined operations lead to reduced labor costs. Warehouses offer more than just product storage. Third-party logistics (3PL) is a more advanced retail warehousing solution that optimizes retail processes to improve the overall supply chain management. Trusted 3PL providers like Crown LSP Group come with an established network of distribution and fulfillment centers to streamline operations and reduce labor costs.
  • Bulk storage leads to reduced cost of goods. Medium-sized businesses with a more extensive influx of orders benefit from warehousing. Retail warehouses allow you to buy and store products in large quantities, which is advantageous for retailers. Bulk storage gives retailers better negotiation opportunities with suppliers. With better deals and reduced costs of goods, customers can enjoy increased product savings.
  • Enhanced customer service leads to stronger customer retention. All three benefits above empower you to deliver better customer service. When you fulfill the demands of your customers, it translates to better customer retention and increased profits.

Warehousing Vs. In-house Storage Cost Analysis

Whether you’re running an in-house storage space or hiring warehousing services, you will still incur costs, but to what extent? It’s crucial to compare the costs between the two in detail. Go through the pros and cons of each solution to help you make an informed decision.

In-house storage space

One of the main advantages of in-house storage is self-storage, which allows you to manage your stocks exclusively. It also means no rental costs. However, when your business starts to grow, it will come to a point where the cons will overshadow the pros. You will need more space to cater to your growing inventory to meet the demands of your customers. With no warehousing services to help you with order fulfillment, you take all the responsibility, from sorting orders to shipping packages.

Here are some other pros of in-house storage space:

  • Direct management of inventory
  • Complete control of storage design
  • No rental costs

There are also some cons of in-house storage space, namely:

  • Expensive storage expansion
  • Possible problem with space utilization

Warehousing services

The retail warehousing benefits are far-reaching, helping you streamline operations and satisfy customers. Most warehouses are situated near transportation hubs, improving the shipment of goods from suppliers to customers. Since you will not be taking care of the inventory, storage or distribution, hiring a warehouse service will enable you to prioritize more substantial operations within your company. All the repetitive tasks go to the third-party provider. More than that, you will save resources on costly storage expansions and additional labor costs.

Consider the pros of third-party warehousing:

  • Bigger storage capacity
  • Streamlined operations
  • Better inventory management
  • Efficient product distribution

The only con of partnering with a third-party warehousing company is paying rental expenses. However, these expenses are insignificant compared to the cost of maintaining your own warehouse and expanding your operations.

How to Select a Warehousing Service

When choosing a warehouse service, there are several factors to consider, including:

  • Location: The location of the warehouse plays a crucial role in streamlining operations. Pick a warehouse that is strategically located to save on transportation costs. The warehouse should be close to manufacturers and suppliers to reduce costs, time and effort. It’s also pivotal to consider the distance of the warehouse from your customers.
  • Technology: Technology matters. More than just picking a strategic location, technology influences the overall success of warehouse services. Consider a trusted retail warehouse equipped with modern technologies, such as barcode scanners, digital labels and WMS solutions. Warehouse automation is another key element that helps in inventory management and warehouse operations.
  • Scalability: The ability of the warehouse service to cater to your needs is as important as the location and technology they offer. Warehouses need to understand the unique needs of every business. They should be flexible to accommodate the differences in operational requirements and customers’ demands. When picking a warehouse, make sure you discuss what you want to achieve to avoid issues in the long run.
  • Value-added service: While warehouses generally focus on storage and inventory management, some established providers offer value-added services. For example, E-commerce fulfillment is highly beneficial to medium-sized businesses. This service allows you to shift the challenging operations of e-commerce to the experts, from managing inventory to fulfilling orders and handling returns.
  • Cost: The cost of warehousing takes on a series of factors, including the location, size, storage facility, labor and security. Technology and the cost of insurance also contribute to the overall pricing. Choose a third-party company that fits your budget.

Set Up Retail Warehouse With Crown LSP Group

For retail businesses, warehousing is truly a strategic business decision that improves operational efficiency and fulfills customer needs. You can count on us if you’re looking for a reliable warehouse partner. Crown LSP Group is your trusted 3PL provider that offers more than just warehousing services and inventory management. We handle logistics, transportation and even order fulfillment to simplify the entire process. Our extensive list of services gives you the opportunity to focus on more relevant business operations. Contact us today for all your warehousing needs and more.

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warehouse workers preparing a cross dock shipment

Common Industries That Use 3PL Services

August 3, 2023 John Griffin 3PL, E-commerce, Logistics, Order Fulfillment, Transportation, Warehousing

Partnering with an experienced third-party logistics (3PL) provider offers modern businesses many benefits, such as helping manage supply chain risks more effectively while enabling more efficiency. This strategy also helps support future growth by improving customer service and satisfaction.

Since this solution is useful for businesses across many industries, let’s explore what companies use 3PL, why and how.

E-Commerce and Retail

E-commerce skyrocketed during the pandemic, when shoppers didn’t have access to traditional marketplaces. In 2021, the industry generated over $5 billion in sales. The trend shows no signs of slowing as consumers continue to enjoy online shopping’s convenience. Economists predict the market will grow 56% by 2026 and generate over $8 billion in revenue.

This increase drives demand for e-commerce order fulfillment services and more efficient logistics. A 3PL partner can carry out tasks like last-mile delivery so that customer products arrive on time and in good condition, regardless of where they are. Plus, these providers can help with reverse logistics and returns processing to maintain great customer service.

Online retailers also rely heavily on their 3PL providers for inventory management solutions. The insights a 3PL firm provides into product stock let e-commerce pros know the status of the goods at a glance. As a result, companies get the data they need to place supply orders and schedule production to avoid stockouts, keeping their customers happier.

Third-party logistics companies help traditional retail stores support their operations, as well. Businesses providing 3PL solutions offer short-term storage and long-term warehousing services to meet seasonal demand changes. They also supply cost-effective solutions like cross-docking, simplifying goods distribution and increasing delivery speed.

Manufacturing and Distribution

Goods manufacturers and distributors face many pain points in the supply chain. Manual processes and in-house storage and shipping operations can be expensive, and inefficient transportation further increases operating costs. Effective raw material movement is vital to promoting continuous production and preventing downtime that may result in unsatisfied customers.

An experienced 3PL provider like Crown LSP Group is an ideal solution, serving as a strategic business partner that offers solutions such as:

  • Warehouse storage: We can accommodate your long- and short-term storage needs to help you gain the redundancy just-in-time manufacturing requires.
  • On-site warehousing services: Our team provides on-site operational support for your facilities, eliminating the high labor costs of staffing and managing it independently.
  • Transportation services: Crown LSP Group is an expert in freight brokerage and specialized shipping to help you cost-effectively ensure accurate and timely raw material deliveries.
  • Order fulfillment services: We streamline last-mile distribution with fast delivery that improves customer satisfaction and prevents you from having to hire and manage ground-level fleets countrywide.

We also offer end-to-end inventory management services that help you optimize your stock. Our technology includes automated solutions that end manual processes, boosting accuracy, visibility and time savings. Crown LSP Group has a demand forecasting system for better planning, as well.

Health Care and Pharmaceutical

The health care and pharmaceutical markets represent two of the most common types of companies that use third-party logistics to solve their unique challenges.

Health care and medical supply companies frequently serve worldwide markets where patient lives and clinical outcomes depend on timely deliveries. A delayed shipment can leave an organization without the necessary supplies to deliver care. Further, these products often need specialized shipping to protect them against potential damage during transport.

Experienced 3PL providers play a critical role in health care and medical logistics by helping solve these complex issues. Warehousing services keep products strategically located for faster order fulfillment, and transportation services like less-than-truckload shipping ensure quick delivery for smaller orders. Additional solutions, such as drayage shipping, keep intermodal journeys on schedule.

Pharmaceutical companies face similar challenges when storing and shipping essential medications and treatments. They frequently need controlled atmospheres to preserve product safety and integrity and cold chain solutions to maintain those conditions throughout shipping. Those who do business with the European Union must also follow the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) framework, which contains the minimum guidelines for the industry’s supply chain.

A knowledgeable and reliable 3PL firm can manage these complexities with services like temperature-controlled storage and transloading, supporting product safety and compliance.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage companies have numerous regulations applying to their supply chain management. For example, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires product traceability to help contain food-borne illness outbreaks. These businesses also need ways to manage stock rotation to ensure that products arrive fresh and safe for consumption.

Inventory management services from a 3PL provider solve these issues and support compliance. The right partner will have the technology to track goods at every step, like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and bar code systems. With real-time visibility, 3PL companies can also support just-in-time deliveries of perishable goods to cut waste and meet specific customer needs.

Food producers and distributors must focus on preserving their goods’ flavors and maintaining availability for out-of-season items, as well. This requirement often necessitates a well-controlled storage and shipping environment.

Full-service food and beverage logistics providers have solutions for these challenges, too. Temperature-controlled warehousing and specialized cold-chain shipping expertise help companies supply their customers with fast product delivery at the peak of freshness and taste while conforming to food safety laws.

Automotive and Transportation

Automotive and transportation professionals are among those who use 3PL services to drive organizational value. Thanks to the nature of their business, these companies serve multiple customers, from individual consumers to dealer partnerships.

The supply and distribution challenges of these companies include storing and shipping large, expensive items, smaller replacement components, and care or repair kits. The latter results in a greater need for inventory control to minimize waste, maximize efficiency and meet customer expectations for fast delivery.

An agile 3PL partner like Crown LSP Group has the expertise and resources to help with automotive logistics, with services like:

  • Short- and long-term warehousing: We’re close to the eastern North Carolina ports and can scale with your changing business needs.
  • Vehicle shipping: With our freight brokerage services, we leverage our relationships with a deep network of transportation partners to find you competitive rates for large deliveries.
  • Asset-based transportation: We can use our contacts for asset-based transportation services that provide the peace of mind of owner-operated equipment.
  • Kitting and assembly services: Our team adds extra value to the process with kitting and assembly services that improve the consumer experience.
  • Other value-added services: Crown LSP Group is also an expert in inventory management and rapid order fulfillment.

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Other Industries

Firms providing 3PL services customize their services to streamline storage and distribution operations for various other crucial economic sectors, including technology, energy, construction and fashion.

Construction and Engineering

A successful construction project requires numerous materials that often arrive from different suppliers at various locations. Seasoned 3PL providers can combine these deliveries to help ensure all materials come on-site together and are ready to use, which allows you to please clients with jobs that move forward on time.

Technology and Electronics

Modern technology is highly sensitive to damage during storage and transport. A 3PL provider understands what’s involved in protecting these delicate and often expensive goods. They take the extra steps to develop specialized storage and shipping strategies to safeguard the products.

Energy and Utilities

Oil, gas and other energy companies have multilayered, complex supply chains with many moving parts to coordinate. Partnering with a 3PL firm lets them outsource the variables to a knowledgeable business that provides access to the latest technology and support services, such as intermodal transportation expertise.

Fashion and Apparel

The fashion and apparel industry is a high-SKU, high-turnover environment. As a result, businesses in this field have frequently changing storage needs. A 3PL company offers flexible storage, fulfillment and inventory management based on individual needs, and these customized approaches allow businesses to use their resources more effectively.

Trust Crown LSP Group as Your 3PL Partner

Companies in many industries regularly turn to Crown LSP Group for tailored supply chain management solutions. From automotive and consumer packaged goods to life sciences and food, we help companies optimize efficiency and allow them to focus on their core operations.

Request a personalized quote, or contact a specialist online for more information.

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Understanding 3PL Warehousing Costs

May 23, 2023 John Griffin 3PL, Order Fulfillment, Warehousing

Third-party logistics (3PL) solutions are a value-added service for companies, including manufacturers, retailers and other businesses. Organizations often turn to us at Crown LSP Group to outsource warehousing and transportation services so they can focus on what they do best. Explore what you need to know about 3PL warehouse costs so you can get the most value for your budget.

Order Fulfillment Fees Explained

Understanding 3PL warehousing costs starts with considering the fees you might face when outsourcing the packing, picking, shipping and receiving of goods sent to fulfillment centers. These can include fees for warehousing and account setup in addition to the costs you’re paying for labor, storage space, services and more.

Warehousing fees are usually charged in one of the following ways:

  • Monthly flat fee: A 3PL might estimate your service costs based on your inventory and the services you may need and charge you the same fee every month. Flat fees make it easy to budget. This model is best if your order fulfillment needs change very little month over month.
  • Variable pricing: This pricing model is usually based on the cubic or square feet you use in storage, plus any service fees.
  • Rate card pricing: In this type of pricing model, you pay based on the weight of your inventory and where it is shipped. While this type of cost is associated in some warehousing fees, it is much more common in less-than-truckload shipping.

If you’re unsure about 3PL pricing and need to work with real numbers based on your current needs, Crown LSP Group can help. Our transparent and cost-effective solutions are flexible, so we can often find a great option for you that fits your budget. Contact us to talk about how much you may be able to save.

Calculate Your Warehouse Space Needs

Use our warehouse space calculator to find out how much storage you need.

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Common Types of 3PL Fees

Total 3PL costs can go beyond the price of storing, packing and shipping your products. The following fees are common, though what you pay will depend on your needs:

  • Transportation fees: These fees cover the cost of transportation for your inventory, from origin to destination. The fee is usually based on the weight or cubic feet of the products. If you’re forwarding products from one destination to another, additional fees may apply for unpacking, inspections, sorting and labeling.
  • Warehouse receiving fees: You will be responsible for fees charged by distribution centers or warehouses when they receive shipments from 3PLs.
  • Fulfillment center storage fees: Also known as an inventory storage fee, this is what you pay to store your products in a fulfillment center. The cost is usually based on the pallet space, cubic feet of storage space or bin space.
  • Pick and pack fees: These fees cover the cost of getting items from inventory and packaging them for shipment. Fees usually apply per item, and you can expect to pay extra for heavy or large items. If you have a large inventory, you may be able to seek a lower per-item rate.
  • Fulfillment fees: This is the shipping fee, which is often based on weight and volume. Sending inventory over long distances can also impact your rates.
  • Return fees: Also known as reverse logistics, these fees cover the costs incurred when a customer returns one of your products.
  • Inventory audit costs: You may pay this cost for an audit to make sure your records match your actual inventory. This additional fee is usually optional and can be helpful to ensure no mistakes have been made in shipping your products.
  • Kitting fees: These costs may apply if your shipments include a need for your 3PL to group or ship products together. For example, if you have a subscription box service, your 3PL team may build boxes every month by combining different products in one package. This assembly will cost an extra fee, which will depend on the number of products assembled as well as your order volume.
  • Setup fees: When you first start working with a 3PL provider, there may be a fee to open your account. The cost can vary depending on the services you need, the provider you’re working with and the size of your company. These one-time fees cover the admin and other costs associated with starting a new account.
  • Account management fees: These costs are ongoing and usually charged per month. The cost may vary depending on the 3PL service provider, your business needs and the services you are receiving. Account management fees cover the miscellaneous expenses not covered by other fees. For example, they can cover reporting, shipping labels, document storage and related costs.

Fees can vary widely, which is why you want to choose a 3PL service solution carefully. When you partner with Crown LSP Group, we provide bespoke solutions that meet your needs — so you don’t pay for services you don’t require. We’re also transparent about pricing, so you can budget accurately and understand any fees that apply.

Factors That Impact 3PL Costs

To keep 3PL costs low, it’s important to understand what could affect the price you pay:

  • Your 3PL provider: Every 3PL solution charges fees. Crown LSP Group is committed to saving you money and finding custom solutions that meet your service and budget needs. We’re your partner in offering value and exceptional services.
  • Special requirements: Unique needs, like eco-friendly packaging or special services for very heavy, large or fragile items, can affect your costs. Products that need special temperature control will also cost extra because of the added utility costs and special warehousing requirements. In general, the simpler your needs, the less you can expect to pay.
  • Distance: If your items need to travel far, prices may be higher — especially if your items need to pass through multiple hands or across international borders.
  • Services: The services you need beyond warehousing, such as assembly services, will affect your costs. Should you need fewer services, you can expect to pay less.
  • Volume and weight: Heavy and oversized inventory takes more space and is more difficult to move, so it typically incurs additional costs. The amount of inventory you have will also have a big impact on 3PL costs because volume determines how much storage or warehouse space you need.
  • Shipment volume and size: The number of shipments and orders will impact labor costs — and your fees. The average order size can impact your costs, too.
  • Hazardous materials: Hazardous materials need to be stored and shipped with extra caution and in special environments, which can add to your costs.
  • Special shipping considerations: Specialized transportation equipment incurs additional costs. If your inventory requires temperature-controlled trucks, for example, a fee may apply.
  • Inventory values and insurance needs: The value of your inventory can impact insurance costs and result in additional fees.
  • Stock rotation: If your inventory needs to be rotated, the extra work adds to labor costs and the amount you pay.
  • Cross-dock shipments: Cross-docking saves you time by allowing your inventory to move directly from one truck to another in the transportation process, reducing the amount of time your products spend sitting idle. This process is often an extra service with its own fees.
  • Other special considerations: Labor shortages, weather and other unpredictable events can all have an impact on costs and your shipments.

When considering 3PL costs, don’t forget to factor in what you’re saving by outsourcing. The costs of building warehouse space yourself or trying to maintain raw materials or finished products on your premises can add up.

Storing materials and products on-site can also increase your insurance costs and can harm your bottom line if anything gets damaged or goes missing. If you don’t have enough product to start manufacturing or shipping, the costs of keeping production lines idle can be significant — and unhappy customers who don’t get their items on time can slow your business growth. Keep in mind that you can save on these costs when you outsource 3PL solutions to a trusted provider.

Control Costs and Enjoy Quality 3PL Solutions With Crown LSP Group

Costs for 3PL service can vary widely depending on your service needs. At Crown LSP Group, we understand order fulfillment fees affect your bottom line. We offer custom solutions so we can bring you competitive pricing for the services you need.

Crown LSP Group is your partner in warehousing and transportation services. Contact us today to request a quote.

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How to Choose a Warehouse Location

How to Choose the Best Warehouse Location for Your Business

January 30, 2023 John Griffin 3PL, Warehousing

Selecting the right location for your company’s warehouse operations creates more affordable and efficient storage and shipping. Plus, the ideal site helps you meet customer expectations better, leading to higher satisfaction and a healthier bottom line.

Top 7 Considerations When Choosing a Warehouse Location

Here are seven practical warehouse location strategies to help you find the perfect spot for your business.

1. Check How Close You Are to Your Suppliers

The distance between you and your vendors contributes directly to your overhead and risk. The closer you are, the more money your company saves on freight. Plus, you’ll mitigate the risks associated with transportation disruptions, which can be especially impactful for perishable goods.

For example, if your company receives goods at ports in Norfolk, Charleston and Wilmington, one regional warehouse facility will likely serve your needs. Conversely, receiving goods in geographically diverse locations requires a different approach — multiple facilities closest to your receiving areas. You can save more time and money with numerous warehouses than you will by transporting your goods to one location farther away.

2. Map the Possibilities to Customer Locations

Proximity to your customers is equally as essential as being close to your suppliers.

Modern consumers have come to expect order fulfillment as quickly as possible. They want it to be economical, too. You generate additional customer loyalty and a competitive edge when you meet those demands. Locating a distribution channel nearby naturally reduces the time goods take to reach their destinations and the associated transportation cost.

If most of your customers are in the Southeast, a centralized storage and distribution facility in the region makes perfect sense. For customer bases throughout the country, investing in a multiwarehouse strategy is often the best solution. The lower fulfillment times create better customer experiences that can help offset any increased costs in the long term.

3. Evaluate Accessibility to Major Transportation Hubs

Regardless of which method you rely on most, you’ll want to be closest to it to boost your volumes and reduce costs.

For example, companies primarily using air cargo should look for space close to a major airport or with easy access via the local highway system. Those who depend heavily on less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation can save money with a warehouse located close to LTL carriers and common shipping lanes. E-commerce businesses can improve fulfillment with sites near major parcel centers.

Storage and distribution facilities close to multiple transportation options are essential if your company’s supply chain relies on intermodal shipping or transloading services.

4. Investigate Highway, Road and Traffic Conditions

In addition to proximity to major transportation hubs, you’ll also want to investigate the impact of local highway, road and traffic conditions.

How close is the potential site to major highway systems? Is there only one or two nearby, or is the area well-connected to numerous expressways that can facilitate multiple shipping lanes? You’ll also want to consider the typical traffic volume and busiest travel times. Shipments that are consistently delayed because of congestion drive up fuel costs and create a poor customer experience.

The local road conditions are also key. Substandard surfaces and improperly maintained roadways can create safety and accessibility issues. Likewise, evaluate accessibility regarding traffic signals. A well-placed site should have adequate red lights and cycle times to help control and improve the local traffic flow.

5. Examine the Markets and Local Factors

Ideally, your warehouse’s location should be close to the employees you’ll work with. Keep in mind that the surrounding area’s demographics impact the wages you’ll pay and the expertise available. If there aren’t enough skilled workers in the immediate area, your service levels may decline, and you might have higher labor costs to attract the most qualified talent.

There are two other vital local considerations — the rent costs and disruptive event potential. Some areas are more competitive than others, and comparing the higher price per square foot with the overall location benefits is crucial. Government incentives or favorable tax structures may help offset the increased expenses. Similarly, some regions have the built-in potential for significant natural events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, that you must evaluate for risk.

6. Assess Building Potential and Associated Costs

Before choosing your warehouse site, look closely at the building’s potential to scale with your company. Opting for a place in a crowded area only to find you can’t expand as your business grows means you’ll start the search for space from scratch. If no warehousing is available in the immediate area, relocation is a must, and the impact can waterfall. For example, your company may see an increase in employee turnover, leading to increased recruiting and training costs.

You’ll also want to pay careful attention to utility availability and costs. Most modern businesses need robust telecommunications solutions and internet access with the required speed and bandwidth. Consult with your IT professional to ensure the site meets or exceeds the demands of your particular technology and systems.

7. Know the Rules and Regulations

Weather events aren’t the only factor that can impact and disrupt your operations. Local rules and regulations may also come into play. For example, municipal laws may impose access limitations to particular areas on specific days or times.

They may also restrict vehicle sizes. Underpasses or bridges along the delivery lanes may have height or weight limitations. At best, these regulations cause a detour and delay. At worst, your goods are now in the back of a 13.5-foot-high tractor-trailer stuck under a 12.5-foot-high underpass.

Municipal legislation can pose another potential risk. Changes to existing laws or pushes to limit truck traffic could leave you scrambling for a new location at an inopportune time. Check to see if there are any pending measures before committing to a site.

Optimize Your Supply Chain with the Perfect Warehouse Location

 

Unlock unparalleled efficiency and productivity by selecting the perfect warehouse location for your supply chain.

 
Learn How We Can Help

Outsourcing vs. Buying Your Own Warehouse Locations

Perhaps the most important decision to consider when trying to find strategy warehousing locations is whether to outsource with a 3PL or purchase your own space.

Choosing to outsource your warehousing operations involves partnering with a third-party distribution company to handle your goods’ long- or short-term storage. This often comes with a contract warehousing agreement between you and the 3PL based on your distribution needs and the services required.

There are several reasons why choosing to outsource your warehouse location to a 3PL makes sense for your business. Here are some of the following benefits of this warehouse option:

  • Industry expertise and knowledge
  • Customized services and add-ons
  • Increased security and reliability
  • Ability to scale your business quickly
  • Keeps your operations cost efficient

That said, deciding to outsource or keep your warehouse locations in-house depends on whether you have the resources to purchase, rent or build a facility. Additionally, running a warehouse requires staffing and management, which will add to your overall cost of choosing to keep operations internal. Furthermore, if you calculate your warehouse size needs and find that your business will not fill an entire facility regularly, then choosing to outsource operations to a third-party is the most economical option to keeping costs down.

Partner With Crown LSP Group for Distribution Solutions

We’ve been eastern North Carolina’s choice for customized end-to-end distribution solutions since 1987. Our team is a trusted source for logistics, transportation, warehousing and value-added services.

Request a free quote online, or call an expert at 252-985-1070.

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Types of warehouse automation

Top Trends in Warehouse Automation for 2023

January 1, 2023 admin Warehousing

What Is Warehouse Automation?

Warehouse automation is the process of moving products into, out of and within a warehouse with minimal handling by people. Automation takes advantage of technology to complete repetitive tasks, track inventory and increase efficiency.

For example, an automated distribution center may use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to map inventory movements or locate goods. When a worker moves products from storage to shipping — or vice versa — automated trackers detect these changes. Once items pass by sensors, a software program automatically logs their journeys. As a result, stock counts are current and a warehouse operator can pinpoint product locations with a few clicks.

Today’s warehouse automation solutions offer significant benefits and options like robotics, blockchain technology, big data and more. These alternatives enable businesses to lower expenses, improve productivity, advance safety and maintain accurate records.

Benefits of Using Automation in Warehouse Operations

Automating warehouse operations provides businesses with advantages like reduced outlays, efficiency, security and more informative stock logs.

Lower Costs

A primary benefit of automating a distribution center is its direct impact on a business’s bottom line. Investments in automating technology lower a company’s overhead by replacing inefficient human processing with advanced solutions. As a result, labor costs and energy usage decrease. Options like automatic product retrieval enhance revenue by reducing picking errors and the time associated with manual methods.

Higher Workforce Productivity and Safety

Attract and retain the best in industry talent by embracing technology options that increase employee satisfaction and workplace safety. Automation solves heavy lifting and repetitive motion challenges, reducing injury risk and increasing output.

Crown LSP Group provides comprehensive on-site warehouse services in your facility with crews experienced in the latest automation technology.

Inventory Accuracy Increases

Using automation for your warehouse stock optimizes your efforts to support your customers. Robust applications track, pick and ship products with greater accuracy, simplifying inventory management and auditing. Crown LSP Group offers integrated warehouse management systems with our customized storage solutions to help your company capture these benefits.

benefits of using automation in warehouse operations

Types of Warehouse Automation and AI

Warehouse automation examples span the landscape, from robotic options to devices that communicate online to analytical data and blockchain technology.

Robotics

Robotic warehouse automation has grown significantly recently, for good reason. These solutions help improve job satisfaction and productivity while reducing errors. Common types of robotic automation include:

  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): Many use AGVs for goods transportation, either moving products between storage locations or from one department to another. These robotics require assistance with movement execution, usually via preprogrammed pathways.
  • Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS): This complete system processes the entire order from picking to delivery. Since workers remain stationary, AS/RS automation delivers safety and efficiency with little potential for error.
  • Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs): These robots are more complex machinery, able to undertake movement on their own using sensors and maps. Their advanced programming makes them ideal for inventory scanning and tracking applications.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology rose to fame with the advent of Bitcoin as a secure method to link blocks of data together and prevent alteration. In warehouse applications, blockchain joins various stakeholders along the supply chain with an accessible, secure platform for management and communication.

The technology pairs well with the Internet of Things (IoT) to check conditions at different points along a product’s journey, creating an immutable ledger. Blockchain can also ease vendor payments via its Smart Contract functionality. For example, once a distribution center receives goods and confirms their condition, the purchasing agent verifies it through the system. The embedded code then self-executes and releases payment directly on the blockchain, completing settlement quickly and with high degrees of transactional security.

IoT

Robotics represents only one component of the IoT. Many other devices — such as sensors, GPS units and temperature-monitoring equipment — fall into this category. Other typical connected device applications include:

  • Employee monitoring: Outfitting employees with wearable IoT devices allows center management to gather production data, pinpoint worker locations and provide extra safety measures, such as alerting the employer to a fall.
  • Equipment maintenance: Smart equipment uses an internet connection to report its condition. These machines can issue scheduled upkeep reminders and send error codes directly to qualified personnel for faster repair service.
  • Transportation: One of the most vital segments of the supply chain gets a big boost from IoT in GPS devices. These units ensure a driver follows the most efficient travel routes and provides real-time arrival estimates for better inventory management. Partner with Crown LSP Group for comprehensive transportation services with the latest in IoT transportation technology.

Big Data

Big data helps more than retail organizations — it supports best inventory management practices in warehousing. Ways analytics benefit the inventory management process include:

  • Demand prediction: Rely on customer behavior metrics to more accurately anticipate and adjust to shifts.
  • Efficiency boosts: Use your analytics to identify underperforming employees or machinery.
  • Replenishment management: Examine overstocked and understocked items to effectively manage product availability and turnover.
  • Loss prevention: Investigate and prevent shrinkage by using metrics to pinpoint the locations that need more security measures.
  • Recall acceleration: Get proactive with product recalls by using data to track inventory from its production to the end-user, enabling quicker contact and better brand perception.

Conclusion

Available options for automation and AI in warehouse operations today include big data analysis, blockchain programs, robotics, and the IoT. The advantages of an automated warehouse provide significant opportunities for businesses to increase their workers’ production, maintain a safer work environment and improve recordkeeping while lowering costs.

Crown LSP Group welcomes the challenge of devising an ideal solution to your business’s warehousing needs. We’re a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience as a full-service third-party logistics partner. Discover how our expertise benefits your organization’s bottom line while solving supply chain issues. Contact a Crown LSP Group representative today and experience what a can-do attitude can do!

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How to Calculate Warehouse Space Needs

December 7, 2022 John Griffin 3PL, Warehousing

When you need to store inventory, whether for a short amount of time or in the long term, you must know how much warehouse space you need. If you overestimate, you’ll end up spending more than necessary. If you underestimate, you may not have enough room for all of your inventory.

Learn how to calculate warehouse space so you can find the right storage solution or contract warehouse for your needs.

    Calculate Your Needed Warehouse Space

    Warehouse Space Needed (sq ft)


    Now that you have an estimate of your warehouse space requirements, reach out to us online for your free quote.

    Request a Quote

     

    Warehouse Space Requirements

    Your company can sell or manage similar products to those of another business and still have differing warehouse needs. When calculating how much space you need in a warehouse, consider the following factors:

    • Pallet size: Pallets come in a range of standard sizes, with the most common being 48 inches by 40 inches. Square pallets are also available. Pallet size influences how much room your inventory needs on a warehouse shelf.
    • Number of pallets: You also need to know the number of pallets you have to store — or at least an estimate of the number of pallets.
    • Stacking height: You can stack pallets on top of each other to maximize vertical space. Keep in mind that stacks that are too tall can topple. It’s essential to know the allowable stacking height, which is based on guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The stacking height varies based on the size of the pallets, the materials being stored and pallet weight.
    • Warehouse space utilization: The layout of your inventory in a warehouse also influences the amount of space you need. Warehouse space utilization refers to how efficiently you make use of the area in a facility. It can be affected by factors that are beyond your control, such as the shape of your inventory.

    Warehouse Space Utilization Explained

    Warehouse space utilization shows how much of the storage area in a warehouse is used. It’s the ratio of space in use compared to available storage space. A ratio of 100% would mean that all of the usable room in the warehouse is filled to capacity.

    The ideal warehouse space utilization ratio for you depends on several factors. These include the shape of your inventory, its ability to stack, the expiration dates and the number of products you have. Some common ratios include:

    • 40%: Products that can’t stack neatly or that form unusual shapes on a pallet will naturally take up more space in a warehouse. You’ll need more room to maneuver around the products when picking them, so you won’t be able to use as much of the available space.
    • 50%: Some types of products have expiration dates, such as food or cosmetics. You need to be aware of the dates on these products and send the older ones out first. A maximum space utilization ratio of 50% should allow for adequate space to maneuver around your inventory and turn it correctly. If the products don’t stack neatly, you’ll need a lower ratio.
    • 60%: Your space utilization ratio can be slightly higher if your products turn frequently but don’t have expiration dates. The 60% ratio is also ideal for companies that have multiple product types and up to 100 stock-keeping units (SKUs).
    • 70%: If you have up to 100 SKUs that don’t have expiration dates and turn up to six times per year, you can use up to 70% of the space in the warehouse.
    • 80%: Companies that only have a few SKUs that don’t expire and don’t have much turnover can use up to about 80% of warehouse space without issue.

    Note that you never want your warehouse space utilization ratio to be 100%. The higher the ratio, the harder it is for staff to move around the warehouse and pick products.

    How to Calculate Warehouse Capacity

    A warehouse space calculator will quickly crunch the numbers for you to let you know the area you need based on the number of pallets you have to store, the size of the pallets and your preferred utilization ratio. You can also do the math yourself to determine your storage needs. Follow these steps:

    • Add up the number of pallets you have to store. You can estimate this number if you’re not sure of the exact amount.
    • Divide the pallet number by the stacking height. If you plan to stack two pallets on top of each other, divide by two. If you can’t stack pallets at all, divide by one.
    • Calculate the square footage of the pallets. Multiply pallet width by length — often 48 inches by 40 inches — to find the square footage. If you’re using inches, remember to divide the product by 12 to convert it to feet.
    • Multiply the stacking height by the square footage. If you have 16 48-by-40-inch pallets that you can stack two high, multiply eight by 160 to get 1,280.
    • Divide by your desired warehouse utilization ratio. In this example, use a utilization ratio of 50%. The solution to 1,280 divided by 50% is 2,560 square feet.

    When deciding how much warehouse storage space you need, give yourself room to grow. If you plan on adding more product types or storing more inventory in the future, increase the number of pallets in your calculation or adjust your utilization ratio accordingly.

    We Can Help You Determine How Much Warehouse Space You Need

    When estimating warehouse space, it is important to note that every scenario is different depending on the needs of your business. What’s more, each business warehouse capacity can vary depending on different factors, such as the type of inventory or the demand for your products.

    While the requirements and process above are a good benchmark, it is best to work with an experienced warehousing professional to determine the appropriate amount of space you need. At Crown LSP, we can help you figure out an accurate warehouse utilization ratio and offer solutions to best store your business’s inventory.

    Outsource to a 3PL and Optimize Your Warehouse Space

     

    Take the leap towards warehouse space optimization by partnering with a trusted 3PL.

    Learn How We Can Help

    Contact Crown LSP Group for Warehousing Services

    Crown LSP Group is a distribution solutions company that offers contract warehousing arrangements. We can provide custom and standard arrangements based on your company’s needs. You can lease an entire warehouse facility or a designated area on a short- or long-term basis. To discuss your warehouse storage needs and request a quote, contact us today.

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    benefits of a 3pl

    Benefits of a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider

    July 21, 2022 John Griffin 3PL, Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing

    Managing warehousing, order fulfillment, and logistics operations for your business can be challenging and leave you with less time to focus on expanding your customer base. One crucial element of any business is the ability to adapt and remain agile in ever-changing market conditions to meet consumer demand.

    Outsourcing these important tasks to a third-party company will give you more time to spend on activities that are crucial to your business growth, such as streamlining your operations and building your reputation. Supply chain management is a necessity for your organization. Using third-party logistics can make these specific responsibilities less complicated, empowering you to innovate and take your business to the next level.

    Let’s review some third-party logistics examples and how to choose a 3PL provider that fits your unique business needs.

    What Is Third-Party Logistics (3PL)?

    Third-party logistics (3PL) is the process of hiring a third-party business to outsource e-commerce logistics tasks to manage one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. Some of these tasks include:

    • Warehousing
    • Storing
    • Distribution
    • Inventory management
    • Transportation services
    • Shipping and receiving

    A 3PL company provides all the services you need to outsource your logistics operations and streamline your processes to expand your business and deliver your products to your customers faster. It’s common for 3PL warehouses to manage and ship inventory of multiple businesses at once in addition to their own inventory.

    All 3PL companies specialize in different types of fulfillment for various materials, goods, and products. Some 3PLs offer different warehousing services for temperature-controlled goods and long-term needs. Many businesses will use a 3PL company to help them identify gaps in their supply chains. A 3PL company can also resolve challenges with comprehensive solutions and efficiently carry out tasks that make businesses more agile.

    Working with an outsourced logistics provider is a partnership that allows you to spend more time growing your business and accessing the most effective methods for delivering orders to your customers.

    What Is the Role of 3PLs in the Supply Chain?

    3PL companies take on a critical, multi-purpose role in the supply, which is helping their customers grow their business and achieve sustainability while maximizing their benefits. Supply chain management covers many elements, as we briefly mentioned before, that primarily fall under logistics operations.

    These operations include:

    • Logistics planning
    • Material procurement
    • Product sourcing
    • Maintaining inventory

    Let’s give you an example of the role 3PL plays in the supply chain. Suppose a shipping company wants to expand its reach internationally but doesn’t know how to start the process. They decide to work with experienced professionals and hire a 3PL company to help them ship their goods. The 3PL partner will find the best carrier and shipping rates and manage the paperwork for the shipping company.

    When the products are ready to be shipped, the 3PL partner will pick up the overseas order, book the carrier and deliver the goods. They also manage every other aspect of the shipping process, such as dealing with customs and ensuring your customers receive their orders.

    Some 3PL companies also cover warehousing and fulfillment needs for businesses that require faster deliveries. Those providing these services will use innovative technology and software to find the most efficient delivery routes to maximize cost and time, helping businesses meet their supply chain goals.

    Advantages of Working With a 3PL

    Outsourcing fulfillment services to a 3PL provides endless benefits. Though every 3PL company varies slightly in its capabilities and advantages, they will help you maximize profitability by offering solutions for managing your inventory, packaging, shipping, and warehousing activities.

    1. Cost and Time Savings

    3PLs eliminate the need for renting a warehouse and paying for logistics and technology needed for fulfillment. Outsourcing these tasks also frees up more time on your end to focus on strategic initiatives.

    cost and time savings of working with a 3pl

    2. Industry Experience and Expertise

    Relying on logistics and shipping professionals with more technical resources can give you access to the latest industry knowledge, trends, and complexities.

    3. Flexibility and Ability to Scale

    If you’re only selling your products in a limited region, working with a 3PL partner can help you expand your reach and access an expansive network of fulfillment centers to ship out orders from different shipping zones, allowing you to reach more customers.

    4. Allows for Your Business to Grow

    If your business does suddenly expand or has an increase in consumer demand, a 3PL partner can help you grow your business and handle operations to meet your goals.

    5. Provides a Better Customer Experience

    With access to the most advanced technology, tracking, operational transparency, and fulfillment solutions, a 3PL partner can ensure you deliver superior customer service every time.

    6. Innovation in the Supply Chain

    Outsourcing fulfillment means taking advantage of the competitive innovations a 3PL partner can offer for streamlining operations, such as additional offerings and services to improve supply chains and delivery methods. A 3PL partner like Crown LSP Group offers value-added services, including cross-docking and transloading to speed up delivery times and provide more flexibility.

    7. Mitigates Risk

    Your 3PL fulfillment partner will manage potential risks and maintain quality assurance for safety and damage. With someone to take responsibility for the detailed processes in your supply chain, you will feel a significant weight lifted off your company’s shoulders.

    Considerations When Choosing a 3PL 

    When choosing a 3PL company, keep in mind that you want to work with a partner who prioritizes operational efficiency, business relationships, safety, and the latest technology. Here are some things to consider before you choose a 3PL partner.

    1. Reliability

    Your 3PL partner should be able to handle disruptions, unexpected technical problems, and scheduling issues. It’s important to learn if they have a history of financial and relationship stability during an economic disturbance.

    2. Customer Service

    Confirm if the 3PL partner can match your communication needs. Do they have the ability to maintain professionalism and adequate responsiveness with accurate information? Can they identify issues and resolve them?

    3. Safety Procedures

    Your 3PL partner should have strict safety policies and procedures in place to protect assets, financial information, and personnel that they regularly update with the latest compliance regulations. They should also practice warehouse safety, particularly when dealing with heavy or hazardous goods.

    4. Customization

    Find out if the 3PL company provides customized solutions to integrate with your supply chain to help maintain long-term operations, quality of service, and efficiency.

    5. Location

    Verifying your 3PL company’s location will give you insight into their major shipping hubs and highways that can help you expand your customer base.

    6. Technology and Automation

    A strong 3PL company will have the latest updated logistics software and IT capabilities to help you make quick, informed decisions and enhance efficiency for your customers.

    7. Experience and Reputation

    A company’s reputation will tell you many things about how they run its operations. A 3PL company should prioritize its employees, vendors, and carriers to build a respectable and trustworthy reputation. Analyze the 3PL company’s relationships and see if they maintain a strong industry standing.

    Choose Crown LSP as Your 3PL Provider

    Trusting your business operations with an experienced 3PL partner enables you to focus on management processes with confidence knowing your facility’s operations are in expert hands. When you choose Crown LSP Group as your 3PL services provider, you get flexible, scalable solutions to meet your supply chain challenges and trusted personnel to manage your day-to-day operations.

    As a distribution solutions company, we know every customer has unique needs. We will adjust and customize our operations to bring you cost savings and operational efficiency, giving you more time to focus on what you do best. We are ready to help you create a customized warehousing and transportation solution and get you moving forward.

    For more information about our 3PL services, get in touch with us or request a quote today.

    contact Crown LSP Group for 3pl services

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    How Does Pick and Pack Fulfillment Work?

    July 1, 2022 admin Logistics, Order Fulfillment, Warehousing

    Fulfilling orders placed by your customers involves multiple processes associated with both receiving and shipping customer orders. Picking and packing is one of the earliest and most essential processes in order fulfillment. If you own a small business or an e-commerce company, you may be wondering how outsourcing the warehouse pick and pack process can benefit your operations.

    Logistics companies can promise speed and efficiency because of the pick and pack process. But before you outsource this crucial process, you should understand pick and pack fulfillment, learn some picking and packing best practices and know the benefits of e-commerce pick and pack fulfillment.

    Continue reading to learn more about pick and pack fulfillment with Crown LSP Group.

    What Is Pick and Pack Fulfillment?

    The pick and pack process is a part of the supply chain — the process that moves goods from the supplier or retailer to the customer. Picking and packing in a warehouse is the process that takes place after orders are placed at a store online. The fulfillment center finds products from shipments and re-packages them for distribution.

    • Picking: Warehouse picking means using a picking list for identifying and retrieving the right quantities of every product from the facility.
    • Packing: Packing means placing items in the correct box and choosing the appropriate documentation and packing materials. The package is then ready for labeling and shipping.

    Pick and pack fulfillment is popular among internet or e-commerce businesses with customers across the nation or even around the world.

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    Types of Pick and Pack Strategies

    As your company grows, you may need to adopt other strategies for picking and packing your orders. A warehouse that offers pick and pack services should use best practices and strategies that reduce errors and returns and save you money. These strategies include piece picking, zone picking, batch picking and wave picking.

    Piece Picking

    This picking and packing method is pretty straightforward — warehouse workers pick each item for an order by hand as they are received. The worker will take the order’s packing slip and move around the warehouse to pick the order’s items off the shelves. After the worker finds every item for the order, they will take the items to the packing station. There, the order will be packed for shipping.

    For small businesses that receive just a few orders each day, piece picking may be the easiest strategy to use for picking and packing.

    Zone Picking

    For the zone picking method, areas of the warehouse are divided into zones. Workers assigned to these zones pick items from the assigned areas. If the order calls for items from multiple zones, workers pass items from one zone to another. Once an order moves through every zone where the items on the packing slip are, the order will go to the packing station.

    This method is best for larger fulfillment centers. Since complex coordination is required for this method, you’ll need warehouse management software.

    Batch Picking

    The batch picking method refers to picking orders in batches rather than individually. This strategy is most efficient if you have a large number of orders. Every batch is comprised of items located within the same zone of the warehouse. Warehouses utilize the batch picking method so pickers have the most efficient path possible through the facility. This saves time that would otherwise be spent walking back and forth, so orders will be packed and shipped faster.

    Batch picking can be an effective picking and packing strategy for businesses of all sizes. All of the orders can be picked at one time every day, so this method will be more efficient than the piece picking method, which involves picking the items for each order as you receive them.

    Wave Picking

    Wave picking combines the zone picking and batch picking methods. For this strategy, employees stay in a designated area but pick orders in batches in those zones rather than picking items for a single order at a time. The batch is then passed to the next area in the warehouse for picking.

    Benefits of Pick and Pack Fulfillment

    Should your business implement pick and pack fulfillment into your operations? To help you make your decision, consider the benefits of pick and pack fulfillment:

    • Cost-effectiveness: Pick and pack fulfillment can handle any order, so you can avoid minimum order charges. Additionally, items don’t need to be gathered from various storage facilities. This practice reduces time and costs associated with labor, streamlining the process and making it more cost-effective.
    • Quicker turnaround: Another benefit of pick and pack fulfillment is the increased packing and shipping speed. Orders will arrive to customers sooner with pick and pack methods that utilize organized and well-managed handling strategies. Warehouse employees will be trained to work efficiently and will know what goods to search for to fulfill orders and how to pack these items properly to prevent damage.
    • Organization: Any successful pick and pack system relies on an organized warehouse. Groups of items will be clearly labeled to make workers’ jobs easier and every worker will know where to find the items they need, avoiding wasted time.
    • Customer satisfaction: When performed correctly, pick and pack fulfillment ensures orders are filled properly and reach customers on time and without damage. When you work with a pick and pack company, you won’t have to worry about the wrong items being sent to your customers. Properly trained workers and an organized warehouse will ensure orders are accurate and your customers are satisfied with their experience.
    • Efficiency: A proper process for picking and packing streamlines order fulfillment by removing the middleman needed when items are collected from various storage facilities before being sent to another location for packing and labeling. This makes the entire process more efficient.

    Pick and pack fulfillment can help your business manage order fulfillment and increase profitability. To enjoy these benefits, you should work with a company that provides pick and pack services.

    Choose Crown LSP for Pick and Pack Service

    At Crown LSP Group, we provide distribution and supply chain solutions, regardless of whether we’re warehousing raw materials or finished goods. In the current environment, many companies realize they need more safety stock beyond what they were previously keeping on hand, which is where our services come in. Additionally, our transportation department can provide shuttle service from the customer’s facility to Crown LSP Group and vice versa.

    We are a proud, family-owned third-party logistics provider that is happy to offer flexible and scalable solutions to our customers. If you are interested in outsourcing picking and packing services, request a quote from Crown LSP Group today.

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