Warehousing and Distribution Trends to Watch in 2024
Whether it’s increased security, shorter transit times, or more cost-effective solutions, logistics customers continuously look for ways to ship their products faster, cost-effectively, and safely. Increasing customer satisfaction is the top priority in a competitive warehouse and distribution environment which means staying ahead of the trends.
To avoid being left behind, third-party logistics (3PL) companies must recognize and accommodate the trends that will dominate 2024 and explore ways to improve operations and offerings, ensuring continued client satisfaction.
Upcoming Warehousing and Distribution Trends for 2024
Improved Warehouse Security
Warehouses store valuable freight, making them an ideal target for theft. And, as manufacturers look to outsource more of their distribution supply chain and receivers increasingly rely on a smooth and efficient supply chain, improving warehousing physical and data security measures is a necessity, not a perk. Expect to see more attention on securing facilities and data in 2024, particularly more emphasis on secure internal processes and new cyber software investments to repel cyber attacks.
Safety features built into the warehouse will further ensure product integrity. For example, innovative dock and door designs, card control access, and high-def cameras inside and outside the facility help properly secure the building during and after hours.
Shared Freight and Shared Costs
Dividing and conquering the supply chain is increasingly popular with manufacturers and processors looking to reduce shipping costs. Shared services in transportation and shared space in public warehousing is more cost effective than paying for and possibly not using or needing either the entire truck or a dedicated building.
Clients who choose 3PL freight consolidation services enjoy lower costs overall. With a reliable logistics provider, they can ship LTL orders on a more dependable schedule, avoiding the price tags of full-truckload shipments (FTL).
Increased Visibility and Communication
2024 sees customers expecting improved communication and visibility from their logistics partners. Clients want to have the status of their orders available at each touch point of the fulfillment process.Warehouses and carriers must collect data and ensure they have a comprehensive communication platform to share information not only with their customers but also with the other supply chain providers engaged in handling that particular order.
More logistics providers will invest in communication systems and customer portals to ensure robust end-to-end contact with their customers, providing visibility to inventory and orders. Learn more about ABW’s communication systems and how we prioritize our uninterrupted services for our clients.
Warehouse Management Systems
Streamlining the planning, tracking, and storage of products is necessary to cost effective warehouse operations and timely reporting of inventory and order status. The Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is the driver of warehouse operations and customer reporting. A good WMS provides real-time visibility to a customer’s orders, special requirements, and shipping operations. Warehouse management software is a requirement for all successful 3PL warehouse providers.
Atlanta Bonded Warehouse operates its multi-client or dedicated warehousing facilities using a Tier One WMS, but to offer flexibility, we also work with clients’ proprietary WMS if they prefer.
Choose a Warehousing and Distribution Partner That Stays Ahead
Give your supply chain the best tools you can find by choosing a distribution partner who knows the importance of staying on top of industry trends while remaining dedicated to building lasting partnerships with businesses and people.
Atlanta Bonded Warehouse has developed lasting relationships with customers for over 70 years. If you’re looking for a trusted 3PL service provider, contact us and speak to a team member for more information.