In the world of logistics, time is money. Save a few minutes at key stages in your stock's journey and inevitably overall costs will be reduced. Whether it’s through racking design that ensures seamless stock movement in the warehouse, making the process of locating pallets simpler or a number of other measures, it can all help.
As demand intensifies and customers want orders within shorter timescales, it’s natural the industry has seen a significant transformation. One of these is the rise of last-mile delivery hubs.
What is last-mile delivery?
Last-mile delivery hubs are units located in strategic points that act as intermediary points between the distribution warehouse and the final stage in the supply chain – the customer.
Without last-mile hubs, orders usually leave the main warehouse with lorries making multiple stops to fulfil orders. With last-mile delivery, stock is transferred from the distribution centre to smaller microhubs (link to blog) located closer to the customer. These hubs usually hold high turnover stock selected to meet local demand. As their name suggests these facilities have a much smaller physical footprint which opens up opportunities to locate them anywhere, from unused business parks, spaces in existing stores and even parking lots.
Overcoming Last-Mile Challenges with Racking Solutions
One of the big challenges usually found when running last-mile delivery is associated costs such as storage requirements, transport and labour. Incorrect management of the micro-hub and process can easily see costs soar with any profitability gained by responding quickly to customer orders rapidly diminished.
This is where the setup and design of a last-mile facility can help, with racking systems playing a pivotal role in addressing common challenges.
- Optimise the space
It goes without saying that the footprint of your micro-hub is small which places limitations on stock capacity. You can easily get around this problem by installing a racking design and system that has the ability and flexibility to work within the parameters of the building. Get this right and not only will it fill every inch but will also enable an efficient flow of stock.
- Streamline processes
When storing stock in a mega shed warehouse, your logical step is to place frequently accessed products close to packing bays. Although space is limited within a micro-hub, you should still adopt this strategy. However, it does require planning by experts who understand how to overcome potential issues such as utilising the space into zones for specific roles to allow stock movement to work in cohesion. They will also address how you can enhance racking or shelving functionality by incorporating accessories that maximise the shelf space such as shelf dividers for varying SKUs or pick bins.
- Choose the right racking
With last-mile solutions, the inventory is usually high-turnover stock items which require racking solutions that meet these demands such as solutions like our pallet live, and carton live racking can help. They work on a FIFO or FILO strategy with gravity-fed mechanisms bringing the stock to minimise pick time.
- Adapt to Seasonal Fluctuations
The requirements of your last-mile depot are bound to change and your storage layout needs the ability to respond to these seasonal peaks. To achieve this, you need flexible storage systems such as our modular racking and shelving systems which you can configure to ensure the warehouse remains agile.
- From central hub to last mile depot
Connectivity between the central hub and the last mile depot is essential. Whether you’re looking for pallet racking, industrial shelving or lockers to keep belongings safe, creating a commonality between the two locations will make processes and efficiencies align.
As the largest UK manufacturer of storage solutions, we can deliver whatever you need, from a mega shed to micro-hubs through our industry-leading brands. We have over 70 years of experience in creating bespoke solutions specifically catered for each unique situation, so you know we’ll be able to find the best system for whatever space you have.
Why not get in touch with our experts and we’ll be able to find the perfect solution for you and your business needs?
