Solving Supply Chain Challenges with Third-Party Storage

In today’s complex business environment, there is no shortage of challenges in managing supply chains efficiently. Whether you’re a retailer, a manufacturer or an e-commerce business, the supply chain landscape is constantly evolving and with the next emerging trend never far away, it can easily compromise your timings and costs.

Whilst the self-sufficiency of managing everything in-house might initially appear like a sensible strategic option, it can infact hinder, particularly if your brand is growing and trying to conquer new markets. Some common pain points and how they can be solved through third-party storage are:

1. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
   You’re struggling to manage inventory during peak seasons without overstocking during slower periods.
   Solution: Utilise flexible storage options that allow you to scale your inventory up or down as needed, ensuring you’re always prepared for seasonal demand without the burden of year-round overhead.
2. High Fixed Costs
   The expenses associated with maintaining your own warehouse facility are eating into your profits.
   Solution: Convert fixed costs into variable costs by using third-party storage, paying only for the space and services you need, when you need them.
3. Lack of Technological Infrastructure
   You find the implementation and maintenance of cutting-edge inventory management systems costly and complex.
   Solution: Benefit from advanced inventory management systems without the investment. Look for providers offering real-time tracking and reporting to keep you informed and in control.
4. Geographic Limitations
   Your current storage solution isn’t optimally located for efficient distribution.
   Solution: Choose a storage facility strategically located near major transportation routes to ensure faster, more cost-effective distribution across your target markets.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Challenges
   Keeping up with changing regulations and compliance requirements is time-consuming and risky.
   Solution: Partner with logistics experts who stay up-to-date with relevant regulations, ensuring your storage and distribution processes are always compliant and giving you peace of mind.
6. Scalability Issues
   Your business is growing, but your current storage solution can’t keep up.
   Solution: Opt for third-party logistics providers with abundant space and flexible options that can accommodate your growth seamlessly, allowing you to scale up or down without the constraints of a fixed warehouse size.
7. Supply Chain Visibility
   Lack of real-time insights into inventory levels and movement is causing inefficiencies and stockouts.
   Solution: Implement advanced inventory management systems that provide 24/7 visibility into your stock levels and movements, enabling data-driven decision-making and proactive inventory management.
8. Multimodal Shipping Complexity
   You find the coordination between different shipping modes is complicated and time-consuming.
   Solution: Leverage the partnership and expertise of a third-party supply chain expert in multimodal freight for seamless shipping, all managed from a single point of contact.

Third-Party Storage Space is a Comprehensive Solution to Many Logistics Challenges

Storage providers like Ziegler are evolving beyond simple warehousing to become integral extensions of client’s business operations. Through value-added services such as EDI integration, individual order fulfilment and D2C shipping, a seamless integration with your processes is possible, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. In turn, a third-party storage provider becomes so much more than just a warehouse – they become a strategic partner in your supply chain, allowing you to focus on core business activities while knowing that your logistics needs are in capable hands.

When choosing a third-party logistics provider, consider not just their storage capabilities, but also the range of value-added services they offer and how well they can integrate with your existing business processes. The right provider will act as a seamless extension of your own operations, contributing to your overall business success.

Download our FREE e-book “Future-Proofing Your Warehouse Requirements”

Discover emerging trends in warehousing, understand how to prepare for your future storage needs and find out more on why you should consider partnering with a third-party supplier for your storage needs.

We’ve put together this guide to help you evaluate your current supply chain and establish if there are ways to elevate your growth trajectory.

To get access to it, click the link: lp.zieglergroup.com/uk/futureproof-warehouse-requirements