As a logistics manager one always needs to be a breast of the economic news of the day. One interesting article that I was able to examine (Logisticsmgmt.com)speaks to the fact that there are mixed results with regards to a survey taken on the subject of warehouse expansion.
In essence the article states that there is a mix bag with regards to expansion, the numbers indicate that there is a slow and conservative approach to warehouse expansion, and that most of the logistical world is still cautious to really spend any money’s for expansion.
Equipment will always need to be maintained in order for the warehouse to perform at the expected rate. However, there is a fine line between regular maintenance and expansion, or adding value to the warehouse with regards to innovation. So in today’s economy where is the line found? I know that I prefer to be a “prospector” with regards to warehouse improvement. What I mean to say is that I think that the pretenders have been falling by the way side in this economy, and I am not a pretender.
I want to ensure the future as well as protect the present, a warehouse cannot be behind in technology, equipment, or engineering. In this Über competitive economic climate, a modern warehouse must embrace not just the latest’s tech, but also shrewdly control costs. Ironically I have found that costs control is a direct result of innovation. We as logistical managers must become more acquainted with the economics of the day, and realize that there is no time to be stagnate with regard to balancing warehouse improvement, against economic pressures.
Stay competitive,
Terry Hatchett