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  • Your Guide to Finding the Best Warehouse Location

    Finding the best facility to house your first warehouse is a huge milestone to hit as a small business owner. However, it’s important to make the right decision. When considering the right warehouse space for your business, here are three important factors to consider.

    Location

    One of the most important factors is going to be the location where your inventory is stored. You need to think about your proximity to your suppliers, as well as your customer base. For some, this may be a coastal location that can yield significant savings in terms of shipping costs, for others it brand perception might be another consideration. For example, an apparel company may have reasons to wanting to link their company image to California or New York. Other organizations may simply want aspace close to their home, easy access to unloading and loading, and convenient means of shipping.

    Price

    While you might be thinking that a warehouse on the coast is ideal, coastal locations come with higher real estate prices. This might make sense for companies that ship in high volumes, but labor costs should also be taken into account. Some states have higher desirable cost of living and therefore more wage and hour laws that are more desirable. For some businesses, warehouses on the outskirts of a small town might be more reasonable. Even within a state, labor costs and real estate prices fluctuate. State sales tax and tax incentives should also be taken into consideration.

    Size

    Last but not least, you will want to consider the type of space you need. Size and amenities are important factors. There is a very big difference between storing microchips and refrigerators. The nature of your product will also determine how you will organize your warehouse. Consider if you can stack your product up to the ceiling, or if you need it organized within reach on the floor, which takes up more space. Sales volume and product turnover should also be taken into account when determining the amount of space you need.

    Pick and Pack for Your Growing Business
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  • Top 7 Benefits of Warehousing and Storage

    In this day in age, there has never been more pressure for manufacturers to lower costs and enhance productivity. Determining the best way to manage logistics, distribution, product storage, and procurement is the best way to increase productivity and improve workflow.

    Here’s how warehouse storage and inventory management can help you boost your bottom line.

    1. Expansion Opportunity – Outsourcing your distribution and storage to a warehouse gives you more space to focus on expanding your business.
    2. Production Support – Consistent, timely production can dramatically improve your lead times. Managed warehouse facility options have transport logistics expertise and warehousing space to safely store your goods until you need them.
    3. Processing and Packing – Today, distribution centers and warehouses come with a lot more than simple storage of your products. A great warehouse will also provide packing and shipping services, along with inventory management.
    4. Price Balance – Choosing to warehouse your goods ensures a regular supply into the marketplace and the ability to store those goods when supply happens to exceed demand. This helps to keep prices stable in a shifting market, making it easy for businesses to determine profit and losses and forecast production needs.
    5. Financing – Warehousing your goods may also be able to help with potential financing arrangements because the company owner can borrow money against the security of good or materials located in the warehouses.
    6. Spot Stocking – One of the greatest benefits of warehouse storage is the ability to visually see when you are running low of products. This method of ordering goods is especially useful for season products that you won’t need all year round. Some companies, such as those in the agriculture business, take this a step further by stocking certain warehouses in specific locations at certain times during the year, depending on need.
    7. Minimize Business Risk – Last but not least, the warehouse owner often insures items stored in a warehouse, giving you extra protection against your inventory. Off-site warehouse storage has been known to reduce inventory loss from damage, fire, and theft.
    Kitchener
    Your guide to finding the best warehouse location
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  • Sub Assembly Outsourcing Benefits Your Business Needs

    Original equipment manufacturers, also known as OEM, utilize sub assembly to increase output efficiencies on the production line. When sub assembly is outsourced to an experience provider costs, quality metrics, and production time are vastly improved. Let’s take a look at how third party sub assembly can improve your business.

    1. Reduced Time

    When OEMs choose to outsource sub-assemblies to a third party, they will experience a measurable reduction in time needed to complete a production build. To increase efficiencies even further, the OEM may choose to strategically place sub-assemblies at specific sequences throughout the production line. In reducing production time overall, the OEM will also improve customer service and speed of market releases.

    2. Quality Assurance

    Where sub-assemblies are outsourced, the responsibility of testing and inspection moves to the third-party provider. That means that every item is checked to meet OEM specifications before it is released to the production line. This in turn, saves the OEM in quality related costs and labor. Furthermore, improvement initiatives implemented at the supplier level, allow for full terms of quality assurance through the life of that product.

    3. Improved Cost

    From an item’s acquisition, to sub assembly, to shipment of the final product, the OEM can save substantial amounts on the cost of carrying inventory, including the reduction of overhead and labor necessary to complete these tasks.

    As you can see the variety of benefits a third-party sub assembly can provide is second to none. Not only can sub assembly support a variety of production services, they give you the time and space you need to focus on your core business activities.

    Medicine Hat
    Top 7 benefits fo warehousing and storage
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  • Sort and Rework

    Getting your product shipment right the first time usually means that there will be a next time. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. When your parts, materials, and components are important to customer satisfaction, you’ll need a professional to inspect, sort, and rework your products.

    What is sorting and reworking?

    Sort and rework businesses specialize in solving customer quality problems through selection, inspection and repair of components at every stage of product delivery. In the case that selection and examination reveals defective products, sort and rework companies will help you reassemble, repack, and retest.

    This type of manufacturing and product solution allows for effective, efficient and affordable methods for reducing quality concerns, in addition to the improved quality of your products.

    How it Works

    When it comes to the production process, time and money are two essential factors. With improvements made in technology, the amount of time it takes to produce a specific part has lowered considerably, lending towards high savings on the production line. However, sometimes things can go awry in the final stages of production. What happens when defective parts are shipped?

    The answer will depend on the cost of production. How much will it cost have the parts shipped to their original destination and fixed? How much time will the inspecting, sorting, and containment of these parts take compared to starting over with production? No one likes to make mistakes, but sorting and reworking at the destination can help maintain a delivery schedule, lower costs, and keep customers happy.

    Customers are the lifeline of your business, so naturally you want to keep them happy. Sorting and inspecting parts at the destination will save time and money during the corrective process, as well as keeping you on your delivery schedule. Services that help you ensure you are providing only defective free products also help you strengthen your relationship with your customers and keep your product’s integrity.

    Pick and Pack for Your Growing Business
    Sub Assembly Outsourcing Benefits Your Business Needs
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  • Pick and Pack for Your Growing Business

    If your small or medium size business is growing quickly, then you know just how quickly picking and shipping order can get out of hand. When demand begins to outstrip your resources at hand, promised delivery times and missed and mistakes are made. Customer satisfaction is lowered as a result. Most business don’t look into pick and pack distribution until it is too late. However, when implemented in a timely fashion, outsourcing your picking and packing can be a huge asset to your business.

    • Keep up with demand – Pick and pack is a lot of fun when you don’t have to rush. However, when a business starts to grow what was once a leisurely break from the day’s activities can turn into a hectic race. If your sales are started to grow, it’s probably time to look into pick and pack services.
    • Reclaim your home – Is your garage filling up with business materials? If so, it might be time look into warehouse services and reclaim your space. Contracting with a warehouse can save you from having to enter into a lease or purchase a space on your own.
    • Say goodbye to employees – The best part about distribution centers? They are already equipped with their own employees. This means you don’t have to worry about hiring and dealing with taxes for this part of your labor. From day one you get access to people with years of packing experience.
    • Only use what you need – One of the most critical issues with renting an entire warehouse is that you end up paying for a lot of space you just don’t need. The products that once filled your home only take up a small corner of a warehouse. When you contract with a warehouse, you only pay for the space that you need, with plenty of room for expansion.

    With these countless benefits, it is no wonder that more and more small business are turning towards pick and pack warehouses for their product distribution. Find out how you can smooth out your operations today with a professional distribution center.

    Stratford
    Sort and Rework
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  • Types of Storage Facilities

    Do you feel like your stuff is taking over your space? Do you have sentimental items or antiques that need to be protected? If you’re not sure where to put your possessions, but don’t need them in your home, you may consider a storage unit. When it comes to storage facilities, there are a lot of options to choose from. Depending on the type of space and additional features you may require, as well as short-term and long-term options.

    Moving Storage

    Although storage by moving company is one of the pricier considerations, it is one of the easiest and safest options out there. Generally moving companies will store your items in their own facility that is either temperature or climate controlled, often equipped with security systems. Moving companies will ensure that your belongings are packaged, transported, and stored in a storage facility safely and efficiently.

    Self-Storage Units

    Self-storage is a popular option for those that looking for a more affordable storage solution. Generally, self-storage units have rooms of different sizes and options for temperature or climate control, and outside units. Be prepared to pack, transport, and store your items yourself. The great news with self-storage facilities is that renters can often visit their units whenever they would like without setting up an appointment.

    Mobile Storage

    Mobile storage is an option that involves the delivery of a trailer, a steel or wooden vault, or a 12 to 16 foot container. These units are typically dropped off at your location for unloading and loading and then transported to the facility. Proper packing should be used for valuables, antiques, and furniture. It may be a good idea to contact a moving company for assistance with loading and unloading. However, when the unit is removed for storage, it can only be accessed with you contact the storage company for redelivery. This unit can also be moved with you if your new destination has a like facility.

    London
    Benefits of Storage Facilities
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  • The Difference Between a Warehouse and a Storage Facility

    You may have heard the term storage warehouse and storage facility used interchangeably. However, these two types of storage areas are very different from one another. A storage warehouse is preferred for industrial or commercial purposes. A storage facility, on the other hand, is used for personal and business needs.

    Contrary to individual storage units that makeup a storage facility, a storage warehouse is a commercial building used for the storage of goods. These warehouses are used by transporters, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, and wholesalers. They often contain loading docks, cranes, and forklifts for unloading bulk products. Some warehouses are even climate-controlled for the safe storage of perishable items.

    What Matters Most

    In most warehouses, the design of the facility plays a critical role. Things such as dock availability, loading and offloading services, packing services, and on-site assistance are important aspects of customer experience, making it quite different from self-storage options.

    Some storage and moving services are even fully automated. This means that workers aren’t required inside the facility. Convenient automated options include carton flow, pallet rack, logistic software, automation software, programmable logic controllers, automated cranes and conveyors.

    The Verdict

    While self-storage facilities are convenient for a variety of personal and business uses – such as the storage of personal items and business documents – warehouses are favored for delivery and storage of large amounts of goods. Some warehouses have even doubled as retail outlets for their consumers, pairing storage and the sales front in a single unit. Warehouses, however, don’t have the same variation in unit size self-storage facilitates offer, making them very from a regular storage facility.

    Kitchener
    Types of Storage Facilities
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  • Small Business Storage Inventory Management

    Without smart organization, working in a home or business office can be chaotic. Business owners understand just how inventory has a way of taking over your flat surfaces.

    Whether you have a successful business, or you are starting out on a new venture, easy access to inventory and quickly getting it to customers is at the heart of successful business logistics. So, how do make space for the things you need while maintaining supplies and inventory?

    Expert Inventory Management Tips
    • Store business items that are rarely used, such as seasonal equipment and old financial records behind items that you need access to on a more frequent basis.
    • Keep your business’s most popular products up front and within easy reach.
    • Create rows of inventory with plenty of walking space between the rows for simple access to the supplies and inventory you come in contact with most often.
    • Organize your items with other like items: by type, brand, color, size, etc.
    • Label your boxes with a picture, item description, and SKU – whatever works best for your business.
    • Take extra measures to ensure that your inventory is safe and secure.
    • Always update your inventory via electronic methods to ensure that you always have the items you need the most on hand.
    • Don’t be afraid to organize your items in your storage unit like a store. Displaying your products on organized shelving is a great way to visually see when you are running low on products.
    • Keep your inventory storage unit tidy. Break down and remove boxes, keep your merchandise organized, and tidy up before you leave.
    • Implement a convenient shipping station in a section of your storage unit. Stock your station with tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, and any other shipping supplied your products require.
    • Remember: Your monthly storage rent counts as a business expense, don’t forget to write it off!
    Whitby
    The Difference Between a Warehouse and a Storage Facility
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  • How a Storage Facility Could Benefit Your Business

    Most people would agree that being organized helps improve performance, no matter what industry you work in. However, many individuals admit to being unorganized, simply because they don’t know where to start.

    Businesses of every size can begin office organization by utilizing a storage unit or facility. A storage facility can help you archive important documents, free up office space, and store extra supplies and inventory.

    Here are four proven storage solutions that help improve office productivity and reduce business clutter.

    Document Storage

    While most businesses don’t need access to all documents everyday, they are still required to keep sensitive documents on file. However, if these documents aren’t stored securely it can be a safety concern.

    Storage units can provide a cost-efficient and secure way for businesses to archive confidential documents, such as tax and employment records.

    To ensure files are stored securely and reduce clutter onsite, companies should consider businesses that offer climate-controlled and premium security units. These features give business owners peace of mind when storing vital documents and safeguard against discoloration and theft.

    Restaurant Storage

    Restaurant owners can better manage and organize their business by storing seasonal furniture, equipment and inventory in a storage facility. Restaurant storage may also benefit from refrigeration, or cold storage, climate control and surveillance.

    To create a more comfortable work environment for patrons and employees, restaurants may choose to store:

    • Dishware
    • Patio furniture
    • Kitchen and janitorial supplies
    • Excess inventory
    • Non-perishable food items
    • Perishable food items in cold storage
    Short-Term Storage

    Businesses looking to relocate or renovate can use a storage facility to temporarily store their items until the process is completed. Businesses may also consider selecting a storage facility that offers professional valet moving services, to improve organization and alleviate stress. Needs will vary from business to business, so it’s important to choose facility that offers a range of sizes in order to accommodate business possessions.

    Stratford
    Small Business Storage Inventory Management
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  • Benefits of Storage Facilities

    Storage facilities provide countless of benefits when you are moving into a smaller space. In place of trying to fit everything into a smaller home or apartment that can’t accommodate all of your things, storage facilities are a great way to hold your belongings both temporary and long-term. If you are looking to downsize, think about taking advantage of these storage facility benefits:

    Buy Extra Time

    When you load everything into a storage unit, you can take more time unpacking and dividing out the things you need versus what you want to give away or sell.

    Store Your Extra Vehicles

    When you make dramatic change in your living accommodations, you may need a temporary place to store your extra vehicles. An outdoor storage facility is a great option for vehicles and equipment of any type, including boats and campers.

    Seasonal Items

    If you find yourself really tight on space, storage facilities are the perfect place to store seasonal items. Pack up all your winter/summer clothes during the off-season, as well as decorations and family items you don’t need all year round.

    Valuable Items

    Climate and temperature controlled units can be beneficial for storing items of value at a separate location than your home. This may include antiques, photo albums, documents, or electronics. However, jewelry and money should be avoided. Think about the security and location of the facility you choose before you move your valuables in.

    Store Inventory

    If you run an online business from your home, you might need extra space to store your supplies and inventory. Plus, you can write off your lease as a business expense during tax season.

    Short-Term Leases

    Unlike other rental agreements and leases, most storage facilities don’t require a long-term commitment. Many agreements run month to month, while some facilities offer storage for as little as a week.

    Stratford
    How a Storage Facility Could Benefit Your Business
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