What is a Storage Location?
Storage location keeps track of inventory, store items for later use, and transport goods to their proper location. A storage location is a designated area where goods are stored and retrieved in logistics and E-commerce. It could be a physical location like a warehouse, factory, or store or a virtual location like a database or cloud storage system.
Significance of Storage Location in Logistics and E-commerce
The storage location is essential as it can impact the total cost of goods and services. The significance of storage location is as follows:
- The storage location is a hub for transporting goods from the supplier to the customer.
- The location of the storage facility can significantly impact the cost and efficiency of logistics operations.
- The storage location can also optimize delivery times and reduce costs associated with long-distance shipping.
- The storage location can also reduce inventory costs by enabling stock to be held in multiple locations.
- The storage location is critical in E-commerce as it enables the delivery of products to customers in a timely and cost-effective way.
- Selecting a storage location close to customers can reduce shipping costs and delivery times and improve customer experience.
Prerequisites of Storage Location and How It Works
Storage locations enable companies to store and manage inventory efficiently. Here are the requirements for the storage location.
1. Accessibility: The storage location should be easily accessible by customers, logistics providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in the E-commerce process.
2. Security: An ideal location should be secure to protect the goods from theft or damage.
3. Space: The location should have enough space to store the goods and accommodate any additional equipment needed for processing and shipment.
4. Climate control: Depending on the type of goods, the storage location may need climate control to protect the goods from damage due to extreme temperatures.
Use Cases of Storage Location
Warehouses are excellent instances of storage locations. They are typically used to store inventory before it is shipped to customers or to keep items in transit. Companies may use warehouses to hold their products and products purchased from different vendors. In addition, some warehouses may specialize in providing storage services for a particular type of product, such as refrigerated food or hazardous materials.