Information & Records Management Services Industry Trends

Logistics Services

From a passive provider of space that individuals and companies can use to store items, the warehousing industry has evolved in the direction of providing logistics (the ability to identify, track, and expedite individual items through the supply chain). Many warehouse facilities are considered High Throughput Distribution (HTD) facilities rather than long-term storage buildings, and are especially built for that purpose near airports and major highways.

Larger Warehouses, Electronically Equipped

To fulfill sophisticated distribution functions for customers, new warehouses are bigger: one million square feet is now a common, though not usual, size. And interior clearances are now 36 feet, instead of the 22 that was standard. With computer systems now controlling the identification and throughput of individual items, special wiring and outlets are installed in warehouses. In some warehouses, a grid of wires in the floor allows computer-guided forklifts to know exactly where a stored item can be found.

Specialized Equipment

As more warehousing and logistics companies specialize, they request more customized material handling equipment. More site-specific, comfortable, and safe products are especially in demand. Many special request trends, like side restraints to protect drivers if a lift truck tips, although currently not standard features on any US lift trucks, could eventually become standard.