As e-commerce fulfillment centers have sprung up in metro areas nationwide, industrial demand has skyrocketed. Some experts believe this could be one of the most vital years ever for industrial space.

To keep ecommerce warehouses running smoothly, proper storage rack and steel shelving is necessary. These warehouse shelves can help boost picking efficiency and ergonomics.

E-commerce Fulfillment

Regarding eCommerce fulfillment, many factors go into ensuring a product shipped to the customer is in good condition and on time. It includes warehousing, picking, packing, shipping, and managing returns.

With the growing demands for a fast and efficient shopping experience, you must choose an eCommerce fulfillment partner to handle your current and future growth. The best way to do that is to partner with a provider that offers multiple omnichannel delivery options and can scale up quickly during peaks.

 It reduces shipping times and costs and gives customers a personalized feel for their delivery. This type of scalability allows you to avoid costly investments and over-utilization of resources. This model also allows for easy downscaling in the event of a slowdown.

E-commerce Picking

The need for storage rack systems Nashville that assist warehouses in fulfilling orders has increased for rack manufacturers due to e-commerce order fulfillment. Warehouses must process many smaller orders and reevaluate their storage layouts because they are no longer processing and shipping huge pallet loads.

For example, a carton flow rack (also known as case flow, gravity flow, or tote flow) is well-suited for e-commerce applications because it allows for continuous inventory rotation, making it ideal for storing products with changing expiration dates and food and beverage. Carton flow also works well in case-pick and each-pick applications for large online retailers.

Other types of racking popular for e-commerce include hand-stack racks and cantilever shelving. These bins are ideal for storing large or bulky goods and can be easily modified to fit various product sizes. A hand-stack stand is also great for storing items too small to fit into traditional selective pallet rack bays and can be used as part of a multi-level pick module.

E-commerce Storage

The storage requirements for e-commerce warehouses are diverse. Some of this is due to the volume, but many factors affect how a warehouse stores its inventory.

One of these factors is the type of storage racks used. Pallet racking is typically utilized for storing bulk products, but there are plenty of alternatives to fit specific needs. For example, Heemstra has noticed an interesting trend with companies showing renewed interest in drive-in racking. This racking system is commonly seen in refrigerated/frozen food industries.

E-commerce storage solutions also include pick modules and automated systems such as AS/RS carousels, lifts, and shuttle systems that can reduce the time required to complete fast-paced orders. Cooperative warehouses are another excellent option for short-term e-commerce storage needs, as they are jointly owned by several businesses that use the same or similar products and services and pay a fee to rent warehouse space.

E-commerce Inventory Management

Ecommerce inventory management is one of the most critical aspects of an online business. It involves establishing a process that ensures your stock always meets customer demand. With a robust inventory management strategy, you could gain valuable sales or create disjointed user experiences.

Effective ecommerce inventory management requires data-driven insights into your current inventory. It helps you make more informed reorder decisions to avoid costly mistakes like overstocking and stocking out. It also gives you a better idea of how long your inventory will last before it reaches the end of its shelf life, reducing the need for expensive discounting.

Robust inventory management also allows you to prioritize your restocking and purchasing strategies based on the profitability of each SKU. For example, fast-moving items may be stocked more heavily so that they are ready to ship as soon as possible, while slower-moving products might be stocked less frequently to ensure they can keep up with demand.