Navigating the World of Warehousing: Understanding Different Warehouse Types

Powering today’s modern supply chains is a complex and varied system of warehouses. No longer just an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” operation, warehouses serve as the backbone of modern commerce, logistics and, truthfully, the health of virtually every industry.

They act as strategic hubs, storing inventory, managing goods, sorting products and distributing them to their next destination.

But, to get products to the right places at the right time requires an intricate network of these essential facilities. Warehousing is not confined to a single type, but rather several different types of warehouses. 

These different warehouse types power modern automated systems, meet the demands of climate-controlled inventory and much more. 

Let’s explore the wide world of warehousing and uncover how everyone from business leaders in manufacturing to logistics managers can leverage the different types of warehouses to impact operations, drive cost efficiencies and improve customer satisfaction.

The Growing Importance of Warehouses in Today’s Market

For the past five years, the public storage and warehousing industry has grown at a CAGR of 2.7%. Even in the tumultuous COVID-era, where supply chains felt the stress of global shutdowns and e-commerce sales skyrocketed, the industry experienced rapid growth and profit hikes.

Warehouses, though, are much more than storage spaces.

They’ve evolved into complex operations, acting as the nerve centers for modern supply chain management. No longer are they just holding zones; they are active contributors to a company’s operational efficiency. 

This growth and change is thanks, in part, to changing consumer demands. These days, everyone from B2B buyers to everyday retail shoppers are looking for faster and more efficient shipping operations. Two-day, next-day and even same day delivery promises elevate the importance of strategically located distribution centers — especially in e-commerce.

These warehouses not only need to be near large consumer markets but also must offer the operational flexibility to handle a wide range of products and delivery options.

Efficient and well-managed warehouse operations are more than just a logistical necessity but a strategic asset. The complexities presented by the rise of e-commerce, and the globalization of supply chains, means today’s warehouses need to be more than simple storage areas.

When businesses understand the importance of warehousing, and the different warehouse types, they can better align logistics operations with their own strategic goals — increasing efficiency and productivity while reducing costs.

Main Types of Warehouses

When it comes to warehouse types, you’ll find a few common configurations used across different industries. These include:

• Storage warehouses
• Distribution warehouses
• Sorting warehouses
• Climate-controlled warehouses
• Fulfillment Centers
• Automated warehouses

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and not definitive of every facility. Some operations may necessitate several different types of warehousing under a single roof. Additionally, some businesses may need more customized solutions to meet their unique logistical or inventory demands.

But, to help you better understand each warehouse type, let’s dive in a little deeper.

Storage Warehouses: The Long-Term Solution

For goods that don’t move off the shelves too quickly, storage warehouses are a necessity.

These facilities store products for an extended period of time and keep them safe and secure while maximizing floor space for other daily operations — like worker and vehicle traffic. 

Generally, storage warehouses are set up for bulk storage, using equipment like pallet racking, industrial metal shelving, mezzanines and much more.

Distribution Warehouses: The Hub of Quick Turnarounds

Matching the demand of today’s modern market requires speed, agility and efficiency. Distribution warehouses meet these demands and are the go-to choice for storage and quicker shipping.

In most cases, distribution warehouses or distribution centers focus on receiving and distributing goods with speed, often within a 24 to 48 hour timeframe, and accuracy. Advanced picking and packing systems, like pick modules, are utilized to further streamline operations.

Sorting Warehouses: Where Bulk Meets Efficiency

In 2020, the Port of Los Angeles alone dealt with over 9 million containers. When those large shipments arrive at a port or a factory, they often need to be sorted into smaller, more manageable loads for further distribution.

That’s where sorting warehouses come into play. These facilities specialize in breaking down bulk shipments and repacking them according to the destination or other categorization criteria. 

Climate-Controlled Warehouses: Specialized Care for Specialized Goods

Whether it’s pharmaceuticals or fine wine, some goods need specific climate controlled environments for proper storage. Warehouses with climate control capabilities offer these specific storage conditions and often include things like humidity controls that ensure safety and integrity of sensitive goods.

In these cold storage warehouses, special equipment that can handle these special environments is often a necessity. This can include pallet racking made from durable and cold-resistant materials or more complex systems like conveyors to move products effectively.

Fulfillment Centers: Supply Chain Powerhouses

To meet the rising demand of e-commerce and other industries, fulfillment centers are a necessity. These facilities manage storage, picking, packing and shipping orders directly to customers. 

Under the fulfillment center umbrella is everything from simple warehouse-based operations to more complex third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Each offers some unique benefits, like lower overhead costs, automated processes and strategic locations for efficient shipping.

Automated Warehouses: The Future is Here

Warehouses are not static. In fact, many leverage advanced equipment to help streamline storage and enhance operations. But, as technology advances, so do these facilities.

Automated warehouses use cutting-edge technology like robotics, AI and machine learning to optimize everything from storage space to pick-and-pack times. These are particularly beneficial for operations that require high accuracy and efficiency.

Ownership Models

When it comes to the types of warehouses, what they store and manage is only one aspect to consider. There are also the various ownership models that play a factor in how businesses operate and function.

There are three main ownership models:

• Private
• Public
• Hybrid

Private warehouses are the type we often think of when imagining a business that utilizes a warehouse. They’re privately owned and operated by a single entity — giving them full control over the storage space, operations and distribution process. Some advantages of private warehouses include:

• Complete operational control
• Customization to meet specific business needs
• Cost-efficiency in the long-term for higher volume operations

Public warehouses, unlike private warehouses, are owned by third-party providers who lease the space to various businesses. This model offers greater flexibility and allows businesses to scale based on their own needs, like seasonal fluctuations. Some advantages of public warehousing includes:

• Low upfront investment
• Scalability and flexibility
• Additional services like packing, shipping and inventory management

Last on our list are hybrid models. For businesses looking for the best of both worlds, leveraging both a private warehouse for long-term needs and additional public warehousing for seasonal or temporary overflow can provide some unique benefits:

• Combines control and flexibility
• Enables a more agile response to market changes
• Efficiently utilizes resources

There is no one size fits all solution for every business. 

When it comes to both ownership model and warehouse type, every organization should weigh their unique needs and develop a customized approach to satisfy all their demands.

How Technology is Transforming Warehousing

Data-driven decision making is taking every industry by storm — and warehousing is no exception.

From tracking inventory in real-time to automating complex tasks, technology is redefining what is possible in warehouse management. A Warehouse Management System (WMS) acts as a central nervous system of a facility. They do everything from orchestrate inventory tracking to manage fulfillment and everything in between.

These systems help optimize space, reduce human error and speed up processing times.

But, even the most advanced system is only as good as the people who operate it. Proper training ensures that your workforce can fully leverage the capabilities of these systems, thereby achieving maximum operational efficiency.

Of course, WMSs are only the tip of the technology iceberg. Already finding use in warehouses across the globe, Industry 4.0 with it a new wave of technological solutions like AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics that are set to revolutionize warehousing further.

Master Your Warehouse with East Coast Storage Equipment

With all these advancements, ownership models and warehouse types, you can see why the perception of warehouses as humble storage centers is quite off the mark.

In reality, these facilities operate as the backbone of modern industry. They provide essential services for storage, fulfilments, packaging and much more. Moreover, they’re doing so with advanced equipment and systems that leverage the latest and greatest in technology.

Whatever your warehousing needs, East Coast Storage Equipment is here to help.

We carry a wide range of material handling and storage equipment to help streamline your facility. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you make the most out of your warehouse or distribution center.