Choosing the right public warehousing facility will increase the efficiency of your company's supply and distribution chain. They help keep products safe for quality assurance and pull and ship them to retailers or consumers quickly. If you're currently looking for ways to boost your business, here are some qualities an appropriate warehouse should have.

What to Consider With a Public Warehouse

1. Storage

A public warehouse should have ample square footage to hold all your shipments. However, you need to check what kinds of items it can store. Products requiring particular attention and handling, such as perishable food, alcohol, glassware, and flammable goods, need unique facilities that only select establishments will offer. When looking for a place to hold your goods, there should be features to accommodate the types of products stored. For instance, the warehouse should have refrigerated storage if you plan to keep perishable food.

2. Technology

Public warehousing is only one component of the supply-distribution network. The establishment you choose should successfully communicate with each leg of the network, from sales to processing and delivery. 

Usually, it's accomplished by incorporating technology into the operations. This includes a management system that allows you to track shipments in real-time and helps employees report to you. The technology should also make it easy to search through the inventory of varying stock-keeping units (SKU) so that the warehousing team can sort and process orders quickly.

3. Risk Management

The warehousing facility should have safeguards that reduce risks. Many establishments offer trained personnel who can handle flammable and hazardous materials to prevent accidents. Additionally, the facility should have insurance coverage to compensate for your losses if there is an accident.

Check that the warehouse you're considering has safety and damage plans to avoid situations that can impact your business. For instance, if you have perishable goods, their equipment needs to be connected to backup generators. This measure ensures the inventory won't spoil if the main power supply goes out in a storm, as the system will continue working.

For solutions to your public warehousing needs, reach out to Hawaii Transfer Company in Waipahu. Serving customers throughout the state since 1931, the company provides third-party logistics and warehousing. They also offer transportation services for inbound and outbound shipments using state-of-the-art computer systems. Learn about their advanced warehouse management system online, and call (808) 677-3111 to discuss your options with a team member.