Online shopping was already in a growing stage pre-COVID but when the pandemic hit, online sales and home delivery of consumer goods, as well as food and beverage was pushed to a new level. With new players entering the e-commerce sector each day, the need for modern warehouse is upped by a notch. Now it has become a lot more than just storage of products. A warehouse is now the basis of a strong link between the seller and the customer. From one-day deliveries to handling returns, a modern warehouse now resolves quick movement of products.

With the shifts in consumer shopping patterns in mind, today’s e-commerce distribution centres look, feel and operate completely differently than the warehouses of the past.

They need to be equipped for the challenge of handling thousands of frequent deliveries of small individual parcels.

Here are some of the features that today’s warehouse should comprise of in order to meet the new shopping habits of the customer.

Building shape: While a lot’s configuration and layout will impact building shape, a rectangular shape is ideal for e-commerce distribution facilities.

Ceiling height: The higher the ceiling, the better it is. Higher ceilings allow for multiple mezzanine decks, thus optimum utilization of the height and maximizing the floor space.

Bay size: Although there is no standard width of the bay areas in warehouses but most of the warehouses having a column space of 50 by 40 feet work well.

Truck-level doors: A higher ratio of truck-level doors has now become necessary.

People load: Large distribution centres means large number of employees in the facility which would emphasize on the need for larger amenities like employee break rooms, and changing and washroom facilities.

Technology: In my last article on dark warehouses, I discussed how automation is going to revolutionize the warehousing space and every business needs to keep up with it. With this upgradation in processed and technology, the warehouse infrastructure should also be able to support this automation.

Driven by e-commerce, modern warehouses are now becoming bigger, taller and more complex than ever. Business owners are now looking to find a space that can handle the increasing demand on shipping, logistics, delivery, and returns. Not just the location and transportation costs, it is important to maximize the efficiency within the building and layout itself.