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15. 4. 2024

Do you know what types of warehouses exist and which one is ideal for your business?

Probably the most widespread warehouses in the Czech Republic are industrial and logistics warehouses. However, there are also warehouse halls and consignment warehouses on the market as well as special and temporary warehouses. Let us briefly describe the uses of these warehouses:

Industrial warehouses are an essential part of production facilities, where they are used to store raw materials, works in progress (unfinished products) and finished products. Their specific layout and equipment correspond to the needs of the industry in question. Warehouses in the automotive, food or pharmaceutical industries can therefore differ significantly.

Warehouses for the automotive industry tend to be large and require sufficient space to store parts, components and finished vehicles. They are equipped to handle heavy and bulky parts, including cranes and special trolleys. Due to the large number of different parts and components, automotive warehouses must have efficient information systems to track and manage inventory.

Warehouses for the food industry may require temperature and humidity control, especially when storing fresh food. Different products need different storage conditions: such as refrigerated counters, freezers and dry storage. Food warehouses need to be able to manage effectively limited-life inventory. The latter includes stock rotation and tracking expiration dates.

Pharmaceutical warehouses must strictly adhere to quality and safety control standards, especially when storing medications and medical products. Some pharmaceutical products may require specific storage conditions such as certain temperature ranges, conditions for storing sensitive substances, or enhanced security. From a pharmaceutical safety perspective, monitoring the entire supply chain is important. Thus, information systems and tracking protocols are essential elements.

Industrial warehouses are generally characterised by a high degree of automation and mechanisation. This enables efficient material handling and minimises human intervention. They are designed to meet strict storage requirements and provide optimum conditions for stored products; helping maintain the production process's quality and integrity. Industrial warehouses are crucial to the smooth flow of production and delivery, whether it involves raw materials or finished products.

Logistics centres are an important part of modern businesses. They focus on the storage and efficient handling of a diverse range of goods for different companies. Their location is strategically planned to be as close as possible to transport hubs for fast, efficient distribution of goods.

Warehouses in logistics centres are not just passive storage facilities, they also provide comprehensive logistics services from receipt of goods to storage, picking and dispatch. Their operations require a high level of technical equipment and modern information systems that enable the monitoring, management and optimisation of storage processes. Typically, these facilities are managed by logistics companies, e-shops and wholesalers. They ensure a smooth flow of goods from production to the end consumer and contribute to the overall supply chain efficiency.

Warehouses are a different category. These are usually stand-alone facilities for storing goods. They come in a variety of sizes and facility types, with their key feature being the ability to adapt flexibly to the tenant’s individual needs. Their versatility is particularly advantageous for companies that do not require specifically designed industrial or logistics warehouses. Warehouses are often located in industrial zones or logistics parks with easy accessibility and good connections to transport routes.

In addition to these well-known types of warehouses, there are also specialised warehouses that are designed to meet the specific needs of industries and types of commerce. These include primarily consignment warehouses, where the goods are physically located but formally remain the property of the supplier who provided them to the warehouse. The consignee only pays for the goods from the consignment warehouse when they are sold or used. This increases the availability of the goods and reduces the financial burden for the buyer. Furthermore, special warehouses belong to this group and are intended for the storage of hazardous substances, flammables, chemical products, etc. They must meet strict safety standards and are equipped to minimise the risk of hazards associated with the stored materials. Then there are temporary warehouses, which are used for short-term storage of goods; for example, during relocation or transition periods.

But how do you go about choosing a warehouse? Read the next blog to find out.

You can also turn to the experts. Colliers experts in the Czech Republic have already provided comprehensive warehouse rental services to hundreds of businesses and will be happy to help you too. You can contact our team here.

 

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