Warehouse logistics in the construction industry

For each industry, there are specific warehouse logistics requirements that must be taken into account for successful processing. In the construction industry in particular, logistics can sometimes be difficult due to the technical complexity and time pressure which are typical of the industry. There are therefore a large number of special features to consider when selecting warehouses.

Increasing demands on the construction industry

The Elbe Philharmonic Hall and Berlin Airport are just two examples of many that show that the construction industry is constantly exposed to extreme challenges. Time pressure, cost pressure and technical complexity have increased sharply in recent years and continue to do so. This naturally increases the demands on logistics enormously.

Since very short time spans are often involved, suppliers must set up particularly efficient processes to guarantee fast delivery. Decentralized storage can be a success factor here: More storage locations can enable shorter delivery routes and rapid availability of materials.

This is what a warehouse in the construction industry should bring

The construction industry encompasses a wide variety of goods that bring with them different complexities in storage. In addition to the conditions in the warehouse and the right technical and digital equipment, appropriate certifications are also important.

Conditions in the warehouse

When one thinks of the materials used in the construction industry, quite uncomplicated raw products such as stone and wood first come to mind. These are quite undemanding in terms of storage. However, if you go into construction chemistry, the requirements are quite high: Sensitive products sometimes have to be stored in heated halls to be protected from temperatures that are too low.

The right technical equipment

Construction materials are often bulky or heavy goods that are transported in special load carriers such as bulk boxes or big bags. A warehouse serving companies in the construction industry must have equipment and machinery designed to meet these characteristic requirements. These can sometimes be quite expensive, which is why not every warehouse service provider has them.

Digital competence

In the construction industry, data availability is particularly important in terms of goods movements. Since several construction projects often have to be supplied, which depend on the goods to drive the construction site forward, it is essential to guarantee transparency, à priori in real time. For this purpose, the warehouse logistics specialist must have a modern merchandise management system, which can ideally be connected to the customer's ERP.

Necessary certifications

Certifications also play an essential role for warehouses in the construction industry. In particular, ISO 9001 should be mentioned here, which guarantees quality and uniform process standards. Since some materials from the construction industry are substances that are identified as hazardous materials or dangerous goods, a warehouse must also have corresponding certifications here that guarantee safe storage.