Logistics in the consumer goods industry

For every industry, there are specific warehouse logistics requirements that need to be taken into account for successful processing. Especially in the consumer goods industry, logistics has changed significantly due to digitalization, new competitors and increasing customer demands. When selecting a suitable warehouse, there are therefore a large number of features to consider. But what exactly are the criteria that a warehouse in the consumer goods industry must fulfill?

Increasing requirements for the consumer goods industry

The consumer goods industry comprises a wide range of products manufactured for private use or consumption. As a result of globalization in particular, the industry is under high cost and competitive pressure, especially with the eCommerce sub-sector. In addition, there are always new trends and developments, such as sustainability and health at present, which must be intelligently incorporated into the product range in order to satisfy customers.

Thanks to digitization, customers today also have a great deal of market transparency with regard to price, service, product information and substitute goods. Customer satisfaction is therefore an unavoidable issue in order to build a company and keep pace with the competition. Logistics can provide support here by establishing a fast supply chain, uncomplicated returns management and digital transparency.

This is what a warehouse in the consumer goods industry should bring

The consumer goods industry is very diverse, which is why adaptability and flexibility are particularly important here. Online retailing is becoming increasingly important, especially in this sector. If order processing takes place directly at the warehouse logistics provider, appropriate structures are required to guarantee efficient fulfillment and thus customer satisfaction.

Digital competence

Digital competence is important on several levels. On the one hand, it enables more efficient processes in the warehouse and thus faster processing of orders. On the other hand, it is possible to create transparency about goods movements, which offers great added value for the manufacturer and also the customer. A modern warehouse management system and corresponding interfaces are essential here.

Wide range of storage options

Distributors in the consumer goods industry in particular have to manage a large range of products. These products can have very different characteristics, which bring with them diverse requirements for warehousing. For example, electronic products with lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods, food often requires refrigeration, and textiles require sensitive handling. The warehouse keeper must be able to guarantee all of this.

Efficient processes

The consumer goods industry is a very dynamic sector in which customers are particularly sensitive to delivery times due to providers such as Amazon and 24-hour prime delivery. Efficient processes and fast order processing are therefore key issues that warehouse logistics specialists must be aware of. A decentralized network of storage facilities can also be an interesting approach.

Effective quality management

The quality of warehouse logistics processes is of utmost importance, especially for an industry in which customer satisfaction plays a major role. The error rate for orders must be kept as low as possible in order to positively influence the reputation of the manufacturer or retailer. An indicator of high-quality logistics service can be ISO 9001, the most widely used quality management standard in the world.