Technology is always shifting, especially in recent years. Across the world, it’s bringing digital communities together, opening up cleaner futures and making it easier than ever to find the information we need.
Naturally, technology also matters a great deal in the world of sustainable property logistics. Lowering costs and increasing productivity across movement, storage, and distribution requires:
- Clear knowledge and perspective on new technological developments
- Balancing productivity with energy performance
- Maintaining and investing in key equipment
- Managing and directing employees
- Boosting efficiency and cutting wastage wherever possible
The challenge is knowing which investments will have the biggest payoff. It could be that investing regularly in new software will improve your operations, or it may be more beneficial to focus on making operations more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Regardless of how sophisticated your logistics operations might be, certain points are always worth re-examining. Here are five potential areas technology can enhance logistics management in your business.
1. Make logistics sustainable and efficient with EVs
One of the biggest tech innovations in logistics over the last few years has been the rise of electric vehicles, or EVs. Their impact on sustainability is indisputable, with the UK government having committed to having all cars and vans be zero-emission by 2035.
This environment has created a variety of opportunities and incentives. For example, sustainable vehicles have become fundamental development areas for car and van manufacturers, making them both more feasible and affordable for businesses. This can also be seen with equipment and utility vehicles like forklifts, stackers, pallet jacks, and handtrucks, with more and more warehouses using them to go green. Benefit in Kind (BiK) is also lower for zero-emission vehicles, offering major financial incentives to electrify.
If you are interested in taking advantage of fleet electrification, it is worth looking for a warehouse or workspace that already has on-site charging. Alternatively, you could ask the property manager whether it can be installed.
2. Make sustainable property improvements
If you’re looking to lower the costs of your operations, looking more closely at your space is another great option. There are all sorts of different ways technology can improve the energy efficiency of a commercial property, including:
- LED light bulbs
- Automatic light sensors
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Updated heating and ventilation systems
- Smart temperature controls
Of course, you don’t need to change everything right away. Even a few small updates can cut down on your monthly bills, providing a nice boost to your bottom line while also reducing emissions. You can also discuss additions to a property with the landlord in advance of signing a lease.
3. Invest in new equipment
Technology maintenance is essential to keeping logistical operations running. New models reduce not only uncertainty and costs in areas like manufacturing and fulfilment, but they can also make key functions more efficient and sustainable. With this in mind, you should periodically review not only the current condition of your equipment but also the potential savings that modern replacements can offer.
If you’ve had certain pieces of kit for several years, there may be newer models available that can perform the same tasks more efficiently, or with less power. This has become a key point of focus for manufacturers as businesses pursue more sustainable practices. For example, companies reliant on urban fulfilment may find a range of options for sustainable, last-mile oriented electric vans.
The potential benefits also go beyond lower running costs. With more efficient equipment comes the chance to reduce labour costs and downtime, helping you remain competitive. You can even enjoy a new selling point via the increased sustainability of your operations.
4. Take your logistics online
The convenience of finding information and buying products online has evolved alongside a capacity for more centralised, efficient, and sustainable logistics management. Popular choices include:
- Staff communication and online meeting platforms
- Online logistics courses to upskill staff
- Business management and scheduling software
- Bespoke productivity management and analysis tools
- Customer or client-facing websites optimised for user experience and lead generation
- Secure cloud-based data storage
- Online AI-based frameworks, tools and solutions
When it comes to online capabilities, it pays to stay aware of any new developments.
5. Automate logistics wherever you can
Automation has also been the way forward when it comes to industry. In terms of logistics management, automated processes help ensure reliability and sustainability while also keeping data secure.
Opportunities can often be found in order management, packing, and inventory tracking – all areas where increases in speed and reliability can help create an essential competitive edge. Even autonomous warehouse vehicles are playing an increasing role at larger companies.
In short, greater automation should also be an ongoing factor for property managers within a logistics-driven company.
The right warehouse space for logistics management
Whether to make the most of new equipment or streamlined processes, you’ll first need the right base to grow from.
A well-connected and flexible commercial space with room for your business to expand will act as a hub for any new technology you want to incorporate. With warehouses in strategic last-mile locations around the UK, Mileway can help you get started.
We know that the businesses that rent from us are always evolving. Whatever kind of space you need right now, we’ll make sure it works for you for as long as it needs to. And when it comes time to upgrade to something bigger, we’ll support your seamless relocation – even if you’re still within a lease period – to keep the focus firmly on going from strength to strength,
Contact Mileway today to start speaking with one of our regional commercial property experts.