Warehousing 101: Finding Your New Logistics Workspace
Discover what are the five key factors to securing a warehouse that will not only meet your needs, but take your business to the next level.
Along with the surge of e-Commerce trends amidst the pandemic, warehouses have risen to become one of the hottest properties of 2020. If you too, are seeking tips on identifying a suitable storage space for your new business plans – look no further. Selecting the right warehouse goes beyond just high ceilings and loading bays, and can result in a major impact on your company’s operational effectiveness, efficiency and profit margins.
Here are five quick questions to ask yourself as you embark on your search for the ideal development that will address your current needs, and even grow together with your business.
1. Is Your New Warehouse WELL CONNECTED?
To enjoy greater convenience in receiving and distributing goods, take up a warehouse close to the key ports of entry in Singapore. Understand your business needs and strategy before you decide on which of the two main logistics clusters to base your operations in: the busy shipping hub of the West comprising the Tuas Checkpoint, Jurong Port, PSA Singapore Terminals as well as the future Tuas mega port, or the aviation hub of the East slated to host the much anticipated Terminal 5 at Changi Airport.
Accessibility is another factor to consider. Proximity to major highways like Ayer Rajah Expressway, West Coast Highway, East Coast Parkway, Tampines Expressway and Pan-Island Expressway offers direct connections to the various ports. If you also extend self-collection to your customers, locating yourself a short distance away from MRT stations like Jurong East, Gul Circle and Expo is an added bonus.
2. Is Your New Warehouse SUITABLY EQUIPPED?
Choosing a logistics site goes beyond considering mere storage capacity. Understanding the building’s layout, size and facilities can help you better utilise your new workspace.
If you are storing large and bulky items, be sure to survey the maximum ceiling height, floor loading, electrical capacity, and column-to-column measurements that the space can accommodate. On the other hand, perishable food items, hazardous materials or high-value stock usually require ventilation, air-conditioning, sprinklers and security.
For easy transportation of goods to your warehouse, logistics integration is a must. Ensure your chosen property is well equipped with 40-feet container access, direct ramp-up as well as plenty of cargo lifts to accommodate heavy logistics operations. Dock levelers also allows for convenient loading and unloading of products. If you have a large fleet of vehicles at your base, ample parking space should also be taken into consideration.
3. Is Your New Warehouse COST EFFECTIVE?
Whether you are an MNC, SME or start-up, the option of having mixed-use spaces within the building means that you have the option to co-locate your ancillary office functions with your warehousing needs. With this flexibility, you can save on the costs and hassle of leasing two separate locations for your business operations, with both the office and warehouse running more efficiently under one roof.
4. Is Your New Warehouse WELL TAKEN CARE OF?
Moving and setting up in a new logistics space can be a challenging process, unless you have the support of a trusted warehouse provider to guide you every step of the way.
On top of their property offerings, an integrated landlord like CapitaLand also provides a full suite of value-added services that will help make your move seamless. From build-to-suit services to fit-out provisions, businesses can enjoy customisable space solutions that will help maximise upfront capital expenditure. Every logistics property under CapitaLand’s care also has their very own dedicated Property Manager and Technician teams on the ground, who look after the development and attend to your needs promptly.
5. Is Your New Warehouse FUTURE-PROOF?
For future-forward businesses, partnering with an established space provider that keeps up with the times and provides assistance with potential expansion plans will offer you utmost reassurance.
Find out how often upgrades are implemented to ensure that your new logistics space and its facilities will be kept up to date at all times. CapitaLand conducts regular asset enhancements to buildings within their portfolio, to provide tenants with refreshed facades, new amenities and even extended floor space.
Depending on your needs, CapitaLand can also accommodate your expansion plans with its extensive property portfolio. From prime business park units, sleek commercial properties to even flexible working spaces, the right business space partner can assist you in a seamless search for new workspaces that suit your every requirement.
Today, with sustainability established as the future of all businesses, teaming up with a strong green champion will also pave the way for business resilience in the upcoming years. To demonstrate their commitment to the environment, CapitaLand regularly integrates new sustainability initiatives into the construction and redevelopment of their properties. Green brands and companies will be heartened to know that your place of business aligns with your environmental goals, when you partner with a like-minded space provider like CapitaLand.
Looking for your next warehouse space? We are happy to help you locate the best site for your business!