The objective of a distribution center (DC) is to maximize the benefits that a company obtains by promptly satisfying each of its customers’ delivery requirements. But what makes this efficient in the modern logistics chain? Several factors must be considered, but the DC’s role has become increasingly important.
Features of distribution centers
Location
DCs help ensure goods or products are delivered on time and in good condition to the end customer. To maximize this value, location is important.
- Close or intermediate proximity to markets and points of sale aids timely delivery.
- Proximity to the production area limits transportation costs.
Components
- Two or more areas contain digital systems commonly used to optimize operations.
- A significant portion of the space is allocated to loading and unloading.
- In some cases, refrigeration systems for cold chains are available.
Space distribution
To optimize operations, DCs usually organize the space according to the type of product or good.
- Storage areas and shelving should be positioned parallel to the longest axis of the distribution center.
- The number of platforms must be proportional to the number of square meters available.
- The property should be capable of expanding in the future if needed.
Storage functions
- Space for small inventories should focus on immediacy and service.
- Inventory should be limited to products in high demand.
Technology implementation
- Big data allows foroptimization of productivity, competitiveness and security.
- Robots can execute heavy, repetitive and sometimes dangerous tasks.
Importance of distribution centers
The importance of DCs lies in the fact that these spaces efficiently store, control, safeguard and dispatch the inventories of major companies. However, they have grown even more important with the rise of e-commerce.
In Mexico, it is estimated that online sales in 2020 increased 81%1 over the previous year. This led many companies to rethink their distribution strategies to deliver orders on time.
But this phenomenon was already appearing years ago when some transnational companies expanded into Mexico. This became a strategic point in distribution operations in Latin America. Among the most recent Mexican DCs, many are noted as the largest in Latin America for their respective companies.
Some companies have invested significantly in DC’s2 Amazon has a 100,000 sqm space in the Tepotzotlan corridor; Natura holds a 24,000 sqm distribution center; and Whirlpool México’s property in Monterrey is 54,586 sqm, for example.
At Advance Real Estate, our commitment is to provide our clients with optimal industrial spaces to establish distribution centers that facilitate their operations and strongly position them in the market.
Information source:
- advance-realestate.com
- www.noegasystems.com/blog/…/diferencias-basicas-entre-un-almacen-y-un-centro-de-distribucion
- zonalogistica.com/que-es-un-centro-de-distribucion
- www.ceupe.com/blog/todo-lo-que-se-debe-saber-de-centros-de-distribucion.html
- www.logycom.mx/blog/importancia-almacenaje-distribucion-logistica
- inmobiliare.com/mexico-el-mercado-industrial-y-los-centros-de-distribucion
- www.forbes.com.mx/red-forbes-hacia-donde-se-dirige-la-nueva-realidad-de-los-centros-de-distribucion
- www.amvo.org.mx/estudios/estudio-sobre-venta-online-en-mexico-2021
