7 Reasons to use Integrated Warehousing and Distribution

Integrated warehousing and distribution offers benefits to Cincinnati businesses aiming to streamline their supply chain and improve the customer experience. When warehousing (storage and inventory management) is seamlessly connected with distribution (order fulfillment and delivery), you gain a more efficient, agile and cost-effective operations.

Here are seven benefits to using integrated warehousing/distribution companies like Redkey Express:

1. Improved inventory accuracy and visibility

• • Real-time data integration allows you to track inventory levels, locations and movements instantly.
  • Integration reduces stockouts, overstocking and misplacements.
  • With an integrated system, you can forecast demand better and plan restocking effectively.

2. Faster order fulfillment

• • Orders can be processed and shipped faster when storage and shipping operations are in sync.
  • Integrated systems reduce delays caused by manual data transfer or communication lags between the warehouse team and the shipper.

3. Lower costs

• • Streamlined workflows reduce labor costs, redundant handling and errors.
  • Centralized operations save on transportation between separate storage and distribution centers.
  • When goods are stored closer to end-users, or strategically distributed through a network of warehouses, last-mile delivery expenses go down.
  • Fewer inter-warehouse transfers and optimized routing lead to savings.

4. Better coordination and control

• • Centralized control enables faster decision-making and better coordination across the supply chain.
  • Integration allows for dynamic rerouting or adjustments in response to disruptions like weather, supply delays, etc.

5. More satisfied customers

• • Faster, more accurate deliveries mean happier customers.
  • Real-time tracking and consistent service levels build trust and loyalty.

6. Scalability and flexibility

• • With both warehousing and distribution under one “roof,” it is easier to scale operations during peak seasons or market expansions.
  • Integrated systems can quickly adapt to volume changes without major overhauls.

7. Support of omnichannel strategies

• • Integration enables consistent fulfillment and returns processing regardless of the sales channel.

In a nutshell, integrated warehousing and distribution means lower costs, faster delivery, fewer errors and happier customers.

The value of integrated storage and delivery for construction companies

Redkey construction clients store their lumber, concrete, steel, plumbing fixtures, etc. at one of our warehouses near their jobsite, then have these supplies delivered when needed by the company they trust with their materials.

One of Redkey Express’s specialties is delivering supplies to construction, manufacturing and infrastructure development sites. Another of our specialties is affordable, state-of-the-art Cincinnati warehousing and distribution.

Using the same vendor for storage and delivery means your partner knows your needs intimately. We give warehousing clients friendly delivery pricing, and there’s never a problem finding your goods when we put them in the warehouse ourselves!

Here are some other reasons to warehouse with your favorite delivery company

• Your inventory is categorized into groups based on type, size and usage.
• Our inventory management software streamlines tracking stock levels, monitoring demand, and simplifying reordering.
• Barcodes and RFID make for accurate tracking and faster item retrieval.
• Digital tools aid the documentation and reporting of all warehouse operations–and maximize accuracy and accessibility.
• We maintain close communications with customers to make sure parts and materials are available when needed. Where applicable, we offer vendor-management inventory (VMI) for critical items.
• Clear labels on our shelves, racks and storage bins, along with an optimal picking process, cut travel time within the warehouse, and reduce errors.
• We follow strict safety standards and regulations when handling industrial machinery and hazardous materials. Regular safety refreshers keep accidents rare.
• Periodic inspections address any maintenance or repair issues promptly.
• Redkey Express storage facilities are monitored with video surveillance and have state-of-the-art alarm and fire suppression equipment.
• Shipping and receiving are streamlined for short turnaround times. A digital dock scheduling system manages inbound and outbound shipping effectively.

If you need both local storage and local shipping, streamline your supply chain with Redkey Express.