Current warehousing capacity is struggling to meet increasing demand, mainly in tier II and III cities. While highways are being developed, last-mile link to warehouses in rural areas remains a challenge. This can lead to delays in the supply chain, says Balvinder Kumar, Founder & MD, MEX Storage Systems Pvt. Ltd.
CT Bureau
How would you rate infrastructure for warehousing in India today? Is it good to meet the growing demand or is there room for improvement?
India’s warehousing infrastructure is undergoing significant growth, driven by the booming e-commerce sector, expanding manufacturing, and government initiatives. The government has recognised the importance of warehousing infrastructure and launched initiatives such as the National Logistics Policy and PMGS to improve linkage and streamline logistics processes. Investments are pouring into the sector, leading to the development of modern Grade A warehousing facilities across India. These facilities offer better storage conditions, automation capabilities, and improved efficiency. There is a growing trend towards automation in warehousing, with firms adopting technologies such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to enhance storage density, picking accuracy, and overall operational efficiency. Despite this, the current warehousing capacity is still struggling to meet the increasing demand, especially in tier II and III cities. While major highways are being developed, last-mile connectivity to warehouses, especially in rural areas, continues to be a challenge.
This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in the supply chain. India’s cold chain infra is underdeveloped, hindering storage and transport of temperature-sensitive goods. It is only by addressing the existing gaps can we unlock benefits such as reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, and increased competitiveness.
Could you share global best strategies firms must adopt to improve efficiency and network enhancement?
We are implementing lean manufacturing principles to streamline our production processes. This will minimise waste, reduce lead times, and lead to faster delivery times for our customers. We are expanding our usage of data analytics, which will allow us to make informed decisions about product development, inventory management, and resource allocation. We are investing in cloud-based solutions for our internal operations for enhancing collaboration, improving data accessibility, and allowing for flexibility in a remote work environment. We are fostering collaboration with our suppliers and distributors to optimise the supply chain. This will result in improved forecasting and streamlined logistics. Implementing a robust CRM system will allow us to personalise communication with customers and build stronger partnerships.
Please tell us about recent tech innovations and investments to enhance operational efficiency?
We optimise infrastructure for scalability through advanced manufacturing techniques, expanding distribution network, and investing in our people. We provide technology training and have a customer-centric approach. We focus on predictive maintenance to minimise downtime, enhanced decision-making through data-driven insights, improved supply chain visibility and management, real-time monitoring of warehouse conditions, increased production capacity and faster turnaround times, improved product quality and precision, flexibility in custom manufacturing, sustainable practices to lower carbon footprint and energy consumption, compliance with environmental regulations and enhanced corporate social responsibility.
Take us through your exclusive products and offerings best suited for the warehousing sector?
We understand the challenges faced by the warehousing sector. From maximising storage capacity to ensuring safety and compliance, we offer a range of products and services designed to address your specific requirements.
Here are some of our solutions to optimise warehouse operations: Our Modular Mezzanine Floors create a second level within existing warehouse doubling storage capacity without needing additional square footage. High-Density Storage Systems with our engineered storage solutions, such as Drive-In Racking Systems and Mobile Compactor Systems, allow for maximised storage density by using every inch of space. This is perfect for warehouses dealing with large quantities of palletised goods. Slotted Angle Systems offer a cost-effective storage solution. They can be reconfigured to change inventory needs and maximise space utilisation as your business grows.
Adjustable Pallet Racking systems allows you to customise shelf heights and configurations to suit various product sizes and weights. This ensures optimal space utilisation and efficient picking processes. Seismic Compliance is made to meet the latest seismic zone regulations, ensuring the safety of your personnel and inventory. We prioritise safety by using robust materials and adhering to strict manufacturing standards. This ensures the longevity and structural integrity of our storage solutions, and minimising the risk of accidents.
