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Expert tips on maintaining warehouse operations to cope with the fluctuations of the pandemic

 09/09/2021

Logistics is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In particular, warehousing plays a core role in the storage and management of goods. Planning, organizing and coordinating so that orders are delivered on time is a must in the logistics process.

The importance of warehousing in logistics?

The warehouse is the backbone of the entire supply chain management process, directly implementing many logistics activities of a firm. Warehouses help ensure the continuity of the production and distribution of goods. Moreover, a warehouse contributes to the saving of transportation costs through the optimal management of losses, the economical and efficient use of the facilities. In addition, by ensuring that goods are always guaranteed in quantity and quality, warehouses help firms improve the quality of customer service.

How has Covid-19 impacted warehousing?

Imports and exports are backlogged

Exporters waiting for empty containers and for ship departures are required to store longer than before. Typically, companies choose to use a third-party service, such as a 3PL, to decentralize warehouses and use retail stores to distribute goods.

Demand increases while building a new warehouse requires a large amount of capital and time, so the supply cannot increase immediately, which has pushed up the rental price of warehouses.

Shortage of human resources

COVID-19 has delayed production activities, many businesses have to temporarily close because of financial imbalance. This leads to a clear jeopardy of the safety, reliability and security of the workforce. Due to the difference in norms, the warehouses not only suffered from a shortage of labor, but also resulted in a shortage of inventory. Firms are forced to lay off workers to implement distancing, and at the same time reduce the fear of Covid-19 in plants and warehouses

Expert tips to maintaining warehouse operations during the pandemic

U&I Logistics is one of the largest warehousing companies in Vietnam. 2 types of logistics are operating including domestic warehouse and bonded warehouse with a total storage area of up to 1,458,000 m2 - reaching the Top 1 largest bonded warehouse in Southeast Asia.

For U&I, technology plays an important role in warehouse management, helping businesses optimize automated processes, control shipments, save costs, and ensure safety for customers and workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, we always apply and improve technology solutions to maintain service quality for customers. Outstanding technological equipment at U&I warehouse includes:

  • U&I Logistics warehouse management system (U&I WMS) is researched and developed by our team, going through many stages of testing, meeting strict technical and professional standards. U&I WMS helps automate the order management process. The auto put - auto pick strategy optimizes the use of shelves and reduces errors in the inbound and outbound processes. Besides, WMS integrates many other applications to create a paperless working environment (paperless warehouse).

  • Automatic barcode scanners manage inventory easily, minimize errors in data import/export procedure, and at the same time, frees up a great deal of human resources in the warehouse.

  • CCTV operated 24/7 ensures strict security inside and outside the warehouse, avoiding damage and loss of goods.

  • Dehumidifier system maintains humidity below 63%, eliminates mold in goods, and ensures product quality during storage.

  • In addition, our team with a wealth of experience is well trained before participating in technological processes.

To stabilize business operations and ensure the health of employees during COVID-19, U&I Logistics has organized "on-site living” with the aim of providing adequate human resources for warehouse activities. At the same time, we also coordinate with many partners to rotate stock properly. As a result, U&I Logistics withstand the effects of the pandemic to handle sudden high demand in storage.

U&I Logistics