Introduction
One might think that storage and warehouse are the same things but they are not. Storage is the process of stocking condiments. And this process of stocking goods or condiments is called warehousing. The place where the goods are stored is called the “warehouse”.
Storage
Storage is the process of storing condiments that are not being used currently or might not be used in the near future. Storage is not necessarily implied by physical storage, it can also be electronic storage. We can electronically store our documents safely by making multiple copies for future use.
The different times of storage are-
i) Open storage systems
As the name suggests, open storages are open. They are used to store products that are still moist at the time of storage, the openness of the storage facility helps it to dry by the sun.
ii) Semi-open systems
In semi-open systems, the storage facility is spread in semi-arid regions. Products are stored in containers made of twigs or staws. It is exposed to the sun but also kept safe from rains.
iii) Closed storage systems
In closed storage systems, the produce is kept inside huts made of mud or straw which keeps all the moisture always from the food items, keeping them fresh for a long amount of time.
Warehousing
The warehouse is the place where all the items are kept. Usually, godowns are used by store owners to keep the product that they are selling in their stores. Nowadays warehouses are running out of space to store as there is a rapid growth in product production.
Different types of warehouses in use as of now are-
i) Distribution center
These warehouses are customer-centric and located near the customers as the products stored in them are for the purpose of selling in a huge amount.
ii) Pick, pack, and ship warehouse
As the name suggests, as the facility receives an order, the products are picked and packed manually or by machines and shipped to their respective destinations.
iii) Smart warehouse
Smart warehouses are modern-day warehouses that use technology and machines to increase efficiency and save time. Use of technology also reduces the chances of errors and minimizes the requirement of manpower.
iv) Cold storage
As the name suggests, cold storage is kept at a very low temperature. To keep the products safe from moisture and sun, the temperature is manually lowered to very low temperatures and acts like massive refrigerators.
v) On-demand storage
On-demand warehouses are becoming popular in recent times. They help to connect the businesses that require spaces to the warehouses that require the exact space. It reduces time wasted in manually searching and also provides the businesses with their exact description of the space required.
vi) Bonded warehouse
Bonded warehouses are where the goods stored could be worked on or modified before proceeding for sales. Imported goods are usually kept in a bonded warehouse, worked on and then sent out for sales. The import duties of goods are usually very high in value, so the product is usually sold first and then the duty is paid from the sales of the product.
Agriculture warehousing
Agriculture warehouses are very important warehouses that help the farmers store the agriculture yield till the right time to sell the product. This helps to ensure fair trade and ensures every farmer gets the right price for their product. If every farmer removed their yield at the same time, the product in the market will be so much higher than the demand. Hence the price of the product will be decreased. Later on, when the product will no longer be available, the prices will be sky high but no product. That’s why it is very important to store the yield and get it out in the market at the right time.
Climate-controlled warehouse
Climate-controlled warehouses are specially built warehouses for storing particular items that can be damaged under different weather conditions. In these warehouses, the temperature humidity and other parameters are kept constant and favorable for the product. The weather conditions are manually kept constantly so the product can be stored safely without any fear of being ruined for a long period of time. For example, food and beverages must be stored under optimal temperatures and humidity for them to be safe and consumable when shipped.
The types of products that require climate-controlled warehouses are-
i) Food and beverages
ii) Supplements
iii) Makeup products
iv) Electronic devices
v) Medical drugs
Conclusion
In conclusion, storage facilities and warehouses help the farmers and salesmen to get the right prices. It helps them keep their product safe for a long duration of time and the entire country can rely on it for steady supply throughout the year.
