CJ Darcl revolutionizing logistics & warehousing with cutting-edge solutions

“As India's economy grows, there's a continuous demand for warehousing, especially in Grade A and B categories, fuelled by sectors like electronics, retail, FMCG, and manufacturing and these industries are increasingly turning to 3PL services for efficient inventory management, and the future of warehousing is likely to see significant changes through automation and technology investments.”

Rachit Mishra - DGM & Head, Brand Marketing and Communications, CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd.

Challenges
Expanding warehouse services to Tier 2 and 3 cities or upgrading existing warehouses in these regions presents several challenges, primarily related to cost and infrastructure. Some of the issues include:

Lack of Skilled Workforce: Finding a skilled workforce that can readily adapt to the demands of advanced, high-tech warehouses can be a significant challenge. There may be a shortage of trained personnel in these areas, making it essential to invest in training and development.

Limited Infrastructure: Tier 2 and 3 cities generally have less developed infrastructure compared to Tier 1 cities. This can result in connectivity issues, including road connectivity and access to essential utilities, which are crucial for smooth warehouse operations.

Regulatory Compliance: Complying with local laws and regulations, especially those related to zoning, environmental requirements, and land use, can be a complex and time-consuming process. Collaborative efforts can ease the process of meeting zoning, environmental, and land use requirements, ensuring that warehouses operate efficiently and in compliance with local laws.

Logistics Costs: In the context of India's higher logistics costs compared to other countries, cost control is a critical challenge. Expanding or upgrading warehouses in Tier 2 and 3 cities requires significant investments, and managing these costs while ensuring operational efficiency is a key consideration.

Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach that includes workforce development, infrastructure improvement, and effective regulatory management. While the government's initiatives to reduce logistics costs are encouraging, tackling these challenges is essential for the successful expansion and upgradation of warehouses in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Infrastructure Components
To effectively operate a Grade-A warehouse in 2 and 3-tier cities in India, several key infrastructure components are essential. These components play a crucial role in supporting the country's rapidly growing logistics and warehousing industry, which is poised for substantial expansion in the coming years.

1. Modern Infrastructure: Grade-A warehouses must come equipped with contemporary amenities. These attributes not only improve operational effectiveness but also streamline the management of goods. Ensuring that this infrastructure aligns with safety, health, and environmental standards is of utmost importance to maintain a safe and secure working environment.

2. Innovative Technology: Embracing innovative technology is paramount for staying competitive in the dynamic warehousing landscape. The adoption of advanced tools and systems, such as warehouse management software and IoT-driven solutions, allows for real-time tracking, efficient inventory management, and meeting customer demands swiftly.

3. Skilled Workforce: To make the most of the technological advancements in warehousing, it is vital to employ a skilled workforce. These professionals should be well-versed in operating and maintaining the technology deployed within the warehouse. Their expertise ensures optimum utilization of resources and overall operational efficiency.

4. Connectivity and Location Access: Grade-A warehouses demand a well-structured connectivity and location access system. This system ensures the smooth and efficient transportation of goods to and from the facility.

5. Local Resources: Leveraging local resources is beneficial in terms of sourcing and support. Utilizing the local workforce and suppliers can help in cost control and fostering community relations.

Financially viable option: Renting or owning
The choice between renting and owning a warehouse in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities depends on your specific business objectives, financial capabilities, and growth expectations. Renting is a more cost-effective and flexible option while owning provides ownership benefits and long-term prospects. Careful financial analysis and consideration of your business's unique needs are crucial in making the right decision. It's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision.

Renting:

1. Cost-Effective: Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities typically offer more affordable land compared to urban areas. Renting a warehouse in these regions can be a financially viable option due to lower initial capital requirements.

2. Maintenance Responsibility: When you rent a warehouse, the maintenance and upkeep become the owner's responsibility. This alleviates the tenant from the burden of ongoing maintenance costs and ensures a well-maintained facility.

3. Flexibility: Renting provides a higher degree of flexibility. If your company experiences growth or market dynamics change, relocating the warehouse is a relatively straightforward process. This flexibility can free up capital for other critical development and expansion initiatives.

Owning:

1. Ownership Benefits: Purchasing a warehouse provides ownership benefits, including the freedom to implement customized storage solutions, such as multiple stacking or pallet stacking systems. This ownership can align with specific operational needs and long-term business goals.

2. Growth Prospects: Owning a warehouse opens up the possibility of future growth and expansion on the owned property. This can be a strategic advantage if your business anticipates substantial growth in the region. However, it's essential to acknowledge that owning a warehouse comes with significant financial considerations:

3. Initial Capital Outlay: Acquiring a warehouse requires a substantial one-time cash investment, which can be a barrier for some businesses. This initial expenditure can impact available capital for other essential business activities.

4. Limited Flexibility: While ownership offers control, it can also limit flexibility. Moving a company-owned warehouse can be a complex and costly process, which may make it less feasible, particularly if market conditions or business requirements change.

CJ Darcl
Our warehouse network spans various locations providing a comprehensive array of features and services tailored to diverse industries, including FMCG, Industrial, Retail, and Automotive. Our warehouses are equipped with advanced infrastructure that strictly adheres to safety, health, and environmental regulations. Clients enjoy the flexibility to access customized solutions, tailored to their specific requirements, whether it involves dedicated services or multi-user facilities. The key features of our distribution centers include impressive building heights spanning from 7 to 12 meters. The facilities offer high-quality flooring, efficient insulation, louvers, and turbo vents, ensuring excellent ventilation to combat extreme temperatures and preserve customer inventory. To maintain quality working conditions, our distribution centers employ selective pallet racking, multi-tier shelving, and movable racking systems, providing efficient storage solutions. Our warehousing and distribution management involve storing products in a warehouse while offering services such as shelf-life maintenance, product mixing, packaging, cross-docking, barcode scanning, order fulfillment, and other ancillary customer services. Depending on demand and specific characteristics, products are stored in different types of warehouses, including climate-controlled, ambient, automated, fulfillment centers, and distribution centers. Our holistic warehousing management covers first-mile delivery to middle-mile delivery, last-mile delivery, hyper-local delivery, and in-plant logistics services, with the support by intra-facility automation support. With 11 major warehouses strategically located, we can promptly offer additional solutions to meet client demands. Real-time deliveries not only save turnaround time and fuel but also prevent the wastage of agro products. Our Warehouse Management System (WMS) technology ensures complete inventory visibility, enhances operational accuracy, and boosts productivity. Seamless integration with clients' ERP systems is a key feature, and the entire warehousing process, from receiving to dispatch, is automated through the WMS, ensuring efficiency and scalability in our operations.


Demand on the rise
India's economic growth and positive industrial advancements have attracted multinational corporations to establish manufacturing centers within the country. As India strives to position itself as a global manufacturing hub, the warehousing market has garnered significant interest from both international and domestic institutional investors. The government's 'Make in India' initiative has further spurred the establishment of new manufacturing units, drawing new players into the warehouse market. This shift has ushered in a new era for the logistics industry, which is evolving in response to changing international standards and market dynamics.

1. E-commerce Boom: The rise of e-commerce is a primary driver of the increased demand for warehousing. With the proliferation of online shopping and delivery services, there's a pressing need for efficient storage and distribution centers to meet the demands of this rapidly growing sector.

2. Changing Customer Trends: Evolving customer preferences and expectations have necessitated more sophisticated warehousing solutions. Customers now expect faster and more reliable delivery, prompting companies to optimize their supply chain operations.

3. Urbanization: The ongoing process of urbanization in India has led to increased consumption and retail activity in urban areas. Warehouses strategically located near urban centers are essential to meet the demands of these urban markets.