The astounding growth in online transactions among consumers and commercial clients is the new normal . More and more exists in a digital space . For all that the cloud can contain , though , the warehousing industry is as vital as ever for the physical realities of commerce .
Michael Mikitka is the CEO of the Warehousing Education and Research Council ( WERC ), the only national association representing warehousing and logistics professionals . As the possibilities for online transactions grow , he says heightened consumer expectations are putting new pressures on warehousing and the supply chain .
“ Whether it ’ s business to business or to consumer , available inventory and speed for delivery significantly defines a company ’ s competitive advantage .”
While WERC ’ s niche in the supply chain has historically been contained within four walls , Mikitka says the scope has widened to make room for new and evolving demands of warehousing . Financial and real estate analysts estimate that e-commerce represents approximately 40 % of industrial properties and requires three times more physical space than bricks and mortars retailers .
“ Obviously , many factors contribute to a business ’ success , but we see firsthand how warehousing and logistics is driving competition forward .”
78 September 2017