Industrial real estate plays a key role in supply chain logistics, serving as the backbone of the global movement of goods and the efficiency of businesses. From distribution centers and warehouses to manufacturing facilities, these spaces are essential for ensuring that products reach consumers in a timely and cost-effective manner. Given the importance of industrial real estate to supply chain logistics, how does it impact businesses and consumers alike?

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Location is key to supply chain logistics. Industrial real estate provides the necessary space and infrastructure to strategically position warehouses and distribution centers close to major transportation hubs, ports, and key markets. This proximity allows for faster transit times, reduced transportation costs, and improved overall supply chain efficiency.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Having adequate storage space is essential for effective inventory management. Industrial real estate provides businesses with the storage capacity required to stockpile goods or ensure just-in-time delivery of goods. Either way, industrial real estate is an essential ingredient to managing inventory levels effectively and efficiently. Ultimately, this enables businesses to meet consumer demand and improve  customer satisfaction.

EFFICIENT DISTRIBUTION

The layout and design of industrial real estate plays a significant role in optimizing distribution operations. Industrial facilities are designed to accommodate the movement of goods, with features like loading docks, high ceilings, and advanced material handling systems that streamline the distribution process. Efficient distribution ultimately leads to reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times.

E-COMMERCE BOOM

The rise of e-commerce has put increased focus on the importance of industrial real estate. The need for large fulfillment centers to support online orders has led to a surge in demand for industrial real estate, especially close to major population centers. These facilities are critical for the rapid processing and delivery of online orders, meeting the expectations of today’s consumers for fast and convenient shopping experiences.

SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE

Recent disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience. Industrial real estate can play a role in building a resilient supply chain by providing additional storage space for buffer stock, allowing businesses to better respond to unexpected events, and maintain continuity of operations.

COST SAVINGS

Efficient industrial real estate can significantly reduce a business’ operational costs. By optimizing storage and distribution processes, businesses can most effectively manage labor, transportation, and storage expenses. This cost-saving potential directly effects a company’s bottom line, making it a vital consideration for supply chain managers.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Businesses are increasingly focused on environmental sustainability. Industrial real estate is often a key component of a business’ environmental sustainability strategy. Industrial real estate properties often include eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and more.

FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY

Industrial real estate offers flexibility for businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and scale their operations. Whether a business needs to expand or downsize its distribution network, having access to appropriate industrial real estate allows for strategic adjustments without significant disruptions.

ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH

Industrial real estate is an essential component of supply chain logistics – and economic growth and success. Industrial real estate is the key to enabling businesses to streamline their operations, manage costs, and meet the evolving demands of consumers. As supply chains continue to adapt to changing market dynamics, the role of industrial real estate in supporting these operations will only grow in importance.

LEARN MORE

Continually learning about trends and the unique aspects of industrial real estate is essential to success. Read CRE Insight Journal’s industrial real estate page often to stay up to date on this dynamic segment of commercial real estate.

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