Top 3 things overheard at the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) 2011 Annual Convention
Green Initiatives – It is time for logistics companies to start thinking green (if they aren’t already). As our customers begin to focus on environmentally sound practices, they are beginning to look for logistics companies with a similar focus. Over the next few years logistics companies that favor green practices will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Industrial Real Estate – We are still in a buyers market and this will continue into the foreseeable future. Unlike the residential market the industrial landlords were initially somewhat insulated from the downturn by long term leases. Now these leases are starting to come up for renewal and lease rates have been depressed. This, of course, can lead to issues with the banks who have made the loans on the properties. While there are a few industrial markets who have not felt the downturn as severely, the industrial market is expected to continue to be soft in the near future.
Information Systems – IT capability is an ever increasing differentiator in the logistics industry. The three most important logistics IT capabilities from a shipper’s perspective are, real-time order and shipment visibility, alerts for orders and shipments that deviate from plan, and timely KPI and performance data.
Our longstanding membership in the IWLA and specifically our participation in its annual Convention provide us with a leg up in today’s challenging business environment. Meeting with other professionals in the warehousing and logistics industry, we are able to discuss trends, identify best practices and collaborate on solutions to support the continued growth and success of our individual companies and of an industry for which we share a passion.
