When you think of innovation, warehouse space might not be what comes to mind. But if you work in the construction industry, you might be interested in the ways warehouses have been evolving over the past 10-15 years.
The adoption of e-commerce has brought with it increased logistical demand. And supply chain hubs have altered the design and construction necessary for distributing a wide range of consumer products. However, these changes influence much more than consumerism.
Three ways e-commerce affects the construction industry
Whether you work as a general contractor or subcontract plumbing or electrical work, you have likely worked on various warehouse projects. And although you have familiarity with the overall construction process, have you considered changes that have taken place since internet shopping became a commonly-accepted way of life?
The needs of modern warehouses include:
- Upgraded amenities. To retain employees, facilities are upping their game with lounge areas, full kitchens and accessible parking areas. Plus, heavy refrigeration units are necessary for preventing the spoilage of food consumers order online.
- Larger specifications. Warehouse facilities more extensive than ever, often built with materials such as reinforced floors that are sturdy enough to support automated technology systems. In some cases, you might also need to construct outlying buildings for maintenance or security, in addition to the warehouse itself.
- Tighter deadlines. Larger projects with more complexities require scheduling precision. If one part of the process falls behind schedule and causes project delays, you could have trouble throughout the remainder of the project. With ordering materials, subcontracting work and adhering to code inspections along the way, you must continually juggle priorities.
If you work in the construction industry, you probably understand how these changes affect your business. You may need to increase your workforce, pay workers overtime or hire more experienced employees to get jobs done accurately and on time.
Additionally, these construction jobs often come at a premium cost. Therefore, you could face severe financial penalties if someone finds fault with your work, and you end up in the middle of a contract dispute.
Your work is physically demanding, and it may often seem like you work in a thankless profession. However, protecting yourself from the start of a project can increase your profitability as you strive to find satisfaction in a job well done.