Smart Approach to Warehousing : Self-storage Industry
Subedi, Manish (2018)
Subedi, Manish
Yrkeshögskolan Arcada
2018
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018053011336
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018053011336
Tiivistelmä
Self-storages are modified versions of industrial warehouses. Differing in functionality, except for the storage, industrial warehouses are more complex in design, operation, and technology. This research was conducted with an aim of unmasking the needs that lead to the emergence of such businesses. The relationship between features of a self-storage and its location are also listed under aim. In addition to these, the location selection methods are compared and checked for similarities or differences. Qualitative research method has been applied for collecting the necessary information with semi-structured interview questionnaires. The data is supported by a theoretical framework consisting of features and functions, structures and models for selection of location, of both industrial warehouses and self-storages, later, compared and analyzed with the empirical findings. Industrial warehouses’ functions are movement, storage, and information flow, whereas, self-storages are designed to offer storage units with proper maintenance and other features. The results show that moving and renovation dominates the list of needs for renting a storage unit whereas marriage and divorce, seasonal stocking and deaths are other contributors. Visibility, accessibility and drive-up units are the key factors for selecting a location. Aforementioned factors and the location are closely related. Factor Rating Method is the common one between industrial warehouses and self-storages as per the analytics. The self- storage industry holds great growth potential in the European markets with few numbers of such businesses compared to that of US. The demand for such services is increasing day by day as more people are being born, but the total area of the Earth never changes.