Supply Chain, 3PL & Warehousing

A supply chain can be defined as a network between customers and supplier, used to deliver goods or services.

It is made up of many different parts including producers, warehouses, retailers and distributors.

From turning materials into products to fulfilling and delivering finished goods to consumers, many different material handling products are required throughout the process.

For example, within warehousing, goods are required to be stored safely and effectively. Initial raw material is often stored in bulk using products such as pallet boxes, stillages or retention cages whereas finished goods need to be located into racking or specific shelf locations to be picked for dispatch.

Finished products are often stored within open fronted picking bins to allow operators to pick products in a lean and efficient way.

Third party logistics (3PL) operations have to overcome the challenge of managing fulfilment and storage of a wide range of SKU’s, often varying greatly in size and shape.

With revenue in 3^rd party logistics rising to an estimated 35 billion dollars in 2025 the need to rapidly evolve operations to handle increase demands is more critical than ever before.

For example, a 3PL site with multiple retail contracts may be handling small consumer products such as books, clothing or electronic items to bulky items including bicycles, suitcases, and furniture.

Here at Onit Direct we offer products solutions to support and enhance these complex picking processes, from small product picking bins to larger bulk bins such as Dolavs, metal stillage cages or Folding pallet boxes.

For picking at height safely we have a range of warehouse safety steps with both plastic and metal options available.

Challenges within warehousing and distribution operations extend from the initial picking of multiple products into the transportation of these SKUs once picked.

We offer a wide range of wheeled picking trolleys, from compact trolleys for narrow aisles to larger, multi-level shelf trolleys complete with tote boxes for larger pick operations.

Our nestable roll cages or roll pallets as they are also known can be used to store multiple finished, box products between warehouse and 3PL operations to retail stores. Minimising wasted space when returning cages empty allows operations to not only reduce costs but also reduce their carbon footprint.

As a project driven company, we understand that “one size” does not always fit all and as such we are able to design and manufacture bespoke solutions, tailored specifically to your operation.

If you would like to learn more about our bespoke options, speak with a member of our team to book in your free site survey.

With over 20 years’ experience working within manufacturing and supply chain our UK team are on hand to support with your next project.