New e-commerce facilities, sophisticated contractors go hand in hand
Each day, millions of Americans subconsciously rely on complex, sophisticated e-commerce distribution centers that store and manage everything from household essentials and groceries to apparel and electronics for eventual delivery right to their doorsteps. And as home deliveries become more and more common, the demand for these distribution centers will continue to rise exponentially.
Major e-commerce players such as Amazon are preparing for this planned growth by scouring the country to identify strategic locations for their e-commerce facilities. Prime locations are located in areas that are industrial zoned with convenient access to suburban customers, adjacencies and convenient access to major interstates and airports, and strong and dedicated local workforces and resources.
For example, Amazon continues to add new fulfillment centers throughout the U.S., and there are currently eight facilities in Florida already. It is a safe bet there will be many more Amazon distribution centers to come. And Uline Corp., a Wisconsin-based distributor of shipping, packaging and industrial supplies, recently announced plans to build a nearly 1 million-square-foot regional distribution facility west of Collier County’s new amateur sports complex.
In the e-commerce sector, time is money. As the need for sophisticated e-commerce distribution facilities continues to grow, so does the need for more efficient technology-driven construction processes that translate into faster construction completion, precision-level quality control and quicker occupancy of these buildings.
But the e-commerce facilities of today pale in comparison to the warehouses of yesterday. Since 2007, the average footprint of warehouses has increased by 143 percent to account for a higher density of storage capabilities. Higher ceiling clearances also have become a trend for these structures, allowing for greater flexibility and access of motorized equipment and transportation vehicles. Data-driven analytics and machine learning allow for tighter inventory management. Robots work alongside human labor to expedite processes. Some corporate headquarters and warehouse facilities have implemented automated storage and retrieval technologies, allowing for better fulfillment and far greater storage capabilities. Technologies integrated in these facilities often require extremely precise measurements that leave little room for builder error — one minor design or execution mistake can throw off the overall effectiveness of the entire facility, such as a concrete floor that is not poured perfectly level could render some automated technologies inoperable and useless.
These highly complex facilities require acute focus, intricate technological design-assist capabilities and attention to detail throughout the design and construction process. Construction management firms leading these efforts must be collaborative, innovative, responsive and creative. They must closely manage earlier collaboration, communication and cooperation between clients, architects and subcontractors to allow for a more predictable construction process with less risk and fewer mistakes and rework.
These sophisticated general contractors must also leverage the most advanced technologies and modeling tools and most efficient and productive processes. By building the building virtually before constructing it onsite, teams can correct design mistakes earlier in the process and ensure a more seamless and efficient process once the actual construction of the physical structure begins.
As demand from online consumers and the need for complex e-commerce distribution centers continue to rise, enlisting more sophisticated, innovative contractors with cutting-edge technologies and best-in-class collaboration processes will be the determining factor in successfully delivering these distribution facilities of tomorrow on schedule and on budget.
