By opting for a BTS warehouse, the company can design a warehouse that includes large and open dedicated sorting areas equipped with automated systems to handle thousands of orders per hour, says Mahendra Waghule, Head- Projects & Development, Horizon Industrial Parks.

Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and advanced analytics are driving significant improvements in efficiency and productivity of smart warehouses. To stay competitive, businesses are eager to leverage these into their production and supply chain operations to their fullest potential. 

The emphasis on greater supply chain efficiencies and sustainable operations is driving the demand for Built-to-Suit (BTS) warehousing and industrial facilities. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all storage warehouses, BTS warehouses are specifically designed and constructed to meet the unique needs of each business. With tailored layouts, scalable sizes, and integrated technological features, BTS warehouses provide the perfect environment for optimised storage, distribution, and logistics activities. This sort of customisation is an asset for businesses for several reasons. 

One of the key advantages of BTS warehouses, as briefly stated above, is their ability to easily incorporate advanced technologies from the ground up. To do that in traditional warehouses might require extensive retrofitting which comes with higher costs. BTS warehouses on the other hand are designed with futureproofing in mind. This means that as new technologies emerge, these facilities can easily adapt. A great example is creating a warehouse for an e-Commerce business which includes advanced sorting and picking systems driven by AI and machine learning. By integrating these requirements into the design phase, the resulting warehouse can be fashioned with relevant requirements such as the necessary floor and structural requirements, the appropriate storage and docking area specifications, as well as the margin for scalability if needed. 

A BTS warehouse can be designed with the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and robotics in mind. To maximise the benefits of IoT, sensors and connectivity infrastructure are built into the facility's framework. These are crucial in allowing constant communication between devices, leading to improved inventory management, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency. Additionally, to support the extensive infrastructure required for automation and robotics, design considerations are made to incorporate specialised flooring for robotic movement, reinforced structures to support heavy automation equipment, and advanced power and data networks to ensure seamless operation. 

Customisation in BTS warehouses extends to creating environments suited to specific sectors. This comprises various aspects of warehouse design, from layout and scalability to storage and handling requirements. 

A retail giant might require a layout that supports high-speed sorting and packing processes. By opting for a BTS warehouse, the company can design a warehouse that includes large and open dedicated sorting areas equipped with automated systems to handle thousands of orders per hour. To allow flexible racking systems, there can be an appropriate heighted space that can hold reconfigurable racks which accommodate different product sizes and seasonal inventory changes. Additionally, strategically placed packing stations can be designed to minimise movement and improve workflow, ensuring quick and accurate order fulfilment.

This adaptability extends to every aspect of the warehouse be it the docking bays, the temperature and humidity as well as sterility of the warehouse. 

BTS warehouses not only offer customised solutions tailored to unique business needs but also play a significant role in promoting sustainability. Through energy-efficient designs and the use of renewable energy sources, BTS warehouses help businesses reduce their environmental footprint beyond enhancing operational efficiency. Some of the possible integrations to drive sustainability include: 

High-quality insulation and advanced ventilation systems to help maintain optimal indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

- LED lighting systems, consuming less energy compared to traditional lighting and with longer lifespans, to lower energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs.

- Automated smart systems that control lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and usage patterns to significantly reduce energy consumption.

- Installing solar panels on the warehouse roof to generate a significant portion of the facility's energy needs, reducing reliance on the grid.

- Integrate battery storage systems to store excess energy generated by renewable sources, ensuring a steady energy supply even during periods of low generation.

- Rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for use in non-potable applications, such as irrigation of landscapes and sanitation. 

- Charging stations for electric delivery vehicles, promoting the use of clean transportation options.

BTS warehouses embody the future of warehousing, where innovation meets practicality, and where businesses are no longer confined by the limitations of traditional, generic storage spaces. Instead, they thrive in environments designed to enhance every aspect of their operations.

It is a facility, where every square foot is optimised for efficiency and every process is streamlined by cutting-edge technology. These spaces are more than storages—they are assets that adapt to your unique operational requirements and dynamically evolve with you.

Mahendra Waghule is the Head of Projects and Development at Horizon Industrial Parks. Waghule has 29 years of experience with leadership roles in the field of real estate development management, corporate real estate management, project management and facilities management. Previously, he served as the Executive Vice President at IndoSpace.