Commercial Storage and Warehouse Solutions: What DTC Brands Need to Know

For DTC founders, retail brand marketers, and procurement teams comparing 3PL partners, understanding commercial storage and warehouse solutions is essential to scale without sacrificing accuracy or speed. This guide breaks down what these solutions include, how the workflow runs, what drives pricing, which SLAs to expect, and how an Atlanta-based operation gives you a shipping edge.  

What Are Commercial Storage and Warehouse Solutions — and When to Use Them?

Commercial storage and warehouse solutions combine systems and services that keep your inventory secure, organized, and ready to ship. Systems include pallet racking (selective, double-deep), high-density options (drive-in, pushback, pallet flow), shelving for small parts, mezzanines for vertical expansion, and mobile systems that increase density. These storage system types, as detailed on resources like Camcode’s warehouse storage overview,     offer different space utilization and handling capabilities depending on throughput and inventory characteristics. Services include short- and long-term storage, receiving (dock-to-stock), inventory management, security, asset tracking, and full integration with your fulfillment and transportation network.  

Use these solutions when you:

   
• Are scaling inventory and need flexible space that adjusts with demand.
   
• Require overflow or seasonal storage without committing to long-term leases.
   
• See a growing SKU count and need operator-grade inventory control.
   
• Want value-added services like kitting, printing, bundling, and ecommerce packouts all under one roof.
   
• Prefer a 3PL to handle end-to-end logistics so your team can focus on product and growth.
 

Use Cases arise across various operational scenarios:

   
• Long-term storage during seasonality: Peak seasons can generate excess inventory requiring additional space for several months without incurring permanent overhead.
   
• Short-term overflow: Unplanned surges in volume or supplier delays may necessitate temporary storage to maintain order flow.
   
• Asset management for multiple SKUs: Brands expanding their SKU count need specialized shelving or modular racking that supports efficient picking without sacrificing space.
   
• Third-party logistics partner (3PL) providing end-to-end logistics: Outsourcing warehousing and fulfillment as a bundled service reduces vendor complexity, improves speed-to-market, and leverages internal operator-grade SOPs.
 

All Points angle: Pair warehousing with our custom kitting and product assembly services for cohesive brand packouts and fewer touchpoints. By integrating custom kitting into your warehouse workflow, you maintain accuracy and speed across receiving, storage, and outbound processes. This approach supports a streamlined commercial storage solution aligned with brand requirements.  

Step-by-Step Workflow for Commercial Storage and Warehousing

The following is a detailed, operator-level workflow for managing commercial storage and warehousing, designed to scale Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) or wholesale fulfillment efficiently:

1. Inventory intake (dock-to-stock)

   
• Schedule inbound shipments with carriers and confirm Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs).
   
• Assign dock doors per shipment to optimize unloading flow.
   
• Unload inventory carefully and inspect for damage or discrepancies in quantity.
   
• Capture critical inventory attributes such as lot numbers, serial numbers, batch codes, or expiry as relevant.
   
• Label pallets or cartons and enter receipts into the Warehouse Management System (WMS).
   
• Target dock-to-stock time under 4 hours to quickly make SKUs available for picking, aligning with industry benchmarks and your SLA commitments.
 

Effective dock-to-stock processes ensure minimal delays to inventory availability and prevent order cycle time elongation.  

2. Storage allocation

   
• Slot inventory by SKU velocity and physical attributes:      
         
  • Fast-moving “A” SKUs get placed in forward pick locations.
         
  • Slower “B” and “C” classification SKUs are stored in reserve or overflow areas.
       
     
   
• Select storage equipment optimally:      
         
  • Selectable pallet racks: For bulk, uniform pallets.
         
  • Shelving or bins: For smaller eaches or components.
         
  • Mezzanines: To expand usable vertical space and cost-effectively use warehouse cube.
         
  • Mobile/high-density systems: To maximize density in footprint-constrained warehouses.
       
     
   
• Develop putaway rules and workflows intended to minimize travel time and complexity during replenishment and picking.
 

This step uses best practices documented in the Camcode storage systems guide and other warehousing authorities, balancing space utilization with throughput needs.  

3. Ongoing inventory management

   
• Conduct routine cycle counts, prioritized by SKU classification, to identify and correct inventory discrepancies before they affect fulfillment.
   
• Maintain controlled-access zones for high-value items, utilizing security cameras and badge-controlled access points.
   
• Track all inbound receipts, transfers, picks, and adjustments in real-time within your WMS.
   
• Use audit trails and variance reporting to audit accuracy and continually improve inventory control measures.
 

4. Order fulfillment

   
• Receive orders through integrated systems such as API or EDI feeds; accommodate standards such as 940 (warehouse shipping order) and 945 (warehouse shipping advice) for wholesale customers.
   
• Pick orders using methods suited to order profiles—batch, wave, or zone picking optimize picker travel routes and throughput.
   
• Conduct quality control checks before packing.
   
• Include any value-added items such as marketing inserts, printed collateral, or kits.
   
• Stage orders by carrier and service level to ensure timely pickup.
   
• Use manifesting tools for carrier compliance and tracking.
 

   Learn more about these fulfillment processes in our dedicated     e-commerce fulfillment services page.  

5. Return handling and restocking

   
• Inspect returned items for resale eligibility, reconditioning, or quarantine.
   
• Record return disposition promptly to update inventory systems and avoid overselling.
   
• Analyze reasons for returns to address root cause issues in quality control or packaging.
 

6. Coordination with kitting and printing

   
• Build kits, bundles, and subscription boxes in advance to maintain order flow during demand peaks.
   
• Print branded collateral, labels, or instructions onsite, enabling quick turnaround and lower shipping costs.
   
• Synchronize WMS with kitting work orders and print runs, maintaining full visibility and inventory control.
   
• Explore our seamless kitting solutions and on-site printing and marketing materials that integrate fully with warehousing workflows.

Key SLA and KPI Metrics for Warehouse Solutions

Measuring these Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) ensures your warehousing operations maintain efficiency and quality:

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These KPIs are monitored via weekly dashboard reviews, monthly SLA scorecards, and quarterly performance analyses. A robust WMS with timestamped records provides audit trails from receipt through shipping, and EDI compliance verifies wholesale order accuracy.  

Pricing Drivers in Commercial Storage and Warehouse Solutions

Pricing varies based on operational variables including:

   
• Space type & density:
  Pallet racks provide straightforward, cost-effective storage but use more space per unit. High-density racking systems such as drive-in, pushback, or pallet flow maximize cube utilization but come with higher capital and handling costs. Modular mezzanines add vertical space without requiring additional leased floors, impacting pricing accordingly.    
   
• Storage duration:
  Month-to-month or short-term storage attracts premiums compared with annual or longer storage agreements with minimum volume commitments. Peak-season programs require negotiated minimums and ramp-up planning.    
   
• Inventory complexity:
  SKU variety, size irregularity, presence of serialized or lot-tracked products, or controlled substances drive up handling time and cost.    
   
• Value-added services:
  Kitting, assembly, custom printing, branded packouts, and EDI integration introduce complexity and labor that increase per-unit pricing yet deliver downstream savings and improved customer experience. See pricing models via custom kitting and printing services.    
   
• Labor intensity:
  Complex pick/pack orders requiring multiple SKUs, quality checks, or assembly will entail higher labor costs. Automation and optimized workflows can reduce but not eliminate these expenses.    
   
• Technology stack:
  Use of a sophisticated WMS, EDI, security systems, and reporting platforms carries costs that improve accuracy, compliance, and operational insight.    
 

Risks and Mitigations When Choosing a Warehouse Solution

   
• Risk: Inventory inaccuracy causes stockouts or overstocks.
  Mitigation: Implement ABC cycle counts, daily system audits, transparent KPI reporting, and initiate root cause investigations for variances.    
   
• Risk: Slow dock-to-stock delays order cycle times and availability.
  Mitigation: Develop efficient receiving SOPs, leverage ASNs for preparation, and enforce dock-to-stock SLA penalties or remediation.    
   
• Risk: Inefficient space utilization inflates storage costs.
  Mitigation: Employ modular, scalable racking systems and reslot based on seasonal demand to maximize storage density.    
   
• Risk: Lack of integration between warehousing and fulfillment creates errors and inefficiencies.
  Mitigation: Choose 3PLs providing integrated services including warehousing, kitting, printing, and fulfillment. All Points exemplifies this with end-to-end solutions detailed on our       warehousing & distribution and       fulfillment pages.    
   
• Risk: Missing EDI or retail compliance requirements results in chargebacks and penalties.
  Mitigation: Validate compliance with retail routing guides, label specifications, and confirm EDI requirements such as 940/945 documents before shipments.    
 

Atlanta Advantage for Commercial Storage and Warehouse Solutions

   
• Two-day ground reach to roughly 80% of the U.S. population
  Atlanta’s central southeast position enables ground transportation to populous regions, reducing reliance on costly expedited air shipping and lowering freight spend.    
   
• Central access to Southeast ports and domestic suppliers
  Inbound freight costs and lead times are minimized due to proximity to ocean ports and major carriers.    
   
• Established network and expertise since 1995
  Decades of regional experience translate into operator-grade Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), skilled labor force, and reliable carrier relationships, as highlighted in       All Points’ 25+ years of Atlanta warehouse experience.    
   
• On-site printing and kitting services
  Nearby access to branded collateral printing and kit assembly reduces inter-vendor touchpoints, expedites launches, and improves inventory accuracy.    
   
• Supply chain resilience and flexibility
  Proximity to customers and carriers facilitates alternate routing in disruptions, faster replenishment cycles, and scalable overflow capabilities.    
     

These advantages collectively reduce supply chain risk and improve customer satisfaction benchmarks.

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What You Get with All Points

   
• Family-owned Atlanta 3PL since 1995
  A stable, service-focused partner offering operator-grade execution with a partnership mindset. Learn more about our heritage and values on the family-owned Atlanta 3PL page.    
   
• End-to-end logistics under one roof
  We provide custom kitting, printing, ecommerce fulfillment, and warehousing/distribution, minimizing vendor complexity and accelerating timelines:      
         
  • Seamless kitting solutions
         
  • Printing and marketing materials
         
  • E-commerce order fulfillment
         
  • Warehousing & distribution
       
     
   
• Operator-grade SOPs and transparent SLA/KPI reporting
  We publish and track SLA/KPI scorecards covering pick accuracy, dock-to-stock, order cycle time, on-time shipping, and inventory accuracy. Exceptions receive root cause analysis and continuous improvement attention.    
   
• Integrated kitting + print + packout workflows
  Our WMS synchronizes kitting work orders and print jobs with inventory to ensure accuracy and traceability. A notable client example includes a Porsche printing and kitting initiative with stringent quality control and timing requirements. Contact us for details.    
   
• Technology and compliance capabilities
  Sophisticated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), EDI 940/945 support, ASN and labeling compliance, and real-time reporting enable seamless integration with customer systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are typical turnaround times for dock-to-stock?
A: The industry target for ready-to-sell SKUs is under 4 hours, supported by efficient unloading and inspection procedures. Complex inbound shipments involving multiple lot/serial tracking may require same-day targets. SLA commitments and performance are reviewed regularly.

Q: How does warehouse storage pricing vary by system type?
A: Selective pallet racking is the base cost option providing accessibility but lower density. High-density racking systems such as drive-in, pushback, or pallet flow increase storage density at increased equipment and operational cost. SKU size, velocity, and throughput help determine the optimal storage mix.

Q: What SLAs ensure inventory accuracy?
A: Target 99.8%+ inventory accuracy through routine ABC cycle counts, variance reconciliation, and daily system audits. Combine with 99.9%+ pick accuracy and stringent adjustment controls to keep stock data dependable.

Q: Can I integrate custom kitting and printing with my warehouse solution?
A: Yes. All Points builds kits, subscription boxes, bundles, and prints branded inserts, labels, and user manuals onsite to streamline lead times and reduce supply chain complexity. Details are available on our   custom kitting and   printing services pages.

Q: What geographic advantages does All Points’ Atlanta location offer?
A: Our location allows two-day ground delivery to around 80% of the U.S. population, central connectivity to southeastern carriers and ports, and cost savings on inbound and outbound freight compared with coastal-centric networks. Learn more about our role as a   trusted warehouse and logistics partner since 1995.