The online boom calls for more optimal use of warehouse space
Shopping behavior has changed dramatically, and not just since the Corona crisis. Online shopping has established itself and is not just limited to electronics and clothing. We order items for our daily needs as if we had always done so. This boom in online retailing has led to an increased demand from retailers for warehouse space, especially near metropolitan areas with good connectivity, to distribute ordered products to customers as quickly and easily as possible.
Unused warehouse space holds great potential
Is there enough free warehouse space to handle this growth? In Switzerland, there are about 350,000 square meters of warehouse space. The percentage of unused space on any given day is over 70,000 square meters, which is over 20 percent. This shows that there is an incredibly large unused potential here and, conversely, that there is great inefficiency in the use of warehouse space.
Who is Cargo sous terrain (CST)
Cargo sous terrain is currently developing a visionary transport system that is set to revolutionize freight transport in Switzerland in the future. Cargo sous terrain aims to move freight traffic from the road to underground, transporting goods on a fully automated, electrically driven rail system on three tracks. At final build-out, tunnel links will connect Switzerland's major hubs. Urban fine distribution will be carried out by environmentally friendly means of transport, with the aim of optimizing delivery routes with grouped freight transports.
Cargo sous terrain reduces the need for storage space
For the success of Cargo sous terrain (CST), it will be crucial that the distribution of goods in the cities (city logistics) is carried out intelligently and efficiently. In addition to intelligent route planning, this also requires intermediate hubs where the goods can be redistributed to the trucks and cargo bikes. It is therefore of no surprise that existing hubs (storage areas, transshipment points) could be shared by providers. This need has given rise to the idea of 'hub sharing'. Companies looking for free space are networked with the providers of storage space. A kind of 'AirBnB' for free storage space.
An AirBnB for free warehouse space
In order to check whether there are enough providers of vacant warehouses, how the access to the warehouse can be ensured or whether a market exists on the customer side, Open Web Technology, together with Cargo sous terrain, has developed an MVP (Minimum viable product).
The new marketplace 'Hub sharing' connects tenants (owners of warehouse space) with suppliers (carriers or wholesalers). Hub sharing allows buyers to access temporary or short-term space that is not being used by suppliers and which they would like to 'monetize'. Hub Sharing does not set the prices, but lets the buyers and suppliers negotiate this themselves. On the platform, both parties find each other and can agree on their terms for the lease. For providers of storage space, the service is of course free of charge. They can thus make better use of their unused storage space and earn an additional income. Buyers get the opportunity to rent flexible storage space tailored to their needs for a specific period of time. And this without expensive investments or time-consuming searches.
The right storage space for every situation - for a day or a whole month
Use the filters to find the perfect storage space. Enter the price range or search by the number of square meters. This way you can find exactly what you want.
Additional income without much effort
Record your available slots (to the hour) and make your free slots in your warehouse work for you.
Familiarize yourself with the details
Look at the photos and read all the details - opening hours, details about the ramps, additional logistic services.
If you would like to know more about Hub sharing, please contact Stefan Goldlücke (stefan.goldluecke@cst.ch).
Marketplace
A digital marketplace is the name given to a commercial web application providing goods or services via third parties. This marketplace can be B2B or B2C but also C2C or C2B.
Online marketplaces can incorporate secure end-to-end transaction mechanisms administered by a trusted third party. They are the simplest and most practical way to streamline online commerce economically and in a multi-channel way.
In an online marketplace, buyers typically place their orders through ads placed by various sellers. The transaction is carried out by the platform, which acts as a trusted third party. This economic model is sometimes enriched upstream by auction systems (classic or reverse).
Some marketplaces also propose to their client's service as storing goods, packing, and shipping orders as well as handling returns and exchanges.
The most known marketplace in Europe are: Amazon, Le Bon Coin, Kaufand, eBay, ManoMano, Gumtree, Rakuten, Cdiscount, Back-Market, Fnac-Darty.
How can we help you build a Marketplace and boost your digital transformation?
P. Noser - IT Project Lead
