Logistics
Location search and logistics real estate
How companies find the right logistics location
Choosing the right location for a logistics property is crucial for the efficiency, costs and sustainability of logistics processes. Factors such as infrastructure, customer proximity, labor availability and operating costs play just as important a role as regulatory and economic challenges. Using modern analysis tools, data-based methods and a structured project approach, we support companies in identifying suitable regions, locations and existing logistics properties. In doing so, we act independently of service providers and focus entirely on our clients’ processes.
Target setting
Requirements for the location in terms of costs, accessibility, sustainability, scalability
The target definition defines central requirements for the location or property and must be integrated into the logistics network. In addition to location criteria, the target definition is derived from the corporate strategy. Important criteria include costs, infrastructure, customer proximity, sustainability and expansion potential. A clear strategy is required in order to carry out an efficient location search and create long-term competitiveness through optimal logistical and economic conditions.
We guide and moderate the process of developing objectives. Our cross-industry experience, coupled with the specific expertise of our clients, ensures holistic, reliable target definitions. We use tried-and-tested methods to identify all aspects, then weight and prioritize them in a meaningful way.
Our service packages:
- Derive objectives from the corporate, operations or supply chain strategy
- Define and describe location and real estate criteria
- Weigh and prioritize requirements
Your benefit:
- Clear and strategically sound basis for decision-making
- More efficient and targeted location search
- Greater planning security thanks to structured priorities
- Holistic consideration of logistical and economic requirements
Systemic site selection
From the analysis of suitable regions and locations to the basis for decision-making
During the site search, locations are systematically analyzed and evaluated based on the defined location criteria. The challenge is to quickly and efficiently identify the plots of land or existing logistics properties on the market that come into question in relation to the previously defined location criteria. We have access to the data and potential locations and can therefore use a data-based approach to evaluate the available locations quickly and efficiently.
We draw on a network of partners and service providers, which gives us access to comprehensive databases and detailed information. This information is necessary to identify available countries, regions, locations and plots of land or properties and to compare them with the criteria. In addition, we use the Rothbaum regional database and a developed procedure for property valuation to carry out a data-based analysis and prepare the results in a comprehensible manner. In the selection process, we work our way from a large number of possible locations/properties (longlist) to a selection of favorites (shortlist).
Our service packages:
- Systematically identify suitable logistics locations
- Analyze and evaluate market and location data
- Creation of a customized database
- Create longlist and shortlist for decision-making
- Check offers and properties independently
Your benefit:
- Quick overview of relevant locations and properties
- Data-based and comprehensible basis for decision-making
- Time savings through structured market analysis
- Relief through central management of brokers and property providers
Design of logistics network
Optimization of logistics processes through strategic location integration
The integration of the potential location or logistics property into the company’s existing logistics network requires a holistic view of the influencing factors. If implemented correctly, processes in the logistics network can be optimized and overall efficiency increased, in particular through shorter transport routes, reduced risk in the supply chain, lower overall costs and improved logistics KPIs, such as delivery times.
When designing a network, we first provide support in realizing a strategically coherent concept. In doing so, we take into account the objectives of the company and the location search in order to develop a suitable logistics network strategy. On this basis, the next step is a tactical analysis of the network, which leads to the optimization of transport routes for warehouse stocks and more flexible transport solutions.
Our service packages:
- Integrate new location into existing logistics network
- Developing strategic network structures
- Optimize transport and storage processes
Your benefit:
- Greater efficiency throughout the logistics network
- Reduced transportation and process costs
- Improved delivery times and network performance
- More flexibility and stability in the supply chain
Concept planning
Detailed utilization concept including construction, operation and resource requirements
Regardless of whether the logistics property is to be designed using a greenfield or brownfield approach, concept planning forms the basis for efficient site and concept planning. The basic structure of the building is designed based on the requirements for the required space, warehouse technology and inbound and outbound processes. This is followed by the planning of a block layout, traffic routes, the degree of automation and IT integration. Important factors in this context are scalability, operating costs and flexibility in the use of the building. Industry-specific requirements and environmental aspects are also taken into account.
We can use a wide range of concept planning references to quickly achieve results and develop solutions that are both customer-specific and proven. We involve the relevant stakeholders so that the concept is supported by all departments involved and company-specific aspects are taken into account. A structured approach with experienced consultants ensures the best possible results.
Our service packages:
- Develop the basic structure of the building/layout
- Plan block layout with functional areas and traffic routes
- Involving stakeholders in the conception process
Your benefit:
- Holistically thought-out and practical location concept
- Transparent and comprehensible planning principles
- Early involvement of all relevant specialist departments and stakeholders
Business Case
Performance audit, risk assessment and investment appraisal
Checking the key financial figures is usually the most important decision criterion for selecting a location or logistics property, as the financial consequences will have an impact over a long period of time. It is therefore essential that you make location decisions on the basis of reliable key financial figures so that the purpose of the company that is being set up at the location is definitely achieved.
To determine the profitability of your new location, we first calculate the investment, one-off costs and annual costs for the new location from all available information. We then compare these calculations with the savings, additional contribution margins, opportunity revenues and capital returns that can be reliably expected. We also take into account the financial benefits that the logistics location will bring to the entire supply chain. We then combine all the available key financial figures and the qualitative characteristics of the various locations from the shortlist in a technical and economic benefit analysis and derive a recommendation for action. As a result, we can offer you sound validation to ensure that you choose the right logistics location.
Our service packages:
- Create a comparative economic calculation of the locations
- Analyze technical and economic utility value
- Develop a differentiated recommendation for action
Your benefit:
- Transparent assessment of the economic viability of all options
- Comprehensible basis for decision-making based on key figures
- Possibility to carry out scenario analyses
- Well-founded safeguarding of the final location decision
Site development and implementation support
Implementation of the project, construction supervision, process implementation and optimization
A new logistics location is an essential building block in a company’s value chain with a major impact on competitiveness and must therefore strive for operational excellence. On the one hand, however, the framework conditions are changing ever faster: the number of variants and costs are increasing, batch sizes are shrinking and products are changing. On the other hand, new locations always bring new challenges and special features with them – even if it is just different labor law conditions in another country.
For this reason, it has proven to be a good idea to scrutinize tried and tested logistics structures when planning a new location. In order to increase your added value, we work with you to develop possible new building layouts for your logistics property, plan logistics processes, warehouses and picking areas and focus on automation, increased productivity and optimized goods and material flows.
Our service packages:
- Provide project management for site development
- Developing variants for the new logistics location
- Designing building layouts with a focus on automation and efficiency
- Accompany transaction and site development
Your benefit:
- Relief during the entire implementation phase
- Several reliable scenarios for possible building designs
- Identification and utilization of efficiency and productivity potentials
- Safe and structured transition to operations
What opportunities arise when looking for logistics real estate locations?
When looking for a location for logistics real estate, opportunities arise from strategic location advantages, optimal integration of the location into the supply chain, proximity to sales markets, access to infrastructure and government subsidies.
What risks arise when looking for a logistics real estate location?
When looking for a location for logistics real estate, risks arise from high land costs, infrastructural bottlenecks, regulatory hurdles, environmental requirements and negative effects in the existing supply chain.
