Retail And Digitization – The Tandem To Ensure Supply

In the last two years, we have become accustomed to many things that, until then, we had not given much thought to. One of them, which entirely affects retail, is that with some frequency, news about supply chains and the problems they face appear in the general media, information that usually creates a reaction in consumers that still puts more testing on the whole process. From the challenge created by the coronavirus crisis to the difficulties born of an international political situation, through a ship crossed in a canal, the simple fact of keeping the shelves of a physical store always entire has become something that is no longer given always, of course. Securing the supply chain to unforeseen proof is more necessary than ever. Digitization Is the key to achieving this.

Ensuring that the shelves are never empty results from a complex process involving different departments and suppliers, each subject to specific constraints and challenges. Various machines are put into operation to achieve this goal of packed shelves. Through digitization, it is possible to control and monitor each of the steps of each of the parties involved in the process and make more accurate forecasts about the purchases that customers will make. It allows answering questions such as if there is supply capacity and when or avoiding the expiration of products waiting in stock.

Bringing the supply chain to the cloud gives retailers more control over what they can offer their customers. Through a control panel, they will be able to know where each product is or if there is a problem in any part of the chain. All this allows you to plan and react immediately to any disruption. The results: reduced logistics and capital costs, greater precision in delivery times, reduced waiting times in the warehouse, and, above all, shelves that are always full and more satisfied customers.

On the other hand, offering consumers omnichannel shopping options allows for more accurate forecasting. For example, based on intelligent refrigerators that detect the food that is running out and create a shopping list, the store can get an idea of ​​the demand that there will be for certain products and anticipate it. Other solutions, such as those that allow consumers to shop online and then pick up their order at the store, also contribute to better stock control.

Also Read: Differences Between Digitization And Digital Transformation – Do We All Need The Same Thing?