How can supply chain tech be upgraded?

The pace of change within the retail industry is unprecedented. Just as a retailer manages to cobble together a solution for next day delivery, same day becomes the norm.

When click-and-collect in store is put in place, customers suddenly expect a broad range of options, such as home delivery or lockers.

In the rush to meet customer expectations, organisations are finding existing IT systems and IT processes are simply too slow and cumbersome.

‘Focus on process’

Zetes general manager supply chain solutions, Sébastien Sliski, says: “It is possible to enhance and extend existing ERP [enterprise resource planning] and WMS [warehouse management solutions] to gain value and agility throughout the supply chain – with the right approach.

“Retailers need to start small and focus on process, not technology”

Sébastien Sliski, Zetes

“Retailers need to start small and focus on process, not technology. Instead of embarking upon a supply chain overhaul, they should consider the intelligent use of integrated solutions that are capable of delivering significant marginal gains.”

The underpinning objective has to be to improve visibility. The use of real-time information will enable an invaluable shift from reactive to proactive supply chain management.

From the internet of things to artificial intelligence, the ways in which organisations can harness technology to transform the speed and efficiency of the supply chain appear unlimited.

Meeting expectations

The question has to be asked, why are so many omnichannel retailers are still struggling to come close to meeting customer expectations?

“By identifying, reviewing and optimising existing processes and then overlaying appropriate collaborative supply chain technology, organisations can achieve marginal gains at every stage of the supply chain,” says Sliski.

Innovative approaches to customer demand is becoming a retail essential. Combining process review and the integration of collaborative supply chain technology will deliver the marginal gains that enable the cost effective provisions of customer service innovation.