Optimizing logistics in Retail is a crucial issue to resolve the difficult equation between customer satisfaction and profitability. From inventory management to orders and delivery, the challenges facing retailers to improve operational efficiency are multiple, and the digitalization of logistics processes appears to be an effective solution to meet these challenges.
However, while many logistics processes have already been digitalized, some processes resist and remain manual, particularly in supply chain and inventory management. However, the emergence of new technologies such as NFTs will quickly enable a digital realignment of the entire supply chain. Huge potential for real and numerous benefits.
The painful triptych of logistics in Retail
The challenges of logistics in Retail are numerous, and always part of an approach to balance between operational efficiency and quality of service for customers. However, among the many areas of concern, three main points seem to consistently emerge.
The three main challenges of retail logistics are inventory management , order and returns management , and cost management . Retailers must maintain appropriate stock levels, manage orders and returns in real time, and balance costs with quality of service. These challenges can nevertheless be met through the digitalization of processes and the use of new technologies.
Why digitalize logistics processes in Retail?
The digitalization of processes presents itself as an effective way to address these three issues. Indeed, it has many advantages such as the possible automation of repetitive tasks , real-time monitoring of goods movements , optimization of the supply chain , and improvement in customer satisfaction.. In other words, automating logistics tasks allows you to focus on product quality and customer relations. Digitalization can also improve visibility, planning and collaboration while reducing transportation and storage costs, and customers are potentially happier with flexible delivery options, real-time information and easier returns and exchanges. easy.
Popular processes, others being adopted
Despite all these advances brought about by the digitalization of processes, a certain number of logistics processes persist – particularly in supply chain management – which are still too often manual, such as the consignment note1 (CMR) , For example...
Indeed, manual and paper-based CMRs are often poorly executed, which can lead to a lack of precise information on products in transit, incorrect information, siloing of information and a lack of visibility on the extent of the problem. . This can have disastrous consequences, such as losing products in transit or delivering damaged or late products.
Manual processes are also prone to human error, which can lead to additional costs and delays in the supply chain. To address this, retailers must therefore invest in automated and digital supply chain management systems, which enable better product traceability and real-time visibility into their movement.