We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Retailers to focus on supply chain strategies in 2019
Forward Thinking

Retailers to focus on supply chain strategies in 2019

February 1, 2019
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

Retailers are looking for ways to speed operations in 2019, and they are increasingly focused on automation strategies and supply chain visibility as key ways to improve, according a survey by supply chain intelligence firm EyeforTransport and supply chain software provider Quinitiq, released in late January.

The companies' D3 State of Retail Supply Chain report surveyed more than 200 retailers, e-tailers and manufacturers on a range of issues, including the changing retail store, the rise of e-commerce, and customer communication and interaction.

A key finding centered on supply chain automation, revealing that companies are less focused on forecasting capabilities and more focused on implementing automation in 2019, especially in the warehouse. Half of retailers and manufacturers reported that warehouse automation is an "advanced or immediate priority," according to the survey:

  • Warehouse management has consistently risen as an area of investment, from 40.6 percent of respondents in 2016 to 63.2 percent in 2018;
  • Sensor technology is now an investment focus for 35.5 percent of respondents, and returns management for 27.8 percent.

The survey also showed that supply chain visibility will need to improve in order to support the growing requirements for speed and supply chain integration:

  • Retailers and manufacturers continue to struggle to get visibility over their supply chains, despite it being a priority area (36.1 percent report it as an immediate or advanced priority);
  • Although there was a slight rise in the percentage of respondents reporting they had full visibility over inventory—from 22.6 percent in 2016 to 27.8 percent in 2018—there was also a rise in those reporting limited visibility or visibility of only their warehouse stock.
  • Just 2.8 percent of retailers and manufacturers said they have full visibility over suppliers and 38.9 percent report they only have visibility over some of their immediate suppliers' operations.
  • Even technology providers see room for improvement; just a quarter rate their ability to provide customers end-to-end visibility as "excellent."
Strategy Technology
  • Related Articles

    Report: Retailers should focus on supply chain, technology in light of Covid-19

    Retailers sharpen their focus on the supply chain

    CSCMP EDGE keynote speakers to focus on supply chain's role in creating a sustainable business

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

Freightos completes plan to go public on NASDAQ exchange, raises $80 million

Retailers lose visibility as they outsource last-mile delivery, FarEye says

WiseTech buys New Hampshire drayage and trucking visibility software firm for $230 million

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Forecasts call for freight rate slumps in 2023

  • Projected U.S. recession in early 2023 will soften freight market

  • Inflation drops again as interest rate hikes hit home, NRF says

  • How to avoid the next crisis: A new approach to supply chain agility

  • Five levers to build a resilient supply chain

Featured Video

20221107korber large vs

Enhancing Customer Experience with Your Supply Chain Strategy

Viewer Contributed
With the rise of e-commerce, many businesses have had to transform their warehouses to handle online orders in addition to regularly scheduled inventory shipments. This means warehouses need more information than ever before to ensure they can meet customers' needs. As a result, companies need to select warehouse...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • A shipper's guide to navigating post-pandemic holiday freight

  • THE NEW WAY TO WAREHOUSE: 4 Innovations in Automation & Robotics to Boost Warehouse Productivity

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing