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 » How Walmart chooses which tech to implement in its supply chain
Forward Thinking

How Walmart chooses which tech to implement in its supply chain

September 16, 2019
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

There is a remarkable array of emerging digital technologies being marketed to the supply chain space: blockchain, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and robotics, just to name a few. But how should companies decide which to invest in and implement?

For megaretailer Walmart, the place to start is simple: Ask yourself, what supply chain problem are you addressing, and what value does that problem have to the organization. Speaking at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) 2019 EDGE Conference, Vijay  Sankararaman, head of Digital Product, Supply Chain, at Walmart, provided three examples of emerging technologies that the company has implemented to answer specific problems.

  • Internet of Things sensors and machine vision cameras to improve the loading accuracy for outbound trailers at Walmart distribution centers,
  • Real-time (or near real-time) tracking on trailers to provide more accurate estimated time of arrivals to the stores' loading docks, allowing stores to better schedule their backroom labor
  • Blockchain technology to improve the traceability of produce and aid recalls

According to Sankaraman, when implementing a new technology, Walmart follows these guiding principles:

  • Operate with a zero-loss mindset. Maintaining the stability of its systems and processes is a priority for Walmart. A new technology should not disrupt this stability.
  • Drive simplicity in the user experience. A new technology should be easy as possible for an employee to grasp and use.
  • Maintain process consistency. Only change the process when necessary.
  • Preserve clarity with one version of the truth. Walmart wants to limit copies of data.
  • Leverage mobility and automation to improve operational effectiveness.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this article misspelled Sankaraman's name as Sankaram.

 

 

Technology
  • Related Articles

    Peak Technologies acquires fifth supply chain tech firm in a year

    ProMatDX 2021: supply chain leaders boost tech spending to build pandemic resilience

    How secure is the data in your supply chain?

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