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Managing the retail supply chain has become increasingly challenging in the face of labor shortages , changing consumer behavior , and logistical complexity . New technologies to automate retail business processes and workflows are being implemented throughout the enterprise . From last-mile solutions that address labor and supply chain challenges in warehouses , distribution centers , market fulfillment and logistics centers , to material handling technologies , such as robotics storage and retrieval solutions , self-checkout point of sale , and other technologies , all of these automate critical workflows in the front and back of the store .
According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development , retail supply chains are responsible for 25 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions . Beyond driving cost-efficiencies , speed and resilience , technology can also help retailers advance their sustainability initiatives and reduce the impact of supply chain operations on the environment when properly implemented .
Prevention is the best medicine
Initially deployed to help track inventory , the rapid expansion of IoT technologies now impacts everything from personalization to checkout . Gartner estimates the IoT market will nearly double by 2028 , with software and IT services that help organizations manage IoT solutions as the fastest growing technology segment . Being able to remotely monitor , manage and remediate any issues with IoT devices can prevent dispatching a technician to resolve any technology issues , which can significantly reduce environmental impact by eliminating need for travel , transportation requirements , etc . In fact , IoT platform providers report a 17 percent reduction in onsite visits .
Preventative maintenance and service desk support can also help maintain healthy operation of IoT devices and increase first-time resolution , minimizing the need for on-site intervention and the related emissions . It can also improve the availability and uptime for the technology in place , which is paramount for retailers to effectively manage their supply chains .
Right part , right place , right time
Efficiently maintaining technology also requires proactive forecasting to ensure the right spare parts are on hand to fix things quickly . Optimizing parts inventory means you don ’ t need to house as many spare components for a given piece of equipment , reducing the labor and space that goes into producing underutilized or wasted parts .
Looking at the full lifecycle of technology throughout the supply chain by recycling , reducing and repairing can also reduce environmental impact by breaking down end of life systems and refurbishing or repairing them so they can go back into service instead of sending them to landfill .
Knowledge is power
Getting the most from technology requires proper usage . Unfortunately , we often find
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