Delivering Complete Visibility in the Retail Supply Chain

The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have intensified pressure on retailers to optimize the management of their supply chains, especially those operating across international borders.

Challenges were already in place from issues such as trade wars, Brexit, natural disasters and problematic international relations, but the pandemic has placed a renewed focus on issues such as freight costs and inventory control. This was especially the case during the early part of the pandemic, when many passenger flights were grounded, reducing available freight capacity on international flights by a third or more. Yet due to the unavailability of traditional retail during local and national lockdowns, online purchases grew exponentially.

Central to all of these issues is supply chain visibility, based on the rapid availability of high-quality and meaningful data that can inform operational decision-making and support operational optimization.

Advantech’s role is to help retailers convey key data from edge computing systems into the cloud in real time. This is achieved through a network of sensors, collection devices, cloud service devices and data management systems, which between them provide truly actionable insight. This takes the form of simplified data, clearly presented, that harnesses the power of machine learning and predictive algorithms to ensure that the best decision is made.

While this process is applicable across all retail sectors, it is ideally illustrated by the example of an operator needing to get fresh produce to multiple retail outlets within a certain region in a pre-agreed time frame. Especially in hot or humid weather, maintaining a constant storage temperature is key, highlighting the role of sensors in refrigerated warehouses and vehicles. Gathering, presenting and then acting on data received from these sensors is critical to ensuring safe delivery.

To deliver these solutions, Advantech has developed a two-pronged approach: strategic alliances with technology leaders to ensure the inclusion of their software on Advantech’s platforms to future-proof its offering and make it replicable; and co-creation with systems integrators to deliver standardized, application-specific solutions.

These approaches are key to delivering solutions that are predictive, customer-centric and sustainable, paving the way toward truly digital value chain management.

Click here to get in touch and learn more about Advantech’s logistics and smart city solutions.

— Michael Kreft, Executive Sales Director, Advantech

_{This article originally appeared on Business Reporter. Image credits: iStock-1159801440}