Omnichannel supply chains are increasing in complexity and prevalence and for a very good reason.
Omnichannel customers have a tendency to spend more than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, explains Digital Commerce 360, making them an ideal way for retailers to stay competitive and reach more customers.
As 2018 progresses, Warehouse Managers need to understand the risk of not going omnichannel, why demand is increasing, and a few tips to meet such demands.
Competitive advantage is based on the ability of companies to offer products or services at reasonable, competitive prices.
Although pricing plays a big part, it also depends on the ability to offer unique services.
Today, more than half of the nation’s 140 retail chains in the top 500 offer omnichannel shipping and pickup options, and 72.1 percent of retail chains offer in-store returns of merchandise purchased online. Those that do not offer these options will lose competitive ground.
As explained by Derek O’Carroll of Multichannel Merchant, some driving forces behind the demand for omnichannel supply chains include:
Warehouse Managers must embrace omnichannel supply chains and their associated technologies.
The easiest way to move toward an omnichannel strategy lies in following these tips:
The remainder of 2018 will lead to big changes in supply chain management, and the role of omnichannel supply chains will increase.
The gradual encroachment of the Amazon Effect, as well as political issues, will force supply chain executives and leaders to rethink their strategies, including automating systems and implementing a strict policy of continuous improvement.
About the Author
Jason Rosing is the founding partner of Veridian; a valued Manhattan Associates partner and technology leader specializing in user-friendly, robust and flexible automated testing and configuration management solutions designed to meet the ever-changing challenges of the omnichannel landscape.
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