SUPPLY CHAIN
“ What worked a few years ago might not work as well in today ’ s purchasing environment ”
JOELLE DOVE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT , DAYMON WORLDWIDE
Let ’ s stay with the shift from high-street shopping to e-commerce . How are retailers making sure that online customers are getting what they need , when they need it ?
Joelle Dove , Director of Business Development at Daymon Worldwide says the ones who are coping best are those who understand what is driving sales , and then shift their inventory accordingly .
“ Retailers have to support online purchases ,” she says . “ Online consumers may be opting for click and collect , in-store or home delivery , and it ’ s important retailers factor-in these details for inventory planning , so they can get goods to consumers when they need them .”
Miguel Duarte , Consumer Health Leader at EY , feels that the shift to e-commerce is something of a “ data dream ” for retailers .
He says : “ Online , inventory can answer business questions at the most specific level – transactions and stock-keeping unit numbers , for example . Data can also be collected at multiple moments in the journey , and at different times of the day .”
Dove feels online inventory data is valuable only if retailers ’ systems are up to scratch .
“ What may have worked a few years ago may not be working as efficiently in today ’ s purchasing environment ,” she says . “ The
supplychaindigital . com 47