Retail Supply Chain Management (RSCM)

Retail supply chain management (RSCM) is the process of managing the flow of goods and services from the initial production stage to the final customer. RSCM is essential for retailers to ensure that they have the right products in the right place at the right time. It can also help retailers to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and improve customer service.The term Retail is defined as the sale of goods and services from companies or individuals to the end-consumer. Retailers acquire goods from producers and then sell these goods in-store or on-line via the internet. Retail supply chain software can enhance supply chain efficiency and trading partner collaboration by better connecting product information, processes and trading partners.

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Wunderkind acquires SmarterHQ to supercharge growth for enterprise eCommerce

1 Wunderkind acquires SmarterHQ to supercharge growth for enterprise eCommerce

Wunderkind, formerly BounceX, the performance marketing channel that delivers one-to-one messages at scale, has acquired SmarterHQ, the advanced segmentation and orchestration engine for enterprise eCommerce.

2020 has seen an irreversible change in consumer behaviour; now is the time to adapt, says Conversity

2 2020 has seen an irreversible change in consumer behaviour; now is the time to adapt, says Conversity

2020 has been an exceptional year for the retail sector, with all businesses having to rapidly adapt in some way or another. Such a time of upheaval has led to a permanent, irreversible change in consumer behaviour as shoppers embrace the convenience and security of e-commerce more readily. This is according to retail technology expert Conversity, which has released its predictions for the sector for 2021.

Online sales boomed over 60% in October to lead the retail fightback

3 Online sales boomed over 60% in October to lead the retail fightback

October’s retail sales estimates, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reveal sales volumes soared by 5.8% YOY, up 1.2% from September’s results.

Leader at major UK logistics provider warns supply chain resilience critical to Christmas cheer this festive period

4 Leader at major UK logistics provider warns supply chain resilience critical to Christmas cheer this festive period

An executive at one of the UK’s largest multi-modal logistics platforms has warned that a surge in online demand for goods this Christmas as a result of the pandemic will test supply chains to the limit in the lead up to the festive period.

Central England Co-op debuts its first-ever Christmas adverts to promote ‘Goodwill to All’ this festive season

5 Central England Co-op debuts its first-ever Christmas adverts to promote ‘Goodwill to All’ this festive season

Central England Co-op has created its first-ever Christmas adverts all based around putting community at the heart of this festive season.

TrueCommerce acquires B2BGateway

6 TrueCommerce acquires B2BGateway

TrueCommerce, a global provider of trading partner connectivity and integration solutions, has acquired B2BGateway, a global provider of managed cloud service solutions for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and API data connectivity to suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers.

Hundreds of millions of eCommerce parcels into the US set to be rejected unless higher data quality threshold is met from 1 January 2021

7 Hundreds of millions of eCommerce parcels into the US set to be rejected unless higher data quality threshold is met from 1 January 2021

Several hundred million mail parcels destined for the US will be rejected when the requirement for a higher threshold of advance electronic data comes into force on 1 January 2021.

Tis the season for a customer database health check

8 Tis the season for a customer database health check

By Barley Laing, UK Managing Director at Melissa.

With the festive ads of big retailers hitting our screens and Black Friday not far away, the busiest trading period of the year is getting into full swing.

Supply meets demand: New sourcing automation solution targets ocean freight procurement

9 Supply meets demand: New sourcing automation solution targets ocean freight procurement

Global provider of Intelligent Sourcing Automation, Keelvar, has launched its new AI-powered ocean freight sourcing automation solution.

Safety is too important to rely on ‘off the shelf’ products. When sourcing safety solutions, consultation is key

10 Safety is too important to rely on ‘off the shelf’ products. When sourcing safety solutions, consultation is key

By David Thomas, General Manager, ZoneSafe - Proximity Warning & Alert Systems.

The boom in online retail in recent years has undoubtedly boosted warehouse and logistics operation in the UK while the circumstances of 2020 continue to fuel further growth within the industry as consumers steer clear of the high street; opting instead for online shopping and delivery.

Retail Supply Chain Management

Retail supply chain management (RSCM) is the process of managing the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to retailers to consumers. It includes all the activities involved in getting products from the point of origin to the point of sale, such as:

  • Procurement: The process of acquiring raw materials and other inputs needed to produce goods.
  • Manufacturing: The process of converting raw materials into finished goods.
  • Warehousing: The storage of goods until they are needed.
  • Transportation: The movement of goods from one location to another.
  • Inventory management: The process of tracking and managing the levels of goods in stock.
  • Order fulfillment: The process of filling customer orders.

RSCM is important for retailers because it can help them to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer service. By optimizing their supply chains, retailers can ensure that they have the right products in the right place at the right time, which can lead to increased sales and profits.

Here are some of the key components of retail supply chain management:

  • Planning: This involves developing a strategy for the supply chain, including setting goals, identifying risks, and developing contingency plans.
  • Sourcing: This involves finding and qualifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships.
  • Manufacturing: This involves managing the production process, ensuring quality, and meeting delivery deadlines.
  • Warehousing: This involves storing goods in a way that minimizes costs and ensures that they are available when needed.
  • Transportation: This involves moving goods from one location to another in a timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Inventory management: This involves tracking the levels of goods in stock and ensuring that there is enough to meet demand without excessive inventory levels.
  • Order fulfillment: This involves receiving customer orders, picking and packing products, and shipping them to customers.

RSCM is a complex and ever-evolving field, but by understanding the key components and best practices, retailers can improve their supply chains and gain a competitive advantage.

Retail companies become involved in supply chain management in order to control product quality, inventory levels, timing, and expenses. Retail supply chain software encompasses warehouse & transportation solutions, inventory control, and possibly additional strategic/planning modules, particularly for the larger/volume-based retailers.

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