The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fragility of the modern supply chain, as companies struggle to acquire the products and raw materials needed to keep revenue flowing. With many businesses relying heavily on a limited number of trading partners, many located in hard-hit areas like China, the scale of the supply chain disruption has been a wake-up call.
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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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.
