Efficiency and cost:

In boom times, it was easy to ignore ways in which economies and efficiencies could be achieved. Now, there's no choice. A number of practical remedies are being put in place thanks to technology.

• Automated carton merging identifies 'fresh air' in cartons, enabling warehoused items to be moved from one carton to another to fill up space. This saves cost where carriers charge delivery per carton
• Tough trading conditions have called for better processes in franchise management. In the past, critical data would be transmitted spreadsheet (products from the supplier, sales from the partners). Standardisation across multiple partners was rare and processes were inefficient. Today's software solutions eliminate manual processes and set standards that save labour and hassle.
• Using IT to automatically generate purchase orders for continuity items which you and your customers assume will be always be available means you should never run out of stock. Systemised processes look at sales trends and stocking levels then automatically generate orders for manual approval.
• System-driven pre-allocation of stock to stores enables retailers to smooth out workloads and use staff more effectively and economically. Before stock arrives, you tell the system how you'd like it to be allocated. Not only is the workload better spread and stock better distributed but also those critical processes, which you struggled to put in place, don't get jettisoned due to pressure of work.

Armed with software systems that are functionally-rich, resilient and adaptable to individual requirements, fashion retailers are fighting the battle and winning.

References:

1. www.retail-assist.com
2. www.merret.com

About the Author

The author is Product Director of retail-only IT services and solutions company Retail-Assist.