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Tag: Research

  • Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA Unveil AI-RAN Research Center: Pioneering AI-Driven Telecom Networks in Indonesia

    Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA Unveil AI-RAN Research Center: Pioneering AI-Driven Telecom Networks in Indonesia

    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), in collaboration with Nokia and NVIDIA, has initiated a research center in Surabaya that concentrates on developing AI-powered radio access networks (RAN). This project marks the first Nokia-NVIDIA AI-RAN research site in Asia and is aimed at fostering AI-integrated telecommunications networks. It aligns with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 which is focused on promoting digital transformation and nurturing local AI talent.

    Facility Comprising Advanced RAN Technologies

    The research center comprises Nokia’s advanced RAN technologies, NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms, and IOH’s commercial network, creating AI-driven network capabilities. It will also connect to IOH’s current NVIDIA-powered sovereign AI Factory, which acts as a distributed computing hub. This hub will enhance network performance, improve energy efficiency and increase scalability, all while bringing AI closer to users.

    Developing AI-Driven Optimization for Wireless Networks

    The research and development at the center will focus on AI-driven optimization for wireless networks, utilizing AI/ML-powered radio signal processing techniques. It will support AI and RAN workloads on the NVIDIA Aerial RAN Computer 1 (ARC-1). It is expected to prepare the ground for commercial-grade AI-RAN deployment using NVIDIA ARC-Pro and Nokia CUDA-accelerated anyRAN software. These technologies aim to deliver more dynamic, adaptable, and intelligent mobile networks for IOH customers.

    Building an AI Grid

    IOH, Nokia, and NVIDIA are planning to establish an “AI Grid” that connects IOH’s central AI Factory with AI-RAN hubs across Indonesia. The grid is designed to host AI applications from data centers to distributed 5G networks, enabling broader access to AI-powered services for millions of Indonesians.

    Supporting Aivolusi5G Strategy

    IOH’s Aivolusi5G strategy is supported by the AI-RAN Research Center with the aim to provide intelligent connectivity for individuals and businesses. It plans to unlock AI-powered applications across sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare, transforming how Indonesians learn, work, and live.

    Nurturing the Next Generation of AI Specialists

    The center will serve as a hub to foster Indonesia’s next generation of AI and telecom specialists through hands-on research, mentorship, and training. This effort aligns with Indonesia’s ambition to become among the top five economies globally by 2045.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the role of the AI-RAN Research Center in Surabaya?
    The AI-RAN Research Center, a collaboration between IOH, Nokia, and NVIDIA, focuses on developing AI-powered radio access networks (RAN). It’s designed to foster AI-integrated telecommunications networks and nurture local AI talent.

    What are the AI-RAN Research Center’s areas of focus?
    The center will focus on developing AI-driven optimization for wireless networks, utilizing AI/ML-powered radio signal processing techniques. The goal is to deliver more dynamic, adaptable, and intelligent mobile networks for IOH customers.

    How does the AI-RAN Research Center align with Indonesia’s future goals?
    The center aligns with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia Vision 2045, which aims to promote digital transformation and nurture AI talent. It also supports Indonesia’s ambition to become among the top five economies globally by 2045.

  • Indonesia’s Retail Sector Thrives Amidst Global Economic Challenges: E-commerce In The Spotlight

    Indonesia’s Retail Sector Thrives Amidst Global Economic Challenges: E-commerce In The Spotlight

    The latest figures reveal a dynamic shift in the Asian retail landscape as Indonesia’s retail sales continue their upward trajectory, fueled primarily by a surge in consumers embracing e-commerce. According to the most recent report from the Indonesian Retailers Association (APRINDO), retail sales climbed by 5.7% year-on-year in August, reflecting a rebound from a dip recorded earlier in the year. This resurgence is particularly notable given the effects of global economic pressures, which had left many retailers tentative about their recovery prospects.

    A Turnaround in Retail Sales

    The robust performance in August marks a high point in a year that many had written off as uncertain. APRINDO’s report indicates that both offline and online retail environments contributed to this growth, with e-commerce continuing to gain ground as consumers relish the convenience and variety it offers. Amidst this changing landscape, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are also adapting, integrating technology to enhance customer experience while still engaging in creative marketing strategies to capture foot traffic.

    E-Commerce Takes Center Stage

    As more Indonesian shoppers turn to their screens for purchases, the e-commerce segment has skyrocketed, with an almost unprecedented growth rate reported. Marketing teams across various sectors are scrambling to keep up with changing consumer preferences, often resulting in promotions that are as surprising as they are lucrative. Who knew that a flash sale for customized rubber boots could reignite interest in rainy season gear?

    The Changing Face of Consumer Behavior

    Consumer behavior is evolving; millennials and Gen Z are increasingly driving the market. They prioritize convenience and sustainability, prompting retailers to rethink their strategies to stay relevant. This demographic shift calls for a keen understanding of how to engage a younger audience that values not just the product, but the story behind it.

    Challenges Ahead

    While the news is largely optimistic, challenges loom on the horizon. Supply chain disruptions and inflation remain current concerns, potentially making it tricky for retailers to maintain this positive momentum. Companies are advised to remain nimble, as economic forecasts indicate that maintaining growth will necessitate flexibility and innovation amidst ongoing uncertainties.

    In a landscape where every sales event feels like a competition for the consumer’s attention, retailers must ensure that their strategies blend affordability with experiences that resonate deeply with their desired audience. As we look ahead, it’s clear that adaptability is key to navigating this ever-evolving retail terrain.

    Questions & Answers

    What has driven the increase in Indonesian retail sales?
    A combination of factors, particularly the growing popularity of e-commerce, has fueled the increase in Indonesian retail sales, with significant contributions from both online and offline channels.

    How are retailers adapting to younger consumers?
    Retailers are adjusting their strategies to cater to millennials and Gen Z, focusing on convenience, sustainability, and compelling narratives behind their products to engage these younger shoppers.

    What challenges could impact future retail growth in Indonesia?
    Supply chain disruptions and inflation are significant challenges that could affect future growth, necessitating adaptability and innovation among retailers to sustain momentum in an uncertain economy.

  • China’s Credit and Charge Payments Market Expected to Expand 2.4% by 2025, Says GlobalData

    China’s Credit and Charge Payments Market Expected to Expand 2.4% by 2025, Says GlobalData

    China’s credit and charge card payments market is gearing up for a rebound, with a projected growth of 2.4%, potentially reaching an impressive CNY38.4 trillion (approximately $5.3 trillion) by 2025. This forecast comes from GlobalData, a leading data and analytics firm, and indicates a promising recovery after a challenging couple of years due to various economic pressures.

    Consumer Trends Driving Change

    The anticipated growth is largely attributed to a rise in consumer spending and an accelerating shift towards cashless transactions. As more Chinese consumers embrace the convenience of digital payments, the market is poised for an upward trajectory. Enhanced value-added incentives such as cashback rewards, flexible repayment options, and attractive instalment plans are sweetening the deal for consumers.

    Challenges and Recovery

    While optimism is returning, it’s important to note that the credit and charge card payment market in China faced a setback in 2024, with a 7.7% decline in transaction value. Factors such as high inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the trade dispute with the United States played a significant role in this dip. Yet, the resilience of the market and the growing inclination towards credit cards remain evident.

    Rising Popularity of Credit Cards

    Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, noted that despite still lagging behind debit cards in terms of penetration, credit and charge cards are increasingly favored for payments. In 2025, the payment frequency for these cards is expected to reach 55.3 transactions per year—significantly outpacing debit card usage. Challa further predicts this frequency will skyrocket to 79 transactions per card by 2029.

    As China’s middle class expands and incomes rise, awareness of the benefits of credit cards—bolstered by aggressive promotions from banks—is driving adoption and usage. It seems that credit cards may soon rival their debit counterparts, dominating the financial landscape in unforeseen ways.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors are driving the expected growth in China’s credit card market?
    The growth is primarily driven by rising consumer spending and a shift towards cashless transactions, along with attractive incentives such as cashback offers and flexible repayment options.

    How did the credit card market perform in 2024?
    In 2024, the market experienced a decline of 7.7% in transaction value, influenced by high inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and the ongoing trade dispute with the US.

    What does the future look like for payment frequency on credit cards?
    Payment frequency for credit and charge cards is projected to increase from 55.3 transactions per year in 2025 to 79 by 2029, reflecting a growing preference for credit cards among consumers.

  • Akamai: Embracing AI Security as a Vital Economic and Strategic Imperative for Retailers

    Akamai: Embracing AI Security as a Vital Economic and Strategic Imperative for Retailers

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across Asia through generative content, intelligent automation, and rapid decision-making. However, this swift advancement also exposes enterprises to an alarming surge in cyber threats.

    The Alarming Rise of Cyberattacks in Asia

    In 2024, Akamai recorded a staggering 51 billion web attacks aimed at both traditional and AI-driven applications in the Asia Pacific and Japan region, marking a 73 percent increase compared to the previous year. Within this digital battlefield, the financial services sector faced the brunt with 27 billion attacks, while e-commerce was targeted 18 billion times.

    These sectors are pivotal to the region’s digital economy. Financial services contribute over 14 percent of Singapore’s GDP and underpin many facets of APAC’s burgeoning digital landscape. E-commerce is no slouch either, generating nearly half of global sales transactions, amounting to an impressive US$1.8 trillion annually. Their expansive networks, reliance on hybrid infrastructures, APIs, and real-time interactions make them irresistible prey for cybercriminals.

    As businesses lean heavily into technologies like large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, securing these sophisticated systems transitions from a mere technical requirement to an essential economic priority.

    Understanding the Target on AI-Driven Applications

    AI models are fundamentally different from traditional systems. They process dynamic and unstructured data while operating in probabilistic, non-deterministic manners, making them susceptible to a new wave of cyber threats like prompt injection and model extraction. The vulnerabilities within LLMs are being unearthed more frequently and exploited with alarming speed.

    Despite these dangers, many organizations still resort to outdated tools such as conventional web application firewalls (WAFs). These relics not only fail to detect contemporary threats but can also create visibility blind spots, erratic model behavior, and significant security gaps.

    The API Visibility Challenge

    APIs serve as the backbone of AI ecosystems, facilitating interactions with various data sources, tools, and services. However, numerous enterprises still lack comprehensive, real-time insight into these crucial interfaces. Akamai’s API Security Impact Report revealed a troubling statistic: nine out of ten global organizations encountered an API-related incident in the past year. In the APJ region, each incident is said to cost an enterprise an eye-watering average of US$580,000. Those APIs supporting AI models are particularly perilous; they innovate quickly, often remain undocumented, and fall short on security as their usage grows.

    Without continuous discovery, classification, and governance of APIs, organizations leave their critical AI workloads vulnerable. Achieving full visibility into every API endpoint, particularly those that connect AI systems to external applications, should be a paramount concern.

    AI Security: Not Just an Option—A Regulatory Necessity

    Across Asia, governments are turning up the heat on AI governance, positioning it as both a regulatory priority and a corporate responsibility. Initiatives like Singapore’s AI Verify framework and Australia’s Digital Platform Regulators Forum underscore the fact that the responsible deployment of AI must be accompanied by robust security measures.

    Presently, AI security is becoming a matter that reaches boardrooms and shapes compliance agendas. Forward-thinking organizations are aligning their security strategies with emerging regulatory frameworks, embedding risk management, audit preparations, and ethical oversight deeply into the processes of AI development and deployment.

    Securing Your AI Workloads: A Roadmap

    The journey to secure AI systems starts with clarity. Organizations need to identify where their AI models are deployed—be it internally, externally, or through open-source solutions—and understand how they are queried, assessed, and governed.

    After mapping their AI landscape, firms should take proactive measures to safeguard their AI environments. This can include cataloging all AI models, implementing continuous API discovery to monitor interactions, and applying zero-trust principles to ensure user access is limited to the least privilege necessary. Furthermore, integrating security governance throughout the development lifecycle is essential to avoid vulnerabilities.

    As demand for intelligent security grows, innovative AI-native frameworks are emerging, designed to detect sophisticated threats like prompt injection and adversarial inputs in real time. This shift represents a broader evolution in security, moving from static, rules-based controls to dynamic, intelligent systems tailored for AI environments.

    While AI is reshaping the business landscape, its full potential can only be realized if the underlying security measures are robust. The rapidly changing AI threat landscape calls for new frameworks and collaborative approaches that span disciplines.

    Organizations that recognize AI security as a strategic necessity will be best positioned to foster responsible innovation. The future will belong to those who devise proactive, adaptive security strategies that evolve alongside the technologies they protect.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the major industries targeted by cyber-attacks in Asia?
    The financial services and e-commerce sectors are particularly vulnerable, accounting for billions of attacks in 2024, making them prime targets due to their significance in the digital economy.

    How can organizations enhance their security measures for AI systems?
    Organizations can enhance security by mapping their AI deployments, implementing continuous API monitoring, and adopting zero-trust security principles while integrating governance throughout the development process.

    Why is AI security becoming a regulatory concern?
    With various governments in Asia prioritizing AI governance, security regulations are evolving to ensure responsible deployment and compliance, compelling organizations to adopt better security practices to avoid legal and reputational risks.

  • Asia’s FMCG Market Thrives Amid Global Economic Challenges: A 2025 Analysis

    Asia’s FMCG Market Thrives Amid Global Economic Challenges: A 2025 Analysis

    In the face of a tumultuous global economic landscape, Asia’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market demonstrated resilience in the first quarter of 2025, expanding by 2.8% year-on-year. The growth was primarily fueled by robust performances in the food, beverages, and home care sectors, while personal care registered modest gains and the dairy segment faced a downturn.

    Northern Dynamics: Strong Demand Reshapes China’s Market

    In North Asia, consumers lifted FMCG spending by 1.9%, buoyed by significant growth in food, beverages, and home care products. Particularly notable was China, which saw a surge in demand over the festive holidays. Lower-tier cities thrived, reporting a growth of 5.9%, with town-level markets skyrocketing by more than 10%. Home care products emerged as the primary growth driver, and personal care began to show promising signs of recovery.

    Korea enjoyed a 4.2% increase in FMCG value, largely thanks to larger shopping baskets, although the frequency of shopping visits tapered off. Taiwan shone brightly, achieving an impressive 8.8% growth in value, spurred by an 8% rise in food and an 11% uptick in non-food categories.

    Southeast Asia: Consumers Tread Lightly Amid Growth

    Southeast Asia proved to be a vibrant player, outpacing the regional average with a 4.1% increase in FMCG expenditures, though consumer behavior remained cautiously optimistic. Malaysia saw a modest market growth of 1.6%, characterized by fewer shopping trips, but with consumers opening their wallets wider during each visit, thanks to festive promotions coupled with lower average prices early in the year.

    In Indonesia, FMCG value leaped by 5.5%, but a notable decline in volume marks the first time consumers have opted for reduced quantities, highlighting economic pressures that have driven them toward seeking better value or switching to more affordable alternatives. Thailand’s market grew by 2.7%, though its expansion was dampened by previous government subsidies, which led to advanced purchasing behavior late last year, with no further stimulus anticipated in 2025.

    The Philippines reported similar growth to Indonesia at 5.5%, attributed to increased spending per shopping trip, albeit with less frequent visits. Meanwhile, Vietnam celebrated its strongest first quarter in five years, invigorated by rising consumer prices for essentials and the festive Tet holiday, signaling a moderate recovery in the in-home FMCG space.

    South Asia: India Leads the Charge

    South Asia’s leading powerhouse, India, achieved a commendable 7.1% value growth, including a 4.4% increase in volume, alongside a 2.5% hike in average prices. Despite these gains, both metrics lagged behind last year’s pace, reflecting a broader trend. With inflation receding slightly, higher-income households have begun diverting their spending towards travel, dining, and lifestyle choices, while lower-income consumers remain committed to essential goods.

    Middle East Momentum Amid Growth

    Across the Middle East, the UAE made significant strides in FMCG growth during Q1, propelled by vibrant Ramadan sales and a steadily growing population. A plethora of categories reported expansion, underscoring consumer optimism in the face of ongoing pressures. Saudi Arabia too saw a rebound in FMCG volumes, driven by frequent shopping trips, even as basket sizes tightened—a sign of enhanced affordability and alleviating inflationary concerns.

    Questions & Answers

    How has consumer behavior changed in Southeast Asia recently?
    Consumer behavior in Southeast Asia is increasingly cautious, as evidenced by slower shopping frequency, even amidst higher spending per trip. This trend reflects a desire to make every visit count.

    What led to China’s impressive growth in FMCG?
    China’s FMCG growth was largely driven by strong demand during festive holidays, particularly in lower-tier cities, which managed to outpace growth in urban centers.

    What trends are emerging among different income groups in India?
    In India, higher-income households are reallocating their spending towards non-essential categories like travel and dining, while lower-income consumers continue to focus on essential goods as inflation impacts their purchasing power.

  • Return to Sender: Rethinking Retail Returns

    Return to Sender: Rethinking Retail Returns

    As major sales events reshape Asia’s retail landscape, brands must prepare for a surge in online purchases—and the subsequent rise in retail returns. With processing costs climbing and consumer expectations for seamless experiences higher than ever, efficient returns management has become essential for preserving margins and ensuring customer satisfaction.

    Across all retail sectors, the average return rate is approximately 17%. However, in the fashion industry, that figure is significantly higher, reaching 30%. This indicates that returns are not just a reality—they are a fundamental part of the online shopping experience. For example, the latest data shows that Australians purchase more clothing per capita than any other country, with an average of 56 items per year – of which, roughly one in three garments is returned to retailers.

    As these figures demonstrate, the challenge of managing returns is growing. Consumers today expect a hassle-free, fast, and convenient returns process, and they are increasingly making decisions based on the quality of a retailer’s return policy. This makes it even more critical for retailers to rethink their approach to returns, not just as a necessary cost, but as a potential opportunity to enhance customer loyalty and streamline operations.

    The Consumer’s Evolving Expectations

    Today’s consumers demand consistent, personalised experiences across all touchpoints—whether it’s in-store or online. They expect a range of payment options, faster refunds, and the ability to access products whenever and wherever they want. This level of convenience and flexibility is only achievable through a true omnichannel approach that integrates seamlessly across platforms.

    Returns are no exception. Customers want to return items in the most convenient way possible, whether that means in-store returns and exchanges, or at-home returns collection. Such offerings not only streamline the process but also enhance the post-purchase experience, which is vital for building trust and long-term loyalty.

    Reducing the Cost of Returns with Technology

    The financial impact of returns is substantial. Retail returns in the US saw a dramatic increase, surging from $308 billion in 2019 to $743 billion in 2023. While no equivalent data exists for many Asian markets, regional ecommerce sales are skyrocketing. For example, Singapore’s online retail sales reached record highs during last year’s shopping festivals, with significant portions likely subject to returns.

    Leveraging the right technology can help reduce these costs significantly. For example, optimising return shipment routing can lower shipping costs, prevent cross-border shipments, and ensure that returned items are sent to stores with higher demand or lower stock levels. Many retailers already use intelligent algorithms to optimise outbound shipments—why not apply the same principles to inbound returns?

    Additionally, in an era of workforce shortages, automation offers a solution to reduce the need for manual intervention. When refund failures occur, customer service agents often must manually reprocess transactions or contact customers for new payment details—an expensive and time-consuming process. By automating these retries or offering customers a Pay by Link option, these challenges can be addressed without the need for agent involvement.

    The Return Policy Dilemma: Charging or Not?

    Charging customers for returns is becoming a more common practice. However, this approach can be a deterrent, potentially reducing conversion rates or pushing customers to competitors. A recent study by Manhattan Associates revealed that consumers are now more cautious with their purchases, making flexible and customer-friendly return options more essential than ever. The research found that over 69% of respondents indicated that a store’s return policy affects their decision to purchase, with 40% of respondents will actively research a store’s return policy before making a purchase. While many consumers have come to expect free returns, there is a notable shift in how they view and interact with return policies, showing a growing awareness and acceptance of changing policies.

    When considering the high cost of returns on retailers, rather than passing the cost of returns onto the customer, the focus should instead be on cutting expenses in areas such as shipping, cross-border fees, and replenishment costs. This allows retailers to protect the customer experience while managing returns in a cost-effective manner.

    The importance of a positive returns experience cannot be overstated. Manhattan Associates’ research also revealed that a positive return experience was deemed pivotal for customer loyalty, with 91% of respondents indicating it makes them more likely to become long-term customers. In today’s competitive retail landscape, returns can no longer be seen as a cost but rather as an opportunity to enhance customer loyalty and drive repeat business.

    Returns as a Differentiator

    Retailers should view reverse logistics not as a burden, but as an opportunity for differentiation. Self-service return options are increasingly popular as consumers seek convenience and autonomy in managing their transactions. Providing such options allows customers to take control of their returns experience while also creating opportunities for retailers to drive sales. By leveraging technology to enable seamless returns and exchanges, retailers can transform a transactional process into a sales-driving interaction.

    Optimising the Returns Experience

    Ultimately, a poor returns experience can severely damage the retailer-customer relationship, particularly during peak seasons. To avoid this, brands must ensure that their returns processes delight customers just as much as their shopping experience. This involves optimising return shipment routing, enhancing exchange conversions, and offering transparent, hassle-free return policies.

    By providing expedited refunds, easy exchanges, and accessible self-service options, retailers can turn returns into a competitive advantage. These efforts not only reduce costs but also strengthen consumer loyalty, ensuring a better overall customer experience and driving higher sales—both of which are essential in this rapidly evolving retail landscape.

    Written by Richard Wright, Managing Director, SEA, at Manhattan Associates

    For more information, please visit: https://www.manh.com/en-sg

  • Indonesia’s Enterprise ICT Revenue to Grow by 16.3% through 2028

    Indonesia’s Enterprise ICT Revenue to Grow by 16.3% through 2028

    According to research by GlobalData, this growth is attributed to significant revenue contributions from cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside robust demand from the manufacturing, retail, banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors.

    The company’s recent ICT Customer Insight Survey highlights a robust spending trend, with 92.1% of enterprises reporting increased ICT budgets for 2024 compared to the previous year.

    Driving this growth is the IT services segment, which is anticipated to play a pivotal role in Indonesia’s enterprise ICT market. The segment is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.3%, reaching USD 48.1 billion by 2028. Notably, 53.2% of surveyed enterprises plan to allocate higher budgets to IT services in 2024 than in 2023, underscoring the segment’s critical role in the country’s digital transformation.

    The manufacturing industry is poised to remain the largest revenue-generating, end-use vertical for Indonesia’s ICT market throughout the forecast period. GlobalData projects that manufacturing will account for 12.5% of the cumulative revenue from 2023 to 2028.

    The IoT will dominate IT solution revenues, driven by increasing demand for sensor technologies and connected systems across manufacturing, defense, and agriculture. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, improving operational efficiency and security.

    Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to be the fastest-growing IT solution segment, with revenues projected to expand at a remarkable CAGR of 49.2% from 2023 to 2028. Rising demand for AI-powered applications in logistics, HR, education, cybersecurity, and customer service is fueling this rapid growth.

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  • Pattern Helps Australian Brand Recover Over $200k Amazon Revenue

    Pattern Helps Australian Brand Recover Over $200k Amazon Revenue

    Pattern, global ecommerce and marketplace accelerator, has announced the launch of Pattern Recovery, a new service designed to help Australian brands optimise their Amazon marketplace presence and safeguard past and future profitability.

    As Australia’s most popular marketplace, Amazon, offers unparalleled opportunities for brands to reach millions of customers. However, the scale and complexity of the platform can often result in Australian brands becoming overwhelmed and not making the most of the marketplace opportunity. Pattern Recovery supports brands operating as first-party (1P) or third-party (3P) vendors on Amazon to optimise their marketplace presence and recover on average up to 6% of any revenue they may have missed from a five-year look back window.

    “Most Australian brands currently struggle to navigate all the moving parts that come with selling on Amazon. This leads to errors resulting in repeated missed opportunities for revenue relating to overcharges, misapplied fees and inventory recovery,” explained Merline McGregor, Managing Director at Pattern. “Working on behalf of Australian brands, Pattern Recovery can identify and recover up to 70% of these missed revenue opportunities and back-date them as far as five years. This ensures brands can gain back profits that would otherwise have been a loss and optimise processes to safeguard profitability into the future.

    “Optimisation and recovery efforts have led to some impressive revenue gains. One first-party Amazon vendor in Australia had 19,300 disputes made on its behalf for both new and old fees dating back five years. This achieved a $216,000 recovery.”

    Pattern Recovery offers a comprehensive review of all Amazon transactions, pinpointing areas where brands have missed opportunities and efficiently addressing these on the brand’s behalf. This meticulous oversight not only enhances current profitability but also provides valuable insights to help brands refine and optimise their operations to increase future revenue. It does this through in-depth root cause analysis and supply chain coaching, aimed at minimising any future errors before they occur.

    What makes Pattern Recovery stand out is its ability to complement the strengths of Amazon’s platform, turning potential missed opportunities into improvements and profit gains. The service provides continuous support to brands, offering strategic insights and operational advice that align with Amazon’s best practices. This proactive approach ensures vendors can maximise their profitability without any disruption to their selling.

    “In today’s ecommerce environment, it is more crucial than ever for brands to optimise every aspect of their operations to drive profitability – they cannot afford unnecessary losses or inefficiencies. By ensuring that all areas of the business, including Amazon marketplace operations, are operating at peak efficiency, brands can not only safeguard their bottom line but also position themselves for sustainable growth. It’s about being proactive, tightening the ship, and making every dollar count to build future strength,” added McGregor.

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    About Pattern Inc

    Pattern is the category leader in global ecommerce and marketplace acceleration. Since 2013, Pattern has profitably grown to more than 1,400 employees operating from 24 global locations – including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast – to help leading brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and global ecommerce marketplaces. As well as being one of the largest Amazon sellers in the world, we are also present on Tmall, JD.com, eBay and other ecommerce marketplaces. We act as the authorised Amazon seller to more than 200 brands globally, buying their stock to sell on the marketplace and taking care of every aspect of their Amazon presence. For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

     

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  • 3 Key Retail Trends to Watch for Remainder of 2024

    3 Key Retail Trends to Watch for Remainder of 2024

    Last month over 5,000 people attended the first ever NRF APAC event in Singapore and the post analysis after three days of presentations from leaders in retail, supply chain and IT is that innovation is the key to growth now more than ever. While challenges will remain for retailers around the globe as we move through 2024, emerging technologies and innovative strategies will provide opportunities to disrupt the status quo, improve operational efficiencies, and take customer experience to new heights.

    Here are three key trends to watch out for in the remainder of 2024:

    1. AI: Beyond the Hype

    The buzz and excitement created by generative AI bursting into the mainstream dominated the headlines in 2023, with ChatGPT alone reaching 100 million users within just a couple of months. In the second half of 2024, the AI space will get even more exciting as it becomes the year of deployment – the point where the rubber hits the road and theory meets practice. AI and augmented reality are no longer the future; they are the now. As AI applications evolve from being novelties to core components of business operations, 2024 is set to witness widespread implementation across various sectors.

    Key Developments to Watch:

    • Supply Chain Optimisation: AI’s impact on supply chains is crucial as retailers seek greater efficiency and responsiveness. Predictive analytics enable better demand forecasting, minimising stock issues. Automated systems and robotic automation in warehouses streamline operations, ensuring products are replenished and orders fulfilled more accurately and swiftly.
    • Personalisation at Scale: AI excels in delivering personalised experiences to consumers. By analysing vast amounts of customer data, AI tailors marketing efforts and product recommendations with remarkable precision, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty while boosting sales.
    • Customer Engagement and Interaction: AI enhances customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants, providing consistent support and simplifying the purchasing process. Innovative tools like voice and visual searches make interactions more engaging, catering to modern consumer preferences for fast and effortless shopping experiences.
    • Store Operations and Management: In physical stores, AI optimises layouts and product placement based on real-time data on customer movements and behaviour. Smart checkout systems and AI-enhanced security measures improve operational efficiency and security, respectively, aligning with today’s retail needs.
    1. The Tech-Enabled Human Touch

    Another significant retail trend to watch is the evolution of the tech-enabled human touch. This trend capitalises on the advances made in digitising physical retail spaces, transforming them from perceived liabilities to pivotal assets in a post-pandemic world.

    Key Developments to Watch:

    • From Digital to Physical Enhancements: The focus for the remainder of 2024 is on making digital interactions more tangible and engaging. Innovations like virtual try-ons and live shopping sessions have started to blur the lines between online and offline shopping experiences. Social commerce and virtual consultations further enhance this integration, offering more immersive and interactive shopping encounters that extend beyond traditional e-commerce platforms.
    • Emergence of Mixed Reality: Mixed reality technologies are set to revolutionise retail environments by merging digital and physical elements in unprecedented ways. This integration will necessitate seamless visibility and transparency across retail inventory systems, ensuring that if a product is available, it can be sold through any channel—be it online or in-store.
    • Leveraging Technology for Personalised Service: As retail moves towards a multi-dimensional approach, physical stores will increasingly need to leverage their staff differently. Technology can empower sales associates to provide concierge-level services, enhancing customer interactions with a personal touch that combines efficiency and customisation. From on-the-spot checkouts to rapid online order processing and returns, technology will enable staff to deliver superior service that caters to the modern shopper’s expectations.
    1. ESG: Firmly Back on the Agenda

    Over the last 18 months, progress on the Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda may have quietly stalled as both retailers and consumers prioritised cost efficiencies. However, the sustainability agenda is one trend that is never going away, and sustainability and the environment will once again be a top priority for retailers in 2024 and beyond.

    Key Developments to Watch:

    • Renewed Focus on Transparency and Accountability: This year, transparency is critical as consumers increasingly demand clarity and honesty in how products are sourced, manufactured, and sold. The backlash against greenwashing and bluewashing has intensified, pushing retailers to substantiate their sustainability claims with verifiable data. Retailers now face greater scrutiny not only for the authenticity of their environmental claims but also for their factual accuracy.
    • Supply Chain Visibility: The need for comprehensive supply chain transparency has never been more acute. Retailers must ensure that their supply chains are not only efficient but also sustainable and ethical. This involves greater traceability from source to store, which will be crucial in meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
    • Enhancing Product Durability and Circularity: Following significant global environmental commitments, such as those made at COP 28, retailers are expected to invest more in durable and traceable products. The push towards a circular economy will see retailers enhancing their efforts in recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, with the supply chain playing a pivotal role in these initiatives.

    2024 and Beyond

    Together, these trends are not just shaping the current landscape but are also paving the way for a more resilient and innovative future in retail. As we move forward, the ability of retailers to adapt and thrive amidst these changes will likely dictate their success in this new era of retail, where technology, human touch, and sustainability converge to redefine what it means to be a leader in the industry.

     

  • Pattern Forecasts Unprecedented Sales Surge for Amazon’s World-First 6-Day Prime Sales Event in Australia

    Pattern Forecasts Unprecedented Sales Surge for Amazon’s World-First 6-Day Prime Sales Event in Australia

    In a world first, Prime Day Australia will run for six days this year (Tuesday, July 16 at 12.01am AEST to Sunday, July 21), with significant growth predicted for 2024, according to new research from global marketplace leader, Pattern.

    Data from Pattern shows that the number of consumers participating in Prime Day increased by 33% in 2023, with strong sales growth predicted again for this year’s event, with the brands Pattern Australia represents expecting to more than double sales.

    Boasting approximately 4.5 million Amazon Prime subscribers in Australia, Prime Day sales grew 103% year-on-year for the brands Pattern Australia represents on the platform in 2023. These brands also saw a 62% increase in traffic compared to the previous Prime Day event.

    In 2023 Pattern reported 61% of the event’s sales came through on day one for the brands they represent on the platform. This demonstrates pent-up demand for the sales event, with consumers looking to secure their purchases as soon as possible.

    “Prime Day has cemented itself as a major sales event in the Australian retail calendar. A surge in Amazon memberships, along with last year’s impressive Prime Day results, indicates that Prime Day 2024 will be bigger than ever, presenting local brands with opportunities to grow sales and connect with new customers,” said Merline McGregor, Managing Director of Pattern Australia.

    Amazon Prime Membership Growth

    Uptake of Amazon Prime memberships in Australia has seen a significant surge, according to a recent marketplace shopper study. The percentage of consumers with access to Prime services has steadily increased from 31% in 2021 to 45% in 2024. Despite a price hike in 2023 from $7.99 to $9.99 per month, the growth of Amazon Prime membership has not slowed.

    “Strong levels of subscriber growth highlight the value Australian consumers find in Amazon Prime, especially in a time when Australian consumers are becoming increasingly strategic with their spending, and eagerly awaiting major sales events like Prime Day to make their purchases,” said McGregor.

    “Although consumer spend may be pressured, Pattern research indicates Amazon may be more resilient than other shopping channels. Only 18% of Amazon shoppers say they will reduce their spend this year, versus 24% for all online shoppers.”

    Prime Day 2024: Marketplace Opportunities for Brands

    In preparation for Prime Day 2024, consumer research also highlights key product categories capturing shopper interest. A majority of consumers (60%) indicated they are interested in purchasing Home & Kitchen products from Amazon, followed closely by Electronics & Computer (57%) and Books & eBooks (55%), Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (52%) and Sports, Fitness & Outdoor Products (51%).

    “These key product category findings provide valuable guidance for brands looking to maximise presence and sales during Prime Day 2024,” explained McGregor. “As Prime membership and sales events continue to grow in popularity in Australia, it is essential for brands to recognise and act on these trends to create meaningful connections with new customers and drive sustained ecommerce success.”

    Prime Day Product Discoverability Opportunities

    Prime Day presents brands with powerful opportunities to introduce their products to new consumers. Pattern’s research shows that 39% of people who discover a new product on Amazon also often visit the brand’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) website for further information about the brand. Additionally, consumers are 19% more likely to purchase a similar product from an unfamiliar brand on Amazon rather than searching for the desired brand or item on another platform.

    “The ability of brands to capture the attention of shoppers on Amazon underscores the platform’s influence in reaching a wider customer-base, and the importance of leveraging popular sales events like Prime Day. Moreover, the significant traffic driven to DTC websites from Amazon demonstrates the importance of a cohesive online presence. Brands need to leverage both marketplaces and their own websites to create a seamless shopping experience and build stronger customer relationships,” concluded McGregor.

    For more information and to download the full report please click here: ‘Australian Marketplace Consumer Trends Report – 2024’

  • SOTI Research Finds 93% of Australian consumers use in-store tech, but 80% express security concerns with personal data

    SOTI Research Finds 93% of Australian consumers use in-store tech, but 80% express security concerns with personal data

    The retail industry is facing a critical juncture where consumers are experiencing a disconnect between their shopping expectations and the in-store reality. As global retail markets continue to evolve, the industry grapples with the challenges of rolling out in-store technology and integrating advanced AI technology while optimising the supply chain and addressing growing security concerns.

    According to SOTI’s new global retail report, Techspectations: Consumer Demand for Digital Transformation in Retail, retailers are grappling with the heightened expectations of consumers anticipating seamless in-store interactions, personalised recommendations and instant access to inventory online and in-store to ensure their continued loyalty.

    Emerging Technologies and the Consumer Experience

    While consumers crave technology to improve their in-store shopping experience, those offered by retailers do not always meet expectations. The study found that while 93% of Australian consumers have used an in-store device, many believe these devices make the shopping experience worse. Consumers cite challenges in-store such as a lack of staff to assist with issues relating to self-serve machines (35% of users) and as many as 38% of users complain about poor Wi-Fi connectivity when using an in-store device.

    The report suggests that consumer expectations have risen, largely due to the sophisticated personalisation and seamless processes available online, which in-store technologies currently fail to match. To address this, retailers must invest in AI-driven solutions and device management to provide consistent, personalised and convenient shopping experiences in both physical stores and online.

    Retail Supply Chains Must Meet Real-Time Demands

    Supply chain optimisation in the retail industry is critical, as consumers now demand real-time information, efficient product availability and rapid delivery in-store and online. The report reveals that 57% of consumers expect to be able to pick up an item ordered online from a physical store on the same day. Further, 77% of consumers expect to always know the status of their orders, highlighting the need for efficient supply chain visibility.

    “Acknowledging the pivotal role of AI in unlocking advanced capabilities in devices is essential. Using AI for predictive diagnostics and proactive support enables retailers to address potential problems before they affect customer interactions,” explained Michael Dyson, VP for Sales, APAC at SOTI. “AI’s ability to combine data such as location, signal quality and speed with vital business metrics, including stock levels and shipment updates, ensures that the convenience and tailored experience offered by online shopping can be mirrored in physical stores.”

    Consumer Trust and Data Vulnerability

    Security is a significant concern in the retail industry. More than three-quarters (80%) of consumers express concerns about entering personal details online or through in-store devices, indicating a pervasive lack of trust in the data collection and payment technologies used in retail. Security concerns extend to fraud, with 42% of Australian consumers worrying about becoming a victim of financial fraud and another 39% expressing concerns about identity fraud.

    Additionally, the report emphasises the importance of in-store device security, as 42% of consumers have concerns that the retailer will not keep their details securely, including the potential exposure of personal details (31%) and the risk of the next user seeing personal information (30%). Despite this, 34% of consumers view in-store devices as tools to enhance shopping convenience and speed, highlighting the need for retailers to balance convenience and security while building trust among those making purchases in the retail space.

    “In the next few years, our priorities should be establishing trust, ensuring data protection and crafting integrated experiences that seamlessly connect digital and physical retail spaces,” said Dyson. “Progress towards digital sophistication in the retail industry has been gradual. Advanced operational intelligence tools like SOTI XSight Live View are pivotal in offering real-time visualisation of retail operations and supply chain. Live View offers immediate detection and reaction to operational challenges by integrating device data and operational data. Retailers need to be aware of how devices are being used and be proactive in resolving any issues. The future of retail is not about rapid adoption of technology; it is equally about strategic planning and enhancing scalability through thoughtful implementation.”

    SOTI’s latest report, Techspectations: Consumer Demand for Digital Transformation in Retail, can be downloaded here.

    Report Methodology

    SOTI’s research was conducted between September 3 and September 14, 2023, via 11,000 self-completed interviews from nine markets around the world. All interviewees were consumers aged 18 to 65. The markets represented were: The U.S. (2,000), Canada (1,000), Mexico (1,000), UK (2,000), Germany (1,000), France (1,000), Sweden (1,000), the Netherlands (1,000) and Australia (1,000). In addition to presenting global, overarching trends, the results were broken down into these individual market tables and regional sets for Europe and North America.

     

     

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  • Global energy drinks market reaches $62.89 billion in FY23

    Global energy drinks market reaches $62.89 billion in FY23

    The global energy drinks market’s value reached $62.89 billion in 2023, posting a 7.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with the strategic addition of new flavours emerging as a key trend.

    According to The Business Research Company, the increased demand on emerging distribution channels, notably e-commerce, is driving the growth of the energy drinks market.

    The research firm forecasts that the market, dominated by Red Bull, Monster Beverage Corporation, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola Company, will further increase to $83.83 billion in 2027 at a sustained CAGR of 7.5 per cent.

    It noted that introducing new flavours is an emerging trend, such as Red Bull’s launching of Coconut Edition Sugar-free energy drinks in 2021, a mix of coconut and B-group vitamins, taurine, and acesulfame-K as a sweetening agent.

    Such innovations, which seek to attract new customers and boost sales, demonstrate the dynamism of the energy drinks industry.

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  • Pattern Helps Brands Gain Marketplace Advantage with New Digital Shelf Tool

    Pattern Helps Brands Gain Marketplace Advantage with New Digital Shelf Tool

    Pattern, the world’s leading ecommerce accelerator, has announced Australian brands now have free access to its new Digital Shelf tool. Pattern’s Digital Shelf tool helps brands take advantage of AI-powered algorithms and extensive data resources to identify their true competitors across Amazon’s virtual shelves.

    “In today’s complex economic environment, brands need a comprehensive understanding of the competition to optimise their marketplace position and drive sales,” said Merline McGregor, General Manager at Pattern.

    “By offering free access to our Digital Shelf tool, brands have an opportunity to increase their virtual shelf space and gain better placement on the Amazon marketplace. Having the right tools and strategy in place for selling on Amazon is becoming increasingly important as the popularity of the platform continues to grow in Australia.”

    Pattern research recently revealed 52% of consumers reported buying from Amazon over the past 12 months and 59% intended to buy from the platform during 2023.

    Pattern’s Digital Shelf is built on a database of 27 trillion historical data points, which grows by a further 5 billion new rows of data each month. This vast data pool offers powerful insights and enables brands to make informed marketplace pricing and listing decisions.

    “Our Digital Shelf tool provides data on over 300 million products, enabling brands to identify and monitor activity of direct competitors in specific product categories on Amazon,” explains McGregor. “Pattern also monitors three million keywords daily, allowing brands to track market trends and consumer behaviour in real-time.”

    By providing free access to a tool that can dissect over 30,000 competitive categories, Pattern’s Digital Shelf aims to democratise marketplace ecommerce insight for brands of all different categories and sizes.

    “On a store shelf, brands can easily see their goods in relation to their competitor’s products. On a marketplace like Amazon, it’s not so clear, as each time a unique search term is entered, the competing product matrix shifts. Leveraging Pattern’s data, brands gain clarity on how their goods are positioned and which products compete with their own for impressions, clicks, and dollars. This information allows brands to develop data-driven strategies to increase product visibility, attract more customers, grow sales and benefit from higher customer reviews,” added McGregor.

    For Australian brands eyeing export markets, Pattern’s Digital Shelf tool monitors pricing on 5,000 websites globally. This comprehensive view empowers local brands to expand into different international markets, diversifying their customer base and maximising their global revenue potential.

    Brands can learn more by accessing Pattern’s Digital Shelf tool.

    About Pattern Inc

    Pattern is the category leader in global ecommerce and marketplace acceleration. Since 2013, Pattern has profitably grown to more than 1,400 employees operating from 24 global locations – including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast – to help leading brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and global ecommerce marketplaces. As well as being one of the largest Amazon sellers in the world, we are also present on Tmall, JD.com, eBay and other ecommerce marketplaces. We act as the authorised Amazon seller to more than 200 brands globally, buying their stock to sell on the marketplace and taking care of every aspect of their Amazon presence. For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

    Media Contact

    Corinne Nolte

    Mulberry Marketing Communications

    [email protected]

     

  • When Work is Anywhere: SOTI Report Finds Growth in Mobile Solutions to Support Australia’s Distributed Workforce

    When Work is Anywhere: SOTI Report Finds Growth in Mobile Solutions to Support Australia’s Distributed Workforce

    Increased IT budgets and adoption of new mobile devices signal the need for companies to manage aggressive digital transformation, but manual workflows persist, exposing security risks

    The distributed workforce now exists beyond the rise of hybrid, flexible or remote working environments, and it is having a significant impact on retail business operations across industries in Australia and globally.

    New global research from SOTI, “When Work is Anywhere: Managing Technology’s Role in the Distributed Workforce,” reveals retail organisations are increasing investments in new technology and devices as the workforce and infrastructure become more widespread. As businesses expand, there is a clear need to better manage this ever-broadening scope to gain the efficiency and productivity necessary to remain competitive. 

    Number of Devices in the Field Continues to Increase

    Advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), e-commerce, real-time supply chain visibility and critical communications across a global landscape have resulted in a seismic shift to more distributed operations. As a result, 44% of Australian respondents reported substantial growth in the number of devices being deployed in the last 12 months, which is significantly higher than the global average of 37%.

    Additionally, 57% of Australian organisations (38% globally) have seen an increase in the mix of device types (including smartphones, barcode scanners, rugged handsets, mobile computers, etc.).

    “Our data shows that almost 80% of companies are now managing at least one technology – including new groups of devices and applications – that they were not a year ago, representing a significant shift in how these businesses are now running,” said Shash Anand, SVP of Product Strategy at SOTI. “Ensuring the productivity of a distributed workforce is one part of the equation. Today, businesses have access to technology to better manage the supply chain and track and control device usage in the field. This is forcing companies to invest in new ways to oversee and analyse the subsequent growth in technology and data use.”

    As Devices and Data Grow, So Do Security Threats

    As a result of this growth in device use, more data is being collected, processed and stored than ever before, fostering the need for data management security and compliance. The report found that over the last year, 40% of respondents in Australia cited the need for better access to devices to control and protect their IT network, while 38% increased their spend on mobile technology security.

    “Distributed operations, with a wider, more fragmented global tech footprint, create a more complex dynamic of devices and data, which all need securing and managing,” adds Anand. “While security is critical, due to the increasing reliance on sharing devices alongside the connectivity of device data, there also needs to be seamless visibility and access to monitor the health and use of these devices, with issues being fixed quickly and remotely once they arise. Without it, organisations will simply not yield the productivity and efficiency gains from their investments and leave themselves open to risks.”

    Outdated Processes Threaten Productivity Gains

    The arrival of the distributed workforce has spurred the need for technology to be adopted on two fronts – one in the form of the physical device itself, and the other in the effective management of all devices in an increasingly dispersed operational environment.

    While digital workflows are becoming more commonplace, manually enacted workflows continue to play a significant role, suggesting that organisations still have a way to go to truly manage a new operational infrastructure.

    Over the past year, 44% of Australian respondents’ business workflows were done on paper, while 49% were managed via email. This unstructured method is especially concerning in the healthcare sector where the manual information and data is likely to be patient related and therefore unsecured.

    A Digital Transformation is the Key to Optimising Workflow Management

    The report found that Australia (67%) was second to the U.S. (70%) as the region most likely to use manual processes.

    Unfortunately, many organisations across various industries and regions continue to use outdated, paper-based processes, which is concerning. This means sensitive data such as patient information and consumer payment information is unsecured, leaving personal data in the wrong hands.

    “Manual work processes are outdated, inefficient and open to human error. Therefore, it is alarming that Australia ranks so highly in the utilisation of manual workflows today. Australian organisations need to move beyond manual legacy processes to an environment powered by modern mobile devices that are managed securely and follow all relevant compliance protocols,” said Michael Dyson, VP of Sales, APAC at SOTI. “Properly managed mobile devices can speed up workflows and reduce the risk of security breaches and incidents, along with improving employee productivity and retention. In the digital era, the proper management of devices and data in a dispersed and often remote operational environment is central to ensuring ongoing business health and success,” ended Dyson.

    SOTI’s report, When Work is Anywhere: Managing Technology’s Role in the Distributed Workforce, can be downloaded here.

     

     

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  • Retail Trends Set to Shape the Customer Experience in 2022

    Retail Trends Set to Shape the Customer Experience in 2022

    The Asian retail landscape is significantly challenged today. With supply chain issues impacting on stock levels, increasing volumes of returns and increased customer expectations in relation to online deliveries – local brands will have a hard time in satisfying customers in 2022. As a result, retailers will find that they quickly need to adopt new systems and approaches that help meet the consumer demand for a seamless and more personalised shopping experience today and into the future.

    So what trends will shape the customer experience over the next year across Asia and what do retailers need to know?

    Returns management will increasingly impact consumers’ perception retail brands

    While eCommerce has served as a lifeline for retailers over the past year, the ever-increasing volume of returns is posing significant challenges, including impacting consumer perceptions of a retail brand. The returns process can regularly make or break the overall brand experience and savvy retailers are increasingly viewing the return process as an opportunity to further engage with customers, providing as it does, an additional touchpoint to enhance the overall customer experience.

    Retailers today need to have greater visibility and more intelligence around their inventory, regardless of where it is currently residing in their network. Smarter front-end omnichannel systems capable of efficiently dealing with customer enquiries and greater insight into data around transportation processes will be the key areas for brands looking to solve the challenges presented by the growing returns trend.

    The war for talent will put pressure on supply chain operations

    Given the extent to which a positive or negative customer service interaction can have on a shopper’s perception of a retail brand, the war for talent and need to retain high performing staff will create additional business pressures. In such an environment, organisations need to focus on selling themselves as an employer of choice and create and promote initiatives that set their business apart in a competitive hiring field.

    Given the need to retain IP in a challenging hiring market, more employers are focusing on career planning and succession internally to ensure adequate support and training for workers to move up the ladder. Many supply chain and retail organisations are also offering financial support for further tertiary education studies or providing retention bonuses to ensure continuity.

    Micro-fulfilment will help drive supply chain efficiencies and cost savings

    As eCommerce and ‘store to door’ delivery continues to grow, many retailers are struggling to turn a profit from online sales. The challenges of the last two years didn’t just fast-track eCommerce uptake, they also accelerated advances in technology, pushed businesses to revaluate traditional models, and forced many to rethink relationships between retailers, disruptive start-ups and automation; setting the scene for a radical shake up of fulfilment strategies over the coming year.

    One of these fulfilment strategies, and one of the most cost-effective trends retailers and supply chains are adopting is micro-fulfilment. Micro-fulfilment involves moving out of large singular DCs to smaller and more local and convenient hubs. By expediting the fulfilment process, micro-fulfilment gives brands the opportunity to get goods to their customers quicker; whilst also providing convenient collection point for consumers. With the adoption of this kind of smart fulfilment method, retailers can get their goods to consumers faster, cheaper and more efficiently.

    Visibility and forward planning will help future-proof retail and supply chain operations

    With supply chain issues leading to stock level challenges for many retailers, the last thing any business wants is to run out of stock – or worse, to later find out that the stock they needed was in the warehouse the whole time.

    To mitigate this, operational visibility and forward planning remain fundamental to retail and supply chain continuity and efficiency. To gain these insights, solutions like a Warehouse Management System (WMS), which integrate all sales and distribution channels into one place are requried. With innovations like a WMS, retailers have absolute transparency around their goods and are able to review the rules of stock allocation, temporarily giving priority to in-store stock over warehouse stock, thus, freeing up any trapped inventory confined within closed stores.

    For more information on how your retailer business can enhance the customer experience in 2022, please visit: www.manh.com/en-sg

    Written by Richard Wright, Managing Director, SEA, at Manhattan Associates

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