Indian retailers to boost supply chain tech investments
80% of Indian retailers plan to boost investments in supply chain technology, outpacing the global average.
A recent study by Zebra Technologies titled 'Zebra's 17th Annual Global Shopper Study' has found that 77% of Indian shoppers prefer retailers that offer tailored recommendations. The study, which surveyed over 4,200 respondents globally, including India, also found that Indian retailers are planning to invest in technology to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
According to the study, 80% of Indian retailers plan to boost investments in supply chain technology, outpacing the global average. This investment is expected to improve inventory management, demand forecasting, and customer experience.
"Many retailers are laying the groundwork to build a modern store experience," said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director of India subcontinent business, Zebra Technologies. "By investing in mobile and intelligent technologies to provide greater visibility, help inform operational decisions, and enable greater mobility for associates, this ladders up to elevate the customer experience for retail’s long-term longevity."
The study also found that Indian shoppers are concerned about the lack of help from retail associates, with 71% saying they are concerned about the lack of help associates can offer. To address this, retailers are planning to invest in technology to support frontline workers and monitor operations.
Source: 17th Annual Global Shopper Study
Over three in 10 retailers say they plan to use self-checkout cameras and sensors, computer vision, and RFID tags and readers within the next three years, specifically for loss prevention. This is expected to improve inventory management and reduce stockouts.
"By implementing advanced technologies like the Zebra kiosk system, RS2100 Bluetooth wearable scanner, WT5400 wearable computer, DS55 fixed mount scanner, MP72 series multi-plane scanner/scale, and ZT411 with ZeroLiner Linerless Printing Solution, it will help retailers navigate today’s business challenges," said Subramaniam Thiruppathi.
The study also highlights the importance of getting to know customers, making it easier to find and pay for items, keeping shelves stocked, protecting shoppers without over-indexing on loss prevention, and giving associates more technology.
Zebra Technologies provides the tools to help businesses grow with asset visibility, connected frontline workers, and intelligent automation. The company operates in more than 100 countries, and its customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500.
