Geolocation and Wayfinding are two functional capabilities being deployed at retailers to enable better consumer experience and more efficient in-store operations. As the demand for consumer-centricity expands, strain on in-store labor to accommodate merchandising needs as well as ecommerce pick/pack will necessitate more automation of processes. Plantensive works with many retailers to harmonize data across space and floor plans to enable these capabilities.
Geolocation and Wayfinding
How many times have we, as a customer, searched for an item in a store only to think “I wish I had some way to locate a hard-to-find item, quickly.” No need to bother a store resource or walk every aisle looking for that smaller item that may not be readily apparent as you are walking by. How about that uncommon item that could be merchandised in four different categories? A friend told you they got a specific item at a specific store, but you have no idea where to look…
As more and more retailers move to product placement identification in mobile apps, customers are becoming more accustomed to, and beginning to expect most retailers to offer this service. Imagine leaving work and only having 15 minutes to spare to pick up a product that your co-worker raved about. It’s not a product that you are familiar with, and you are unsure where in the store to locate this item. Not only are you able to ensure the store has the product in stock, but by using geo-location of the store, you are able to, at minimum find the exact aisle the product lives on, as well as see an image of the current product package. With these services, you’re now able to purchase that product and leave the store within a matter of 10 minutes. No fears of being late to pick up the kids and you were able to get that coveted item.
As a retailer, the source of the data to define precise locations of product can be a challenge. One source that most retailers are finding the most reliable is to define the item placement in a planogram, then assign that planogram to a store specific floorplan. This provides a cross referenced data location down to the aisle, position, and shelf level. Ensuring planograms and floorplans are built with common core repeatability and adjacency flow not only assists with ensuring continuity but also improves shopper experience.
Last Mile for E-Comm and Pick Paths
It is estimated that by the year 2030, most retail establishments will offer some form of E-Commerce offering and/or be a micro fulfillment center. Time is money. Building out efficiencies in the process to allow a consumer to buy from the comfort of their own home, office or vehicle will continue to trend higher. While we are seeing an upswing in more shoppers going back to the store post Covid, the trend of e-commerce and last mile requirements are here to stay. Innovation will enable continued evolution and growth in that last mile journey.
Using the same data elements that would be sourced from planogram and floorplan information for Geolocations and Wayfinding for shopper use will also enable the ability to provide: the exact pick location, and best flow pattern for the employee (or robot). This inevitably increases efficiency in decreased time of shelf to delivery and provides the personal shopper the data to pull multiple orders simultaneously.
Reach out to us today to determine how we can assist with achieving your last mile goals.
