GREENING THE CHAIN

Managing the retail supply chain has become increasingly challenging in the face of labor shortages, changing consumer behavior, and logistical complexity New technologies to automate retail business processes and workflows are being implemented throughout the enterprise. From last-mile solutions that address labor and supply chain challenges in warehouses, distribution centers, market fulfillment and logistics centers, to material handling technologies, such as robotics storage and retrieval solutions, self-checkout point of sale, and other technologies, all of these automate critical workflows in the front and back of the store. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, retail supply chains are responsible for 25 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond driving cost-efficiencies, speed and resilience, technology can also help retailers advance their sustainability initiatives and reduce the impact of supply chain operations on the environment when properly implemented.