“In the ever-evolving world of retail, staying ahead of the curve is critical. As someone who has spent years working with supermarkets, I can attest to new technologies’ impact on daily operations. Electronic shelf label technologies have enhanced efficiency and improved the overall shopping experience for customers. ” – John Goodacre, Director, GaP Solutions.
A New Way in Productivity
One of the most significant changes EM ESLs and EM Omnia PDE can bring about is a dramatic increase in productivity. Traditional paper labels required manual updates, often taking staff two days to complete a store-wide price change. With EM ESLs, these updates are done in a matter of minutes with just a few clicks through EM Omnia PDE or on the back-of-house point-of-sale management system and the time saved means that staff can now focus more on assisting customers and performing other important tasks.
Reduced Walking Time
The introduction of EM ESLs has considerably reduced the amount of walking time between aisles and shelves. This may seem like a small change, but it adds up. By minimising the time spent on repetitive tasks like updating prices, stores can allocate their efforts to areas directly impacting customer satisfaction. The ability to make swift price changes also ensures that a store remains competitive and responsive to market demands.
Simplified Stock Replenishment
Stock replenishment used to be a time-consuming and often frustrating task. However, the “Stock to Light” feature integrated with ESLs has simplified this process immensely. Using an EM Omnia PDE mobile device, staff can flash an LED light on the shelf tag, signalling the locations that need attention. This feature is particularly useful during busy times when quick restocking is essential. No more wandering aisles searching for the right spot; the LED light guides us directly to where we need to be, making the restocking process faster and more efficient.
Enhancing Order Fulfillment
The rise of online shopping has added another layer of complexity to supermarket operations. Fulfilling online orders quickly and accurately is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Here, the “Pick to Light” feature has been a game-changer. This system guides staff directly to the products needed for online orders, significantly speeding up the picking process and improving order accuracy. The result is a more streamlined operation and happier customers who receive their orders promptly and correctly.
Real-World Benefits
Since the implementation of EM ESLs in various of our customer’s stores, they have seen numerous tangible benefits:
Time Savings: Tasks that once took hours or even days now take mere minutes, freeing up staff to focus on customer service.
Improved Accuracy: Automated updates and guided picking reduce the likelihood of human errors, leading to more accurate pricing and order fulfilment.
Enhanced Customer Experience: With more time available for customer interactions and quicker stock replenishment, overall customer satisfaction has improved.
Reflecting on the Transition
Adopting new technology always comes with a learning curve. Initially, there will be some challenges when adapting to the new systems. However, the training provided is comprehensive, and support is readily available whenever issues arise from GaP Solutions. As stores became more comfortable with the technology, the benefits quickly outweighed any initial hurdles.
Conclusion
The implementation of Electronic Shelf Labels integrated with EM Cloud™ integrated point of sale system and EM Omnia PDE functionality will transform stores’ day-to-day lives in the supermarket industry. These technologies can bring about significant improvements, from increasing productivity and reducing walking time to simplifying stock replenishment and enhancing order fulfilment.
For retailers, grocery stores, and supermarket workers, embracing such innovations is not just an option; staying competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment is necessary. The future is undoubtedly bright for those willing to adapt and evolve with these technological advancements.
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