Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown had an unprecedented impact on many businesses. Online shopping became a part of consumers’ daily routine and the entire e-commerce industry was placed into the spotlight. The grocery industry hit a tipping point with e-commerce in 2020 and was termed as the year of e-grocery from which there is no turning back. E-grocery fulfilment will continue to challenge grocery supply chains, making automation technology even more important.
Swisslog, provider of best-in-class warehouse automation and software, is due to host a webinar on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 explaining which automation technologies work best for different e-grocery fulfilment strategies, as well as the vital role software plays in delivering the desired productivity and efficiency benefits.
The Automation Technology Winning the E-Grocery Fulfilment Challenge
Webinar attendees can discover the latest data and insights on the e-grocery industry, plus why automated micro-fulfilment centres should be an essential part of the supply chain. Speakers will include Colman Roche, Swisslog’s vice president of consulting and sales for Americas retail and e-commerce, Giulia Colombi, Swisslog’s head of EMEA solution development, and Rueben Scriven, senior analyst from Interact Analysis.
Alain Kaddoum, General Manager at Swisslog Middle East is encouraging businesses across the globe to join the event. “With about 60% of the population in the UAE using a food app on their smartphone or tablet, the online grocery market has more than doubled since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic,” he says. “Businesses looking to find out more about micro-fulfilment strategies, e-grocery automation technology, and intelligent software solutions will find this interactive live webinar particularly insightful.”
Micro-fulfilment is the latest trend supporting grocery chains around the globe. “Micro-fulfilment stems from the idea that an instore experience is no longer necessary for shoppers,” Alain explains. “It turns existing or under-utilised retail space into a small, nimble fulfilment centre that is close and convenient for the customer.”
With high internet and smartphone penetration rates, MENA presents favorable macro-economic and demographic data for technology enabled businesses to grow.
Swisslog has already proven itself as an ideal partner for micro-fulfilment hubs at grocery chains around the globe, including H-E-B and Mai Dubai. The US-based grocer recently partnered with Swisslog to deploy a number of automated micro-fulfilment centres to support the chain’s curb-side pick-up and delivery business.
E-grocery is becoming widely acknowledged, and that is not likely to change. With big players moving into the grocery space, companies looking to take their slice of the pie should move quickly. “Wherever you are working from, you can tune in and speak to logistics specialists with years of experience to learn about the practical solutions available for your e-grocery business,” Alain concludes.
Register here for the live and interactive webinar taking place on 23 March at 6pm GST: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8347277186846091019?source=MediaRelease+MiddleEast