AUGUST 2025Retail Business Review8In My OpinionBy Bryan Ransford, Director | Global Sales & Marketing ­ Retail & Fashion Vertical, ExpeditorsACCELERATED ADOPTION:TECHNOLOGY IN RETAIL SUPPLY CHAINSGlobal pandemic lockdowns set off a series of disruptions and delays that put "supply chain" in the headlines and at the forefront of everyone's minds. These troubles exacerbated the operational issues and dependencies already present in modern-day supply chains. As a result, many technology companies zeroed in on the supply-chain sector for opportunities to develop, market, and deploy new applications. However, most of these enterprises lack an operational understanding of how complex supply chains work in real-world scenarios and circumstances. At a time when teams are already stretched thin, introducing a new platform into your supply chain can stretch resources to the breaking point, even if that new platform is the key (eventually) to unlocking greater efficiency.This brings us to digital modernization. You may ask yourself, "Is digital transformation even necessary for my business?" Recent history has proven that necessity. If you are not digitizing your business, you are already behind the curve and at a disadvantage. A retailer with no online sales channel in 2020 or 2021 was left questioning whether it would survive the extended store closures.It is estimated that technology initiatives and adoption in the retail industry were accelerated by an average of three years as a result of the pandemic. Encountering issues like supply-chain disruptions, inventory imbalances, and new fulfillment processes, retailers recognized the need to be more nimble and responsive to changes in the market. This level of acceptance gives the retail industry a significant advantage when it comes to adopting new technologies. The retail industry is under immense pressure to deliver goods quickly and efficiently, while also managing costs and complying with regulations. To manage these priorities, complex global supply chains have been set up using extensive vendor networks across multiple geographic regions, subjecting them to significant regulatory burdens. Technology can provide visibility to products (at any point in the supply chain); measurement of supplier performance; identification of trends; agility to change quickly; and control of compliance to reduce risk.IoT-powered sensors can provide real-time visibility to the supply chain, helping to identify issues and optimize operations. Trade compliance software can help to streamline customs procedures and avoid delays. Ocean cargo forecasting can be used to design a more efficient supply chain that minimizes disruptions. By taking advantage of these technologies, retailers can improve their bottom line while also providing a better customer experience.If you have decided it is time for your business to invest in a new digital platform or tool, it can be daunting to know where to start. Maybe you have heard horror stories of businesses that have wasted
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