OK, so we know that Christmas is likely to look a little different this year. It appears that global pandemics dont respect even this most-anticipated of holiday seasons.
The one thing that will remain true in 2020 however, is the need for retailers, manufacturers and distributors to be poised and ready for the Christmas rush to ensure that they make the very most of this boom trading time.
That means that stock has to be adequate, visible and in the right place at the right time. December is undoubtedly going to see a massive uplift in on-line ordering and logistics must be accurate and efficient if the golden retail period is to be maximised. Not only will shoppers expect to exercise their right to carry out price comparisons, real-time stock availability checks and one-click ordering, they will quickly move on to other suppliers if they feel frustrated with any aspect of the process. Lost sales, lost confidence and lost revenue things which no company can afford at this critical time of trading.
So, how can those involved in the chain from manufacture to shop floor ensure that they are ready to benefit from retailers Christmas spends?
The answer lies with Barcode Scanners. Perhaps not the most obvious of things to think about but arguably the most essential piece of equipment to ensure that the supply chain keeps moving smoothly and effectively.
It is through the use of reliable scanners rugged enough, of course, to withstand the extra pressures which come with the festive period and the January sales that retailers will be able to satisfy the huge uplift in demand and satisfy those very demanding consumers.
And winning this ultimate test of preparedness isnt just about stock availability.
Reverse logistics too must be considered. When goods are being ordered remotely then the likelihood of returns undoubtedly increases. The returns process needs to be seamless to meet customer expectations but also, critically, returned goods need to be turned around and made available again as soon as possible to ensure that they do not simply expire in a dark corner of the warehouse or somewhere en-route.
Finally, cost of sales too has to be controlled if margins are to be maintained. Theres little point in moving high volumes of goods if the transactions include multiple errors or if the man hours involved in the process result in huge staff wage bills. Again, this is where barcode scanners come into their own. Using the right equipment, manual input is minimised, and errors are significantly reduced. Whats more, productivity of employees at every stage of the goods journey is maximised and both time and frustration is minimised. Good for the bottom line and also great for morale.
PLM Global have their clients covered
We may not be able to promise a white Christmas or the fulfilment of everyones list to Santa but what we can guarantee is that our clients can have rugged, reliable scanners which are up to the December and January challenge. As well as selling and repairing hand-held capture devices, we offer a rental service to allow those within retail, distribution and manufacturing to cope with seasonal demand. And taking our own advice about being prepared, we hold enough units in our centre to meet the needs of everyone, with every single unit prepared in full accordance with our rigorous COVID-19 policy to ensure the health and safety of all.
If this is something which you think youd like to explore as you make your own festive preparations then simply get in touch here.
