“We are flying through a perfect storm; shopper expectations for a frictionless experience are at an all-time high; retailers are facing challenges via new in-store operating systems to manage online growth; out of stocks are increasing. CPG companies who partner with retailers to truly understand store-back practices and invest to identify root causes are transforming supply chains from cost centers to sales growth engines.” 

“Supply chains at established companies were built for the retail environment of pre eComm and Omni – built to provide truckloads to a single warehouse.  Today’s supply chain requires more flexibility, faster response times to more locations include shoppers’ homes, and often in smaller quantities.  The “supply chain pivot” is significant but can be a powerful advantage for those companies that make the shift.”

“Brands need to solve for continuously rising consumer expectations for speed and convenience of delivery without surcharges or price comping disadvantage.”

“At the end of the day, suppliers need to be reliable, but that is more challenging as different supply chains multiply. Brands must understand each customer’s requirements. Lining up their supply chain timeline to meet those requirements is critical.”

“Retailers and suppliers have more combined data and analytic know-how than ever before to spot On-Shelf Availability issues as they happen and identify root causes.  However, unlocking these insights requires the development of strong retailer-supplier data sharing relationships and trust the results when brands adopt OSA as a scorecard metric and invest in sustainable fixes as problems arise.”