Challenges in Retail industries

The crisis of consumer confidence, changes of consumer buying patterns, restriction of credits and collapse of spending, are some of the main effects of the financial crisis affecting retail industries and causing, as a consequence, significant loss of revenues and profits.

To overcome this situation, executives of retail industry should strive to answer to some key questions, as:

• How can we reduce stocks and operation costs, without affecting customer service, by improving the efficiency of our distribution networks?
• What to do to improve the flexibility of our supply chain (to match the dynamics of demand and react promptly to unforeseen peaks or valleys) without increasing stocks and operational costs?
• What is the best organization for our supply chain to get best integration and alignment between all involved functions?
• What to do to manage customer returns, ensure after sales assistance, comply with laws for the protection of environment?
• How to improve store operations in order to reduce cost and improve customer experience?

How A-CCI transforms challenges in results in Retail industries

Our practice in retail industry has accumulated large on-the-ground experience applying lean six sigma principles in retail operations, in order to:

• Identify critical aspects, risks and weak points of the supply chain by comparing its actual performances and features with company targets and industry best practices
• Launch corresponding action plans or process improvement projects to improve process, eliminate critical issues, manage risks, enhance productivity and efficiency of operations
• Reorganize the supply chain by enhancing goals, strategic tasks and organization.
• Get maximum integration between main operational functions (merchandise - store management - supply chain management) and full alignment to company goals and business requirements
• Reorganize procurement processes by new organization, sourcing strategies and proper tools
• Develop and implement Reverse Logistics concept and organization to increase customer service, retrieve residual value from obsolete and end of life products, protect environment and respect the laws.