Studies show that 50 percent of retail supply chain costs occur at the store itself and that there is still great improvement potential. To address this issue, Witron has engineered an innovative system to automatically replenish the sales front (shelf) within a supermarket or retail store.
With the new SRS (Shelf Replenishment System), the retail store shelves are automatically replenished by shuttles. The shuttle is loaded in a replenishment area of the supermarket, which is located outside the sales floor and cannot be seen by the customer, then quietly transports goods from the store's back room into a replenishment aisle, which is integrated inside the sales rack.
The SRS shelf and the replenishment area are connected through a network directly integrated in the roof above the sales floor, which makes it possible for one shuttle to supply several shelves at the same time. The number of shuttles used depends on the size of the supermarket and the number of racks.
In terms of IT, the SRS is connected to the supermarket's ERP system. The SRS always knows the entire shelf inventory based on regular scanning, and it determines the optimum replenishment volume and replenishment time for each article. Customers also have the option of integrating electronic pricing with the SRS, controlled through the ERP system via radio frequency.
With the SRS-supported replenishment of store shelves, there are no more gaps in the shelves. All articles are permanently available and properly and clearly arranged in the front part of the sales shelf. Replenishment takes place directly into the sales front of the shelf—at the right time with the right quantity. With system-controlled shelf replenishment, access to the store shelves is no longer blocked by employees filling up the shelves, and aisles are no longer blocked by roll containers or pallets. Even on peak days with high customer frequency, shelves are always filled and all articles are easily accessible.
Company: Witron Integrated Logistics
Company Phone: (847) 385-6113
Company URL: www.witron.com
