5 Reasons Why Large Grocery Chains Need Data Management Help

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The grocery business is one of the most notoriously cutthroat industries out there. With stiff competition from both big box stores and online outlets, it’s more important than ever for grocery chains to find any hidden advantages they can get their hands on. In order to keep up with a dynamic marketplace, you need all the help you can get. Luckily, there are a variety of data management solutions available that will make your operation run smoother and more efficiently than ever before. Whether you’re just getting started with your first store or have recently expanded into a new market, here are five reasons why large grocery chains need data management help.

Data is the key to operational efficiency

For many grocery chains, a large portion of their operating expenses come from the costs associated with supply chain management. Whether you’re dealing with perishables or non-perishables, you need to be sure your products are being handled in a way that will keep them fresh and safe. With data management solutions, you can ensure that your process runs smoothly. Some of the ways data management can impact your supply chain include: - Shipping asset tracking: This can help you ensure that your shipments arrive on time and in one piece. - Inventory tracking: With an asset tracking system in place, you can get a better understanding of how much inventory you have on hand. - Product traceability: If an item on the shelf becomes recalled, it’s your job to identify which customers have purchased it. A data management platform can help you do this faster than ever before.

A data management platform can help you find leaks in your supply chain

Remember when we talked about how data management can help you get a better idea of how much inventory you have on hand? Well, you can use that information to look for leaks in your supply chain. When you know your inventory levels, you can monitor your delivery schedule — and the time it takes for the item to get from the warehouse to your shelf — to identify potential issues. For example, if it typically takes two days for a shipment to arrive and it’s taking five days instead, you know you have a problem. A data management solution can help you identify issues like these, saving you both time and money in the process.

Data can also help you discover where customers are most interested in seeing change

Grocery chains are frequently testing new products — and then discontinuing the ones that don’t perform well. While this is all part of the product development process, it can be tough to figure out exactly what went wrong with a product’s shelf life. Did the product simply fail to meet customers’ needs? Did the price point make it unattractive? Did the packaging need more work? Data management platforms can help you answer these questions. With the right solution, you can track customer feedback and engagement to help determine what needs to be changed. For example, if a product is regularly out of stock at a certain store, that’s a clear indication that the item needs to be discontinued.

Data-driven decision making will also help reduce waste

Food wastage is a problem that affects every grocery store. Whether you’re dealing with produce that isn’t quite up to par or packaged goods that are beginning to show signs of aging, you’re going to wind up throwing away some of your products. Data management solutions can help you cut down on the amount of food you’re wasting. For example, if you’re regularly running out of a popular item, you can use data analytics to track down the root cause of the problem and find a solution.

A DMP can help you make more informed advertising decisions

One of the most important things a grocery store can do is advertise. Especially for smaller chains, that might mean taking out a larger advertisement in a newspaper or magazine — or it might mean paying for online ads. With a data management platform in place, you can use your customer data to target your ads more effectively. This can help you get the most out of your ad spend while still reaching the right audience. In addition to helping you target your ads more effectively, a data management solution can also help you understand how effective they are. For example, you might want to track how many people visit your website after seeing an ad on Facebook.

Conclusion

Grocery chains are constantly challenged to run more efficiently. From managing inventory levels to keeping tabs on customer feedback, there’s no shortage of data management solutions that can help. With the right data management platform in place, you can better understand your customers’ needs and expectations, as well as the supply chain behind your products. This can help you make more informed decisions, reduce waste, and deliver happier customers.

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