Here are a few factoids the authors listed under "What's Changed Lately":
.
• Manufacturing output has returned to prerecession levels with 1.5 million fewer workers.
• Artificial intelligence is starting to reshape work in the supply chain.
• Blockchain is no longer just for BitCoin or fintech. Walmart is testing it in the supply chain to add structure to its processes.
• In the fall of 2016, fast-fashion leader Zara went from a winter coat concept to delivering it to stores in just 25 days. Eleven of those days were spent manufacturing 18,000 coats.
• There is a shift among retailers from inventory stock to inventory flow. The shift to flow is possible because of interconnectedness, bandwidth and technology.
• Warehouses are much more sophisticated and likely in the not too distant future to rely on robotic automation.
• Brick-and-mortar stores are now viewed as small distribution centers to react to Amazon. At the end of 2016, Target shipped orders from 1,000 stores, up from 460 just a year earlier.
• Amazon accounted for 28% of all e-commerce at the end of 2016.
• In the 2016 holiday season, Amazon accounted for nearly 40% of all retail e-commerce. Its closest competitor was Best Buy at 4%. Walmart was almost 3%.
• The e-commerce retail cost structure is still challenged by free shipping. Now, returns have become a major challenge to e-commerce success.
• The final mile is ever more complex. Even Dunkin’ Donuts feels it, launching curbside pickup for coffee.
Read more of the review -- and especially their predictions -- by downloading the full report.
I participated in MHI's Trenton Roundtable that contributed to development of the Roadmap.
No comments:
Post a Comment