RTIH Innovation Awards: supply chain shortlist announced
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RTIH has unveiled the second shortlist for its 2020 Innovation Awards.
Our Supply Chain Innovation category highlights companies that are re-inventing and re-thinking retail supply chains via innovative advancements in technology.
Last year’s winner was JD.com for the launch of what was pitched as China’s first 5G-powered smart logistics park in Beijing, just ahead of Singles’ Day.
Here are the 2020 runners and riders.
American Eagle Outfitters/Kindred AI
American Eagle Outfitters has installed 26 autonomous picking bots from Kindred AI in its US distribution centres.
The retailer has been using the artificial intelligence-powered robots at facilities in Hazleton, Pa., and Ottawa, Kan., since 2018 and added more to meet safety distancing standards and a rise in e-commerce sales during the coronavirus outbreak.
Best Buy/Instacart
Best Buy has partnered with Instacart to offer same-day delivery across the entire US. This will cover almost all of the retailer’s locations in the country.
Glovo
Glovo has launched a new business unit, Q-Commerce, with a focus on delivering the likes of groceries, toys, books, flowers and beauty products within cities in 30 minutes or less.
It says that this is made possible by its development of virtual dark stores - Glovo Market - that cater specifically for third parties.
H-E-B/Swisslog/AutoStore
Swisslog has worked with H-E-B to deploy a number of automated micro-fulfilment centres that will support the US retailer’s curbside pick-up and delivery business.
These will feature AutoStore technology and Swisslog's SynQ software and pick stations.
IBM/Kaya&Kato
IBM and Kaya&Kato, a textile company that manufactures uniforms and work wear, have developed a blockchain network for the fashion industry, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ).
The aim is to create transparency about the origin of garments, providing consumers with the knowledge that their clothes are sustainably produced.
Les Mousquetaires/Symphony RetailAI
Les Mousquetaires owned retailers Intermarché and Netto has announced a supply chain transformation partnership with Symphony RetailAI, covering the likes of forecasting accuracy, inventory and replenishment and improved store productivity.
Woolworths Australia/Takeoff Techologies
Woolworths Australia has launched its first supermarket featuring automated picking technology.
We will now ask our judging panel to vote for their favourite entry.
The winner will be revealed in December.
Stay tuned for more shortlists and, if you would like to be an RTIH Innovation Awards sponsor, please email scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com for further details.
