Supply Chain LEAD Podcast

Host Mike Graen continues his conversation with Tyler Davis from Woodman's and Mark Shake from Badger Technologies focused on the impact of the robot on pricing discrepancies, out-of-stocks, and incorrect products.

The robot identifies issues like wrong products and out-of-stocks, saving labor by organizing tags by location and improving online order fulfillment. It also helps in inventory management, reducing shrinkage, and ensuring accurate product placement. The robot's data is used across the business, from district managers to buyers, and it has been well-received by store employees. Future plans include integrating RFID technology for better inventory tracking.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to automate routine tasks and improve overall store efficiency.

Host Mike Graen sits down with Tyler Davis from Woodman's and Mark Shake from Badger Technologies to the implementation of Badger's retail solutions, including AI and machine learning for security and disinfection applications.

Woodman's, a 240,000 square feet grocery store chain, uses Badger's robots to verify pricing accuracy daily, reducing the need for manual checks and improving customer experience. The robots also assist in identifying out-of-stock items and optimizing product placement.

Woodmans' 20 stores, primarily in the Midwest, benefit from these automations, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Mike Graen discusses the state of on-shelf availability in retail, highlighting the impact of inventory distortion, which cost retailers over $1.77 trillion in 2023. He cites a McKinsey survey showing 62% of shoppers couldn't find an item on their list, leading to 39% switching brands and 32% switching retailers. Graen emphasizes the importance of meeting customer needs, referencing Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. He explores solutions like algorithms, audits, computer vision, RFID, and robots, noting that on-shelf availability is crucial for customer satisfaction and sales. He also mentions the role of buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and research online, buy in-store (ROBUS) in modern retail.

Host Mike Graen sits down with Sarjoun Skaff - CEO of Bossa Nova Robotics - to disucss the story of how the Bossa Nova Shelf Scanning Robot came to be, along with topics including:

• Challenges of implementing robots in retail stores.
• Using robots in retail, focusing on stocking and customer service.
• Supply chain automation and integration.

Host Mike Graen sits down with Sarjoun Skaff - CEO of Bossa Nova Robotics - to disucss the story of how the Bossa Nova Shelf Scanning Robot came to be, along with topics including:

• How the need to their robots was identified.
• The trials and errors it took before a finished product.
• Additional benefits robot tech can provide.

Host Mike Graen sits down with Glenn Richey from Auburn University about supply chian implications to on-shelf availability. In this part 2 episode, Mike and Glenn discuss topics including:

• Supply chain visibility and data-sharing.
• Setting measurable goals.
• Potentail disruptions from regulation.

Host Mike Grain sits down with Dr. Glenn Richey from Auburn University about supply chian implications to on-shelf availability. In this part 1 episode, Mike and Glenn discuss topics including:

• Supply chain management and inventory accuracy.
• Supply chain complexity and collaboration and product availability.
• Supply chain resilience and nearshoring after global pandemic.

Host Michael Graen is joined by Dr. Senthil Chinnappa Gounder P, Director of Research and Technical Professor at Auburn University, about the past, present, and future of the RFID tag. They discuss their views in this second part on RFID including:

• RFID tag evolution.
• Creative solutions for RFID tagging.
• RFID's impact on sustainability and packaging redesign.

Host Michael Graen is joined by Dr. Senthil Chinnappa Gounder P, Director of Research and Technical Professor at Auburn University, about the past, present, and future of the RFID tag. They discuss their views on RFID including:

• Evaluating technology for business needs with a focus on RFID tags.
• RFID technology and its applications in various industries.
• RFID tags and their components.

Host Michael Graen is joined by Jonathan Gregory from GS1 to discuss RFID Technology in the food sector. This part 2 episode includes talking points on:

RFID tags and their capabilities for inventory management.

The role of RFID for loss prevention in retail.

Industry standards and best practices for RFID adoption.