17 Companies Demonstrating Thought Leadership in Omnichannel Operations

<p>By: Doug Baker, Vice President - Industry Relations, Private Brands, Technology, Food Marketing Institute<br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/32508124481_f6cb39d73f_k.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=af9716e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Strategic Exchange" title="Strategic Exchange" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />Operationally, food retailers are pondering the same basic questions, including:</p> <ol> <li>What do today&rsquo;s shoppers want?</li> <li>How can technology help you deliver it?</li> <li>How do you build a successful e-commerce strategy?</li> </ol> <p>During the recent Pulse 2017 event, co-hosted with <em>Progressive Grocer</em> and <em>Retailer Leader</em>, I had a chance to get to know some of the companies in the omnichannel arena that are helping food retailers address these pressing questions and more. Here are some of these companies, which represent a diverse set of e-commerce expertise, and how they can help your strategy. </p> <p><strong>AI -</strong> Do you wonder what impact artificial intelligence can have on your business? How will machine thinking alter decisions you make on promotional product selection, about price optimization, or inventory forecasting? Companies like <a href="http://daisyintel.com/">Daisy Intelligence</a> or <a href="http://r4.co/">R4 Technologies</a> can help you find out how you can use artificial intelligence to answer those three questions for yourself. </p> <p><strong>Platforms -</strong> Dive into sensor technology and platforms for smartphones, wearables and other consumer electronics for in-store shopper location data and analytics to really understand the connected consumer potentials. <a href="http://www.coursaretail.com/">Coursa Retail</a> has some impressive technology in this area. </p> <p><strong>Integration -</strong> When it comes to integration with multiple platforms, we all know a good partner is critical. <a href="http://www.mercatus.com/">Mercatus Technologies</a> is assisting grocers with integrating multiple technology partners for in-store and online shopping. </p> <p>What is in-memory-powered demand forecasting? How can you use it to create a replenishment automation system? Arrange to meet with <a href="https://www.relexsolutions.com/">RELEX Solutions</a> and learn.</p> <p><a href="http://www.symphonyretailsolutions.com/" target="_blank">Symphony Retail Cloud</a> is a role-based, customer-centric cloud solution that can drive two percent same-store sales growth. What can it do for you? <a href="http://www.pcms.com/">PCMS</a> has a whole portfolio of technology with a full range of integrated commerce across selling points that is well worth a look to see how your POS portfolio can be connected. Also in the store experience, <a href="http://www.usa.philips.com/">Philips Lighting</a> brings expertise to you with leveraging the Internet of Things to transform retail environments.</p> <p><strong>Click and Collect -</strong> With millions of millennial shoppers entering their highest household spending years, do you have the click-and-collect software they want to order products online and then either pick them up at a predetermined time and location or have them delivered by store personnel? Maybe it&rsquo;s time to talk to <a href="https://www.ecrs.com/">ECRS</a> professionals.</p> <p><strong>Digital Shopping Tools -</strong> You know consumers still use shopping lists. Do you have the digital tools that will incorporate recipes, shopping histories and product recommendations into their lists? Perhaps a visit with <a href="https://www.freshop.com/">Freshop</a> is in order. For the e-commerce technology matched with logistics, <a href="http://www.instacart.com/">Instacart</a> is impressive with their 50+ metropolitan areas connecting people with their favorite grocery store via personal shoppers.</p> <p><strong>Store Design -</strong> Mobile store designs can really assist retailers capitalize with unique trade marketing opportunities and drive revenue. Spend time with <a href="http://www.grabability.com/">Grability</a> to see how a white-labeled mobile commerce solution can replicate your in-store shopping.</p> <p><strong>Data -</strong> It&rsquo;s blown me away to see how capturing SKU-level transaction details from point of sale and combining it with customer identities can be done these days. <a href="http://www.appcard.com/">AppCard</a> has some impressive technology that provides impressive insights.</p> <p><strong>Personalization -</strong> Do you know how to deliver targeted personalized content to shoppers that takes into account their location, preferences and behaviors? The <a href="http://www.unata.com/">Unata</a> team is a great company to get to know. 1-to-1 digital solutions for eCommerce, eCirculars, digital coupons, loyalty and eCatering are all interesting and value elements or the connect consumer and culinary choices. </p> <p>What kind of customer profiles could you create if you had the ability to analyze more than 1 million online actions per second across more than 7,000 dimensions&mdash;including web browsing, app usage, video plays, e-mail activity and cross-screen engagement?&nbsp; Spend time with <a href="http://www.conversantmedia.com/">Conversant</a> and find out.</p> <p><strong>Thought Leadership -</strong> Another global player that I am glad to have join in with their thought leadership is <a href="http://www.tcs.com/">Tata Consultancy Services</a> with a combination of IT services, consulting and business solutions.</p> <p>I have learned a lot from <a href="http://www.sap.com/">SAP</a> and their global expertise with cloud and on premise solutions that span across retail ecosystems from farm to pantry. I recently had a demo of their digital boardroom display which is impressive with the abilities to look across your entire business.</p>