Business Automation

Retail has historically been one of the most technically advanced industries, particularly in warehouses and the last mile. The industry is no stranger to automation as fast and efficient supply chains are the foundation of a strong retail operation in a competitive environment. Over the past few decades, increasing automation at the supply chain level has directly impacted both revenue and the bottom line.   

7-Eleven is putting all of its policy data in one place — a move that will enable it to better mitigate risks connected to insurance and claims.   The convenience store chain added the Risk Management Information System (RMIS) from Riskonnect, to power its claims management, policy management and property data collection processes in the U.S. and Canada. The cloud-based system breaks down silos to provide a holistic view of risk management.  

Virginia’s new law is a coup for robotics.   The commonwealth is the first state to pass legislation allowing delivery robots to operate on sidewalks and crosswalks across the state, according to ReCode.  

Don’t blame it on the technology.   In a blog post on its site, Amazon explained the reason why Amazon Web Services suffered a four-hour outage on Tuesday, one that caused significant problems at numerous Internet sites, including those operated by retailers.   

Amazon’s packing processes are about to get even faster.   The retail giant has been issued a patent for a robot that can pack orders, potentially speeding up the fulfillment process, according to NBC News.   

Lowe’s Cos. is shifting to a new staffing model for its stores that will result in the loss of some jobs nationwide.   The new model will be rolled out across Lowe’s stores and is designed to free up resources to boost customer service, CNBC reported.     

Love’s Travel Stops is known for its fresh restaurant offerings, so ensuring food quality throughout the supply chain is paramount.   By adding a food temperature monitoring and task logging system from Digi International, the convenience store chain is simplifying employee tasks, and ensuring public health compliance.   

Walmart is eliminating about 7,000 back-office positions at its U.S. stores, with the majority of the cuts in the accounting and invoicing areas.     The move, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, follows a test earlier this summer at 500 stores in the West to cut three administrative accounting and invoicing jobs at each store.    

Walmart is trimming administrative positions in some 500 stores in the West.   According to multiple media reports, the discount giant will cut three backroom accounting and invoicing positions at each store, for a total of 1,500 jobs. Affected employees will not be laid off, but instead offered front-of-store roles such as pharmacy technician or assisting pickups of online orders. Invoicing tasks will be shifted to corporate headquarters in Arkansas, while accounting functions will be automated.