Retailers and suppliers winning product safety battle with technology

Consumers’ expectations of retailers and suppliers have never been higher. This is true whether the issue is store experience, mobile technology, low prices or online order fulfillment option. One area where consumer expectations have always been high is product safety.

When customers put products in their physical or digital carts this holiday season they will do so with the fundamental belief that usage of the product will not cause harm. Delivering on that lofty expectation is a complex challenge. It requires clear standards, effective communication, a culture of compliance and tight coordination and innovation among an ecosystem suppliers, retailers, government agencies, product testing labs and third party solutions providers.

Several key stakeholders within the product safety ecosystem participated recently in a Retailing Today webinar titledProduct Safety 2.0. The event held Nov. 13 featured participation from Robert J. Howell, Jr., deputy executive director, safety operations, with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, Ken Hinson, senior director, U.S Product Safety and Compliance at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and Matt Smith, founder and chief strategy officer with ICIX, a provider of cloud-based product safety solutions.

The trio shared their views on key developments, challenges and opportunities in the world of product safety informed by their unique vantage point into the regulatory and retail world. For example, Howell shared insight into CPSCs’ e-filing initiative and key product categories that represent major safety concerns. Walmart’s Hinson shed light on how the retailer leverages technology to mitigate risk, improve efficiency and keep pace with mounting regulatory requirements from federal, state and local agencies. ICIX founder Smith addressed the topic of best practices as it relates to establishing a product safety program.

One thing each of the participants made clear is that as the retail industry moves forward, technology is playing an increasing role in product safety just as it is in other areas of the customer experience.

To listen to a replay of the event, clickhere.