Sato, a specialist in the development of auto-ID and labelling technologies, is providing new on-demand technical, hardware and software support services to the retail sector during the COVID-19 crisis.
Sato noted that the retail industry, like many other sectors, has faced significant challenges over the past few weeks. With many countries across the world in a state of lockdown, retail outlets – including clothing, homeware and electronics stores – have all been forced to close their stores to fall in line with the latest social distancing and public health guidelines. However rather than closing businesses completely, many are meeting consumer demand by taking their business online, while continuing to observe social distancing in warehouse facilities.
For major supermarkets, many have been overwhelmed by shoppers purchasing extra goods for their households. To avoid stock shortages, supermarkets across Europe have placed restrictions on bulk buying of certain items. They are also stripping back ranges to try to simplify their supply chain management and attempting to boost online capabilities.
Sato stated that it is continuing to work with retail chains to effect accurate stock checks, and implement efficient options to manage price markdowns and stock clearances where needed. The company’s also continuing to provide software that optimises warehouse and distribution management with goods tracking and item tagging.
Sato Europe managing director Laurent Lassus said, ‘We’re acutely aware of the pressure the retail sector is under, supporting both their key workers health and safety, as well as ensuring the needs of consumers are met instore or online. For many businesses to survive these unprecedented challenges, efficient e-commerce capability is more critical than ever. In addition, having access to hardware and software technologies that provide accuracy, efficiency and easy functionality are vital.’
Mr Lassus continued, ‘We have over 70 years of experience in the retail sector and want to assure those working on the frontline that we are doing everything we can to provide solutions that support retail staff in this difficult work environment.
‘At Sato, we are working with our partners and customers to supply on-demand technologies that can be used both online and offline to meet today’s retail challenges, save time and reduce inaccuracies. We just hope that by doing our bit we can support our customers to cope with this unprecedented situation.’
