Tesco Enhances Supply Chain with Cutting-Edge Technology
With 4,250 stores throughout the UK, Tesco stands as the nation's largest supermarket chain. Such an expansive operation demands an equally robust and sophisticated supply chain. To manage this complexity, Tesco enlists the expertise of Roambee, whose innovative supply chain visibility and intelligence platforms play a crucial role in streamlining operations.
Revolutionising supply chain management
Prior to partnering with Roambee, Tesco relied on third-party data to track the movements of thousands of containers across its vast network, encompassing multiple zones, terminals and stores. This method, while functional, did not provide the real-time data necessary for maximum operational agility.
The collaboration with Roambee marks a significant enhancement in how Tesco manages its logistics. Now, thanks to Roambee's state-of-the-art platform, Tesco has real-time access to the whereabouts of each container. This transparency allows supply chain and operations leaders to verify deliveries and resolve any arising issues swiftly. Furthermore, the system ensures high levels of inventory accuracy, which is vital for maintaining the efficiency of the supply chain.
"Roambee's platform has allowed us to track and manage our container movements across rail and road much more effectively,” says Ben Smith, Head of Primary, Global and Rail Logistics at Tesco. “We now have more real-time visibility and don't need to rely on third-party data to confirm deliveries and track containers. We can trace the location of our shipments at any time, reducing delivery errors and ensuring our stores are stocked efficiently. This real-time insight has allowed us to resolve issues faster, reduce dwell times and increase stock accuracy across our network.”
The integration of Roambee’s platform has not only optimised Tesco's operational efficiencies but also mitigated problems associated with missed or misplaced deliveries. It introduces a layer of precision and control previously unattainable, driving significant improvements in the overall supply chain management.
Enhanced security and efficiency
In an effort to boost the security of its shipments, Tesco has outfitted all its UK containers with solar-powered sensors. This setup allows for continuous monitoring of groceries and other goods, ensuring visibility and security around the clock. The sensors are adept at sending out real-time security alerts concerning route deviations, unexpected delays, and unplanned stoppages, thus safeguarding the goods more effectively.
Moreover, the integration of Roambee's platform extends to Tesco's scheduling systems, enabling detailed monitoring of container movements, including arrivals, departures, dwell times, and estimated times of arrival (ETAs). This integration furnishes Tesco's logistics teams with powerful tools to anticipate and react to dynamic supply chain conditions. The upgraded system has helped eradicate previous inefficiencies, eliminating the frequent need for the store to contact various departments to locate their goods, thus guaranteeing more timely deliveries.
Transforming retail operations
The benefits of integrating advanced AI-driven technologies into its supply chain operations have been multifaceted for Tesco. Roambee’s solution not only provides Tesco with unprecedented real-time visibility of over 23,000 unique container journeys and more than 6.21m miles across a comprehensive rail and road logistics network but also enhances the accuracy and security of its vast inventory.
“By achieving this remarkable level of visibility in container movements and improving stock accuracy on cost-effective but less predictable modes like rail, Tesco has set a new standard for supply chain efficiency,” adds Sanjay Sharma, CEO at Roambee. “We’re proud to support them with a technology solution that drives success. As global supply chains become more interconnected and autonomous, Roambee's platform positions customers to lead this transformation, opening new possibilities for growth and resilience.”
This strategic partnership exemplifies the potential of technology to transform traditional retail operations. By leveraging sophisticated AI tools and real-time data analytics, Tesco continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in the retail industry, making significant strides towards a more streamlined, secure, and efficient supply chain.
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