RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Morrisons minds the gap
One of the UK’s leading supermarket chains has announced the success of replenishment technology that uses artificial intelligence to keep the store shelves stacked and reduce out-of-stocks.
Morrison’s, one of the big four supermarkets, has formed a partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning firm Blue Yonder to reduce shelf gaps by 30 per cent in the supermarket chain’s 491 stores.
The Blue Yonder Replenishment Optimisation technology automatically analyses sales data and other data sources from Morrisons and combines this with external data such as weather forecasts and public holidays.
Through the automated analysis of data, the system can predict the level of demand down to the individual product and store location. Blue Yonder’s technology then fully automates ordering per store and per product.
Blue Yonder’s Replenishment Optimisation uses cloud and machine learning technology, allowing the system to learn as it goes, using a vast and complex amount of data to make accurate ordering decisions.
The system was launched in Morrisons during 2016 and now covers all 491 stores, automating over 13 million ordering decisions per day.
David Potts, CEO of Morrisons, said: “Our biggest new initiative has been our new automated ordering system. The system is capital light, utilising cloud technology and store-specific historic sales data to forecast stock requirements. It is reducing costs and stock levels, while also saving time for colleagues, and providing a better offer for customers.”
Markus Juhr-De Benedetti, chief revenue officer of Blue Yonder, added: “We are delighted to have supported Morrisons in improving their product availability and therefore better serving their customers.”
