The Imec Group, founded 67 years ago, is the fastest-growing supermarket and wholesale organization in the southern region of the country. Three years ago, the group chose to introduce novel technological resources to the store floor, specifically to facilitate the pace of expansion, enhance efficiency, and mitigate the inherent shortcomings of day-to-day retailing.
The objective was to aid senior management and managers in gaining greater insight into various operational aspects, including but not limited to the store’s stock-outs rate, supply, enhanced product display, and sales outcomes. But foremost, a solution that would generate indicators for the dynamic decision-making process and simultaneously automate responses to the obstacles encountered.
In mid-2022, they began implementing RVB, a solution for store management and operation. The partnership with GIC began with the Desco flagship pilot store in Santa Cruz do Sul-Rio Grande do Sul. The hard work required to train the chain’s employees changed routines, required commitment, and generated mutual commitment between the two companies.
The results soon appeared in the form of accurate, clear and defined metrics, but also in the quality of engagement and improved performance of Imec’s human capital.
Since the partnership with GIC, the percentage of products linked to the correct location has increased to almost 100%. This has effectively eradicated the widespread hazard in retail of placing products in inappropriate locations. The rate of stock-outs, which was previously 26%, is now approximately 4%. There has also been a 75% productivity improvement in label auditing, which used to take more than 20 days, but now with RVB it takes 4 hours.
The overall effect is the increase in sales, operational predictability and business profitability. The consumer experience, a value for Imec, has been enhanced, with even more satisfied customers as a result of the partnership.
Imec Group intends to employ an additional GIC solution to enhance product displays through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), thereby enhancing the customer experience and enhancing store profitability.
The partnership reflects enthusiasm and ensures shared prosperity.
