Manufacturers should explore new smart and connected solutions for purchasing, packaging and delivery to keep up engagement with the third of consumers worldwide (32%) that claim digital advancement often/always influences their product choices during lockdown, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “COVID-19 Case Study: Technology Solutions”, notes that some retailers are implementing virtual reality (VR) solutions to offer a more engaging visual e-commerce/v-commerce experience for shoppers. These offer a more familiar and visually appealing setting to consumers compared to the normal e-commerce – especially for those who are disabled or have limited exposure to physical stores.
Ramsey Baghdadi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Brands are progressing from the relatively simple social media campaigns at the initial stages of the pandemic to more innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. In the on-going lockdown conditions many countries face, it is expected that brands are adopting more of a digital space. However, manufacturers need to ensure that their digital solution aligns closely with their product/service. The digital strategy should ensure it goes beyond a social media campaign to boost consumer engagement.”
GlobalData’s report also explains the importance for inclusivity during the crisis, as 14% of older populations (65+) are starting to use digital platforms more often. Retailers have, for instance, been partnering with forward-thinking start-ups to develop solutions through robotics; Tesco’s partnership with tech start-up Starship Technologies to create delivery robots provides an opportunity to introduce a forward-thinking solution for consumers to minimize consumer contact and is accessible of all age groups.
Baghdadi comments: “Robotic partnerships in foodservice and retail align closely with consumer needs. It’s the increase in efficiency such as speedier delivery times that matter, and this allows chains to allocate more employee work time for other tasks – saving costs.”
For more information visit www.globaldata.com
For more Technology news follow i-invest Online.
- Make your team function as one in 2026
Claire Pattison of Manchester Metropolitan University explores a range of practical steps to improve your management skills in the remote and hybrid era In 2026, it will be more important than ever for remote managers to create an environment of collaboration and inclusion. Yet, according to the TeamFlect 2025 Remote & Hybrid Work Stats Report,… Read more: Make your team function as one in 2026 - Supply chain risk starts where transparency ends
It’s time for businesses to recognise that scientific integrity is critical to ethical supply management, says Rupert Hodges of origin verification pioneers Oritain Today, the global supply chain is at an inflection point, driven by geopolitical volatility and the climate crisis. This change requires a shift away from networks optimised solely for cost, instead moving… Read more: Supply chain risk starts where transparency ends - It’s time to future-proof the frontline
Frontline workers are currently the last to benefit from tech innovation, representing a blind spot that’s holding AI back, says Deepesh Banerji of Deputy According to recent research from Moneypenny, AI is now powering three-quarters of UK businesses. It’s the most heavily funded technology wave of our lifetime. Yet less than 1% of global tech… Read more: It’s time to future-proof the frontline - Making trade work for Africa
Africa’s potential is unlimited, yet inefficient supply chains, combined with disjointed policy and regulation continue to hold it back. Graham Bright of Euro Exim Bank looks at how this can change Just as a week is a long time in politics, it has been a busy few weeks in international trade. Recently, we at Euro… Read more: Making trade work for Africa - Why data is crucial to the FSCS changes
As the pace of regulatory change increases, institutions that invest in continuous data readiness will be best placed to protect customers, support financial stability, and adapt to the next wave of change, says Matt Flenley of Datactics Following its statutory five-year review, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)… Read more: Why data is crucial to the FSCS changes