Supply chain efficiency turns retailers on to IT

Retailers and wholesalers are turning to IT to gain business efficiencies, research has found.

A report from analyst IDC has discovered retailers' and wholesalers' main priority is supply chain efficiency, while other key objectives for the sector include tightening up processes for sourcing suppliers, prompting many companies to invest in e-procurement.

Retailers are also turning to IT to help improve their sales and marketing functions, as they try to turn flighty consumers into loyal customers by improving their experience of the retail environment. As a result, IT is being called upon to improve store operations.

Tech is also being tasked with improving the lives of management staff, with the hot theme of mobility resurfacing once again. According to the research, retailers are looking to boost the availability of management and customer service expertise.