The retail landscape is undergoing a transformation, driven by a new generation of consumers with unique values, commercial preferences, and digital habits. These customers demand more from their shopping experiences - convenience, speed, quality, personalization, and sustainability. They want the flexibility to shop anytime, anywhere, and on any device, while expecting fast, accurate, and secure order deliveries.
So how can retailers not only meet but exceed these rising expectations and stay ahead of the competition? The key lies in supply chain automation: investing in the latest automation equipment and technology enables retailers to optimize their logistics operations, delivering an outstanding customer experience from browsing to delivery.
The transformative power of supply chain automation
Supply chain automation can bring significant benefits for retailers. An appropriate automation system can reduce the time and errors involved in picking, packing, and shipping orders, bringing about faster and more accurate order fulfilment, thereby improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Automation can also lower the operational costs and environmental impact of logistics operations by reducing the need for manual labour, land usage, and energy used for heating and lighting, as well as the waste and emissions generated by logistics activities. This can improve the profitability and sustainability of retailers, as well as their reputation and brand image.
Finally, automation not only boosts the flexibility and scalability of logistics operations but also seamlessly adapts to shifts in demand, variations in product assortments, and evolving customer preferences. It serves as a robust solution to navigate through peak seasons and unforeseen events while empowering retailers to extend their market reach and diversify service offerings, whether it's providing next-day or same-day delivery options or strategically establishing micro fulfilment centres in proximity to customers.
Tailoring success with customised finance solutions
Embarking on large-scale and intricate automation projects, such as equipping a new warehouse or upgrading an existing one, requires financial support that spans the whole project lifecycle. The ability to finance the entire automation project, including equipment, software, engineering, training, and installation, through a single asset finance solution offers many benefits.
Operating leases offer businesses the flexibility to finance automation assets without the burden of ownership. By utilizing automation assets for a fixed period and a predetermined fee, businesses can optimize their operational efficiency without the hassle of ownership and responsibility. The customer also maintains flexibility through various end of lease options, aiding businesses in conserving capital, potentially reducing tax burdens, and sidestepping concerns of asset obsolescence and disposal.
Rental and pay-per use solutions for automation equipment and software can provide the flexibility to scale operations up or down, based on demand, without large upfront costs or the commitment of ownership. They also eliminate the need for large upfront capital investments, preserving cash flow for other strategic initiatives, while ensuring that the equipment remains operational and up to date thanks to included maintenance and support services. Moreover, such models encourage innovation adoption, as businesses can experiment with new technologies without the risk of sunk costs if the solutions do not meet their needs.
Understanding every business has unique preferences and circumstances, DLL provides tailored financial solutions crafted specifically to meet individual needs. With customizable terms, from variable payments to deferred payments and ramp up payment schemes, our multiple assets financing not only simplifies the financing process but also offers our customers a unified point of contact and a single contract for all assets. This streamlined approach reduces administrative complexities, ensuring a seamless and efficient financing experience. DLL takes the hassle out of financing by providing a comprehensive solution that encompasses not just automation assets but the full spectrum of other essential elements – equipment, technology, and software.