Retail store management levels up with robotic process automation

The technology gives rise to smarter and more efficient robots that can check inventory, sales and more.

Retail operations get easier thanks to robotic process automation (RPA) technology now being combined with AI, cognitive computing and the cloud. For instance, retail stores can now check inventory via robots adopting the said technology. Robots will be able to check shelf inventory and transmit data to a server which can be updated in real time.

Data insights and solutions provider GlobalData reports that RPA merged with automation tools is indeed “the future for retailers to run their processes more effectively.” GlobalData further states that their Disruptor Tech Database shows that the technology helps not only in reallocating human resources into other productive tasks, but also in the supply chain, accounting and finance, returns, sales analytics, in-store planning and new product launches.

GlobalData's report also cites Institute for Robotic Process Automation & AI (IRPA AI)'s findings, which state that there can be 25 to 50 percent cost savings through RPA. How is this possible? A single robot, priced a third of an offshore full-time employee, is said to be able to do the tasks of two to five full-time employees.

All these indicate that robots are becoming more significant in various industries. Foreseen efficiency benefits continue to make robots in-demand in retail and sourcing. For importers, this is a good sign that robot sales are growing faster. Now is a great time to source more smart service and industrial robots.

Buyers looking for industrial robots can import from mainland China, one of the world's largest market for industrial robots. China-made industrial robots are not only diverse in terms of types available, they are also said to be features-loaded and made more advanced with compact sizes and smarter sensors.