To kick off the final morning of GroceryTech, Beth Brickel, VP of Research at EnsembleIQ, introduced the audience to an overview of the 2023 Grocery Tech Trends Survey: The Balance Method, exclusive data not included in the survey, and an expert panel to discuss the findings.
First, she noted that when grocers were asked about their investment in technology, 57% of retailers expect to spend more on technology/automation in 2023. [of grocers] They say they’re interested in exploring digital shelving further and approaching it with electronic shelf labels. ”
Turning to shopper survey results, Brickell said self-checkout is the most preferred method of checkout. He also noted that online shoppers are the most dissatisfied with out-of-stocks (50%), with retailers and shoppers agreeing on digital discounts, the most desired feature.
Brickell then asked panelists questions, beginning with labor concerns about frontline workers and workforce technology.
Nick Klein, Senior Director of Enterprise Solutions Sales at Dematic, began by saying his experience is in distribution centers (DCs). When talking about a fully automated DC, he said, “When the typical warehouse worker hears we’re coming, he’s intimidated. Maybe 20 years ago, that might have been the case, but not today. Automation doesn’t kill jobs.”
The user interface built into these systems made it easier for employees to operate, he explained. “They are guided as to what to do next. They know exactly which product to take out of which box and which tote, step by step.”
Brickell later noted that 75% of shoppers are open to experimenting with new technology in grocery stores, “so they shouldn’t be afraid to invest,” but 44% fear technology will replace human team members in grocery stores. “How can grocery stores stay human?”
“You can’t help customers on the floor if you’re tied to the sales floor, can you?” Jawa asked. “We train different skills,” he said, noting that automation has a role to play, but consumers want more technology-driven experiences, so we need to find a blend and balance. As staff work on technology, customers are trained to use it in stores, increasing technology adoption.
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The 2023 Grocery Tech Trends Survey is available here.
