Spar harnesses power of technology so strengthen supply chain and reduce waste

Photo: Spar International

Spar has leveraged technology to rapidly review, aggregate and track POS data to understand the changes occurring in customer buying patterns. This has enabled Spar country operators to better predict demand and plan so as to maximise availability for customers. By analysing transaction data, Spar has also been able to track buying patterns at different stages of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Spar has also focused on using technology to reduce food waste, both in-store and through consumer-targeted apps. The first step is the use of automatic replenishment systems. By implementing technology that allows full connectivity between distribution centres (DCs) and sales at Spar stores, forecasting and ordering decisions can be built – allowing insights into stock rotation and optimised ordering volumes. Spar in Norway has developed the unique automatic replenishment system NGFlyt, which connects its wholesale partner Asko to its stores. At the end of each day, stores are provided with a recommended order based on their sales. This recommendation can then be confirmed by the retailers or adjusted accordingly. Once confirmed, this order is then processed in the DC and made ready for delivery.