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Even still, the process has not yet been perfected. Picture this:  \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"You’re standing in your regular supermarket. Your cart is full but you can’t shake the feeling that you’re forgetting something. You pace the aisles of the store, hoping to trigger your memory. Then, finally, you do! \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"You look high and low across the shelves but can’t seem to track it down. Out of the corner of your eye, you see an employee uniform but before you know it, they’ve turned the corner. They’re rushing through the aisles to fulfill one of the many online orders for the day so when you catch up to them and say that the product wasn’t where it normally is, they look flustered and say “check aisle 7.” Or maybe they said 11… \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Eventually, you find it after wandering to the other side of the store so you pick it up, place it in your cart, and head to the checkout. As you stand in line, a store flyer catches your eye and you notice a couple promotions that you would normally take advantage of. You look back at the long line of people behind you, let out a sigh, and think “forget it.” \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"What if there was a solution to alleviate these all-too-common pain points while shopping? \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Digital maps take away frustration by providing users with quick access to information and simple, easy-to-follow directions. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"1. An improved shopper experience \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"How do you avoid forgetting what you need from the grocery store? Maybe you have a list on your counter at home, maybe you buy whatever calls out to you at the store, or maybe you really trust your memory. What if you could build a grocery list for your go-to supermarket that allowed you to see product details, prices, promotions, stock? \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"What if,  with the click of a button, that shopping list was plotted along a store map and showed you the most efficient route to pick up all of the items on your list? \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2twCu3jSytXS9hLQsWx2Jy\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Many companies, including \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Walmart\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.walmart.ca/en/mobileapp/online-shopping\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Metro\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.metro.ca/en/mobile-application\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", and \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"PC Optimum\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.pcoptimum.ca/\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" have launched their own mobile applications where users can view weekly flyers, browse the grocery selection, and create shopping lists. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Mapping SDKs\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://resources.mappedin.com/blog/product-101-mapping-sdks\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" make it easy to integrate digital maps with existing consumer applications. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"2. Self-serve mode \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Much like self checkout machines, digital maps free up store associates to serve customers in other ways. It is common for grocery employees to be asked where a product is located, but with digital maps at their fingertips, customers can quickly find answers and the products on their lists. In this way, associates are now freed up to help with product recommendations, regular store cleanings, or stocking shelves.  \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2cyA93K9DVUhVOLEFxVGMh\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"3. Employee efficiencies \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Once a digital store map has been created in a \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"map management system\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://mappedin.com/products/enterprise/map-manager\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", it can be repurposed for other platforms. For example, the store map used by customers can be used in other ways by store associates. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"As we start to see a \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"surge in online grocery shopping\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2020/03/30/online-grocery-shopping-soars-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", digital maps can help store associates and grocery delivery services navigate through the store quickly and safely. In fact, a recent study showed a \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"13% reduction in distance travelled\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://info.mappedin.com/loblaw-digital-case-study\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" for store employees using Mappedin’s retail mapping SDK. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Employees can use the digital grocery map to: \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"unordered-list\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"list-item\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Pick and pack online orders\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"list-item\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Efficiently stock shelves\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"list-item\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Review and update inventory \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"list-item\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Optimize product locations based on foot traffic \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"list-item\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Determine ideal locations for product promotions \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"ZRkiHnZutwEum3ATbKOZ7\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"4. Highlight in-store promotions \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Digital signage allow customers to see relevant and timely promotions of their favourite brands, as well as giving retailers a platform to communicate information to their shoppers on hours, safety procedures, and other relevant messaging. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Grocery stores can harness digital signage\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://blog.enplug.com/digital-signage-grocery-stores-supermarkets\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" to capture their customers' attention in many ways. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Alternatively, stores like Target and Macy’s use indoor positioning systems (IPS) to provide a \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"blue dot wayfinding\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/blog/product/positioning/what-is-blue-dot-wayfinding/\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" experience to their shoppers. With this technology in place, customers are able to see exactly where they are within a store and populate directions to a specific product or a general department. Not only do these systems provide detailed location information, but IPS can help businesses further communicate with their customers. When paired with proximity marketing, digital maps can send push notifications to their users to notify them when an item from their shopping list is sold out or if nearby products are on promotion.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"43dT9lG4JJdUwLG7F2g7ct\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"5. Data and analytics \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"With digital maps in place, businesses are able to gain valuable insights to better serve their customers. A mapping \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"analytics dashboard\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://mappedin.com/products/enterprise/analytics-dashboard/\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" can provide search trends, highlight top category selections, and show how customers engage with their digital promotions. Combining this information with the wealth of data already available to grocers, they can further understand their return on investment and more importantly, their customers. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Are you interested in improving efficiencies for your grocery store? Contact us today or \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"visit our website\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/verticals/grocery\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" to learn more about Mappedin’s grocery store mapping software.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}]}","references":[{"contentful_id":"39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L","__typename":"ContentfulAsset","description":"","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L/003499f06bcf21f506a9c4c0b8cef911/neonbrand-9m2RZvHS_cU-unsplash.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}},{"contentful_id":"2twCu3jSytXS9hLQsWx2Jy","__typename":"ContentfulAsset","description":"","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/2twCu3jSytXS9hLQsWx2Jy/6343a1fd403d083a3f5b09e0c2a5699f/retail-app-2-screens.png","contentType":"image/png"}},{"contentful_id":"2cyA93K9DVUhVOLEFxVGMh","__typename":"ContentfulAsset","description":"","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/2cyA93K9DVUhVOLEFxVGMh/d683fe51efeb3d7552d94ce36cd31e1b/woman-in-black-top-at-the-counter-3928263-2.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}},{"contentful_id":"ZRkiHnZutwEum3ATbKOZ7","__typename":"ContentfulAsset","description":"","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/ZRkiHnZutwEum3ATbKOZ7/0ed04c22f5f510ce7b64fc90425cb596/grocery-app-update-gif-2.gif","contentType":"image/gif"}},{"contentful_id":"43dT9lG4JJdUwLG7F2g7ct","__typename":"ContentfulAsset","description":"","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/43dT9lG4JJdUwLG7F2g7ct/d0bb78c405df278d3975b39d96a17716/2018-08-15_InsigniaHyVee_79-heinz-tear-pad-PAWL.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}}]},"image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L/003499f06bcf21f506a9c4c0b8cef911/neonbrand-9m2RZvHS_cU-unsplash.jpg"}},"pdf":null,"relatedPosts":[{"title":"Loblaw Digital: Optimizing Retail Wayfinding for Time Savings","slug":"loblaw-digital-optimizing-retail-wayfinding-for-time-savings","content":{"__typename":"ContentfulBlogPost","author":"Mappedin","publishDate":"Jan 30, 2020","updatedAt":"Jan 13, 2022","tags":{"category":{"name":"Company","slug":"company"},"topic":{"name":"Customer Examples","slug":"customer-examples"}},"content":{"raw":"{\"nodeType\":\"document\",\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"To better serve the retail market, Mappedin created a grocery-focused solution to enable retailers to change product locations, edit layouts, and provide picking efficiencies for associates. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Introduction\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"In order to better serve the retail market, Mappedin wanted to create a grocery- focused feature set that would allow store owners and operators to make real-time changes to layouts and product locations, while providing picking efficiencies for store associates.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"In retail, information is key, and we knew that if we could bring the same ease-of-use to a retail feature as existed in our CMS, our products could show significant time savings. We wanted to test our product in a physical retail environment and prove that mapping could play a part in improving operational processes to maximize store employees’ efforts.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"As an innovative retailer, Loblaw Digital is constantly on the hunt for ways to create efficiencies that can improve day-to-day operations, while also driving their digital strategy forward. As part of that focus, Mappedin had an opportunity to test the hypothesis that integrating a mapping solution could help the efficiency of their Click and Collect program.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"kzOix6TWxPUT5QQbGYhr7\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The Test\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The solution was tested in two stores and across a variety of scenarios. The first step was to map the physical store locations to ensure all geometry and location data was accurate. The second step was to implement the optimized picking paths in an app and run comparisons beside non-app runs. This helped validate that optimized pick paths could reduce the overall distance and time travelled by store associates.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Varying Sources:\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" The feature set was developed using several sources of data, including interviews with employees familiar with the current process. After employee interviews, we created a routing algorithm to test against the baseline in order to track time efficiencies. The routing algorithm used in the solution was created and derived from ant colony optimization techniques to augment the human aspect of this process.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Details to Data:\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" Barriers to efficiency, like picking time per order, needed to be accounted for in the feature planning to avoid dips in service quality. This included offsetting for convoluted routes, or multiple trips back to the order desk to reduce potential for missed items. This better enabled their employees to complete tasks and continue the organization’s operational excellence. \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The Solution\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"A Validated Solution: \",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"The Retail Wayfinding solution maps out each store down to an inventory level, enabling employees to efficiently fulfill online orders. The app leverages mapping to visualize the optimal route through the store. In the case of grocers, it even accounts for aspects like freezer and fridge items so they don’t defrost if picked first.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Measurable Optimization:\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" Leveraging an optimized routing plan like Mappedin’s produced shorter distance runs across the board. The app helped produce a 13% reduction in distance travelled. This translates to a 7 minute reduction per run, an overall 15% increase in picking efficiency.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Future Product Features:\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\" This project with Loblaw helped validate the benefit of mapping technology within picking and packing environments while also exposing areas of improvement for the product. Being able to pinpoint these areas provided Mappedin with further use case parameters as well as valuable insight from Loblaw employees for future improvements.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"7HmUgpRJNDdSXlgGfO5fss\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Looking Forward\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Retailers like Loblaw Digital are paving the way by constantly trying new things and collaborating with other companies to innovate and test all potential options for creating a more efficient workflow. We look forward to testing more mapping use cases with them and other companies in the future.\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\",\"content\":[],\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}}},{\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"Mappedin continues to work on expanding our products to new industries, compiling data through proof-of-concepts, and creating products that address core needs in the market. Interested in exploring a pilot project with Mappedin? Retail experiences are undergoing a digital transformation to remain competitive, customized, and convenient. Learn more about our \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"retail offering here\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://info.mappedin.com/retail\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\", or reach out to us at \",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}},{\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\",\"content\":[{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\"contact@mappedin.com\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{\"uri\":\"mailto:contact@mappedin.com\"}},{\"nodeType\":\"text\",\"value\":\".\",\"marks\":[],\"data\":{}}],\"data\":{}}]}"},"articleType":"Case Study","image":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4975,"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/4vtOeJafe33cpwGZBEDB5q/607ff8633c80b1a44b7993118c27d65b/Loblaws-Produce-big-2.jpg?w=480&q=50","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/4vtOeJafe33cpwGZBEDB5q/607ff8633c80b1a44b7993118c27d65b/Loblaws-Produce-big-2.jpg?w=120&h=80&q=50 120w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/4vtOeJafe33cpwGZBEDB5q/607ff8633c80b1a44b7993118c27d65b/Loblaws-Produce-big-2.jpg?w=240&h=160&q=50 240w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/4vtOeJafe33cpwGZBEDB5q/607ff8633c80b1a44b7993118c27d65b/Loblaws-Produce-big-2.jpg?w=480&h=321&q=50 480w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/4vtOeJafe33cpwGZBEDB5q/607ff8633c80b1a44b7993118c27d65b/Loblaws-Produce-big-2.jpg?w=599&h=400&q=50 599w","sizes":"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px"}}}},{"title":"How Indoor Mapping Improves Grocery Store Picking & Packing","slug":"grocery-store-picking-and-packing-best-practices","content":{"__typename":"ContentfulBlogPost","author":"Mappedin","publishDate":"Aug 27, 2020","updatedAt":"Jan 10, 2022","tags":{"category":{"name":"Use Cases","slug":"use-cases"},"topic":{"name":"Grocery","slug":"grocery"}},"content":{"raw":"{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Grocery Store Picking and Packing Best Practices\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-1\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Five or ten years ago, you had to go to the grocery store in-person if you wanted to stock up your kitchen. But today, there are many apps and programs that allow you to order groceries from the comforts of your own home. This has opened up an entire industry of delivery services and professional grocery shoppers – and with it, an entirely new set of operational processes. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"When someone orders groceries online, a store associate or shopper has to physically pick out the goods before shipping them off to the customer. Obviously, the more customers you can serve, the better for your bottom line. But you also have to take into account if you can serve multiple orders, how many orders you can pick/pack simultaneously, how long it takes for each store associate to pick and pack a single order, and whether your current pick and packing process is as efficient as it could possibly be.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"39VdCAcfjXsvsS5bSRNm6L\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Enter \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/industries/grocery/\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"grocery store indoor mapping\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\", which is a 3D (and often interactive) visualization of your shop. Every product is laid out exactly where you can find them in the store, which makes it easier for grocers to pick and pack orders efficiently.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"In this article, we’ll go through some of the ways to improve order fulfillment by using an indoor mapping platform. We’ll also talk about storage strategies that make the picking process faster, how mapping software can help with inventory management, the best practices for picking and packing, and so much more. Let’s get started. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2ZZYGF6xAMcRAm7qR48O8U\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Entry\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-entry-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Populate An Efficient Route\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"An efficient route is important for buildings. Whether it’s for \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://resources.mappedin.com/blog/indoor-mapping-improves-emergency-planning\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"emergency management\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" or inventory management, they help to provide an accurate plan. Grocery stores are notorious for their confusing layouts. Even with signs and labels, it’s still difficult for many shoppers to find the items they need. This is compounded by the fact that some stores like to switch around product locations, which makes order picking even more challenging. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Indoor mapping solutions can map your store down to the inventory level. Because of that, you can plan out a more efficient route for order picking. Since you already know where each item on the list is located, and the items are listed in the exact order that you should get them, that eliminates the back-and-forths that often happen with non-map-enabled order selecting.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"For example, if you aren’t familiar with the store layout, you might wander around the store until you find one item in the order. Then, you realize that you passed another item that you need, so you double back.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"More efficient routes mean faster order fulfillment and the faster you pick and pack, the faster the customer gets their order, increasing customer satisfaction. Plus, it reduces the strain on your employees and prevents exhaustion-related human error. It’s a win all around.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"We tested this out with one of our partners, an innovative grocery retailer \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://resources.mappedin.com/learn/loblaw-digital-optimizing-retail-wayfinding-for-time-savings\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Loblaw Digital\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\". We collected store data across multiple locations and created an interactive app. The app checks where each item on the list is and then plans out the fastest and most efficient route to get all of them. Then, we sent out orders with multiple items and timed the picking process.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The results showed that picking orders with the app was 7 minutes shorter than the same exact run without the app. That’s a whopping 15% increase in efficiency.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"blockquote\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The app even took into consideration the \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}],\"value\":\"kinds \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"of products that store associates had to get. For example, frozen or cold items were set to be picked last so that they don’t defrost before they reach the customer. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Perfect Your Storage Plan\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"In-store picking and packing are becoming increasingly common, especially with smaller retailers. But giant grocery brands may fulfill online orders directly from a warehouse. In that case, how you organize your stored goods can make or break your picking and packing operations.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"1kLob9xQugmFXuKcFyZG0O\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Some warehouses are chaotic. Things are shipped in and placed wherever there is free space. This obviously makes picking and packing more difficult than it should be since the order picker has to find the right items first. Similarly, retailers may always change up their storage plans which can make it difficult to locate items effectively. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The secret to efficient order fulfillment is creating a logical organizational strategy. For example, you can place similar products near each other or store goods based on popularity and volume. Whichever strategy you choose, the most important thing is consistency. And don’t forget to keep your location clean and free of clutter to avoid accidents!\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"One of the best things about indoor mapping software is that you can map out different storage plans in your grocery store and test them without changing anything on the ground. This way, you can figure out what the most efficient strategy is for you at practically zero cost. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2ZZYGF6xAMcRAm7qR48O8U\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Entry\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-entry-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Choose The Right Strategy\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Aside from your storage strategy, your picking strategy is another extremely important element of your operations. “Picking strategy” refers to how an order picker goes about filling an order. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"There are many different ways to pick and pack items. The right picking strategy for your business depends on many factors, such as average order size, how many orders you have to fulfill every day, how quickly you have to pick/pack the orders for maximum customer satisfaction.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Below are some of the most common pick and pack strategies.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Piece Picking\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Piece picking is the simplest way for an order picker to pick and pack items. With piece picking, you complete an order as they come in. For example, if a customer orders a dozen apples, two boxes of cereal, and a case of beer, your workers will pick each item individually and send them off for shipping.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"While it’s relatively uncomplicated, it’s also the most time-consuming. Piece picking is best used for smaller grocery stores that don’t have a lot of volume.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Batch Picking\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Batch picking is like a leveled-up version of piece picking. Instead of fulfilling orders individually, you fulfill multiple orders simultaneously as a batch. Let’s say you get 10 orders from different customers. Your workers will pick and pack all of the items in one go. Each batch can have a “cut-off time,” say every 30 minutes or hour. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Batch picking is best for medium-scale groceries. Keep in mind though that this still takes a lot of time compared to other order picking methods.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Zone Picking\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Zone picking is a great strategy for extremely large stores with a lot of manpower. Workers are assigned to “zones” – for example, a produce zone, meat zone, dairy and eggs zone, etc. As the orders come in, workers only pack the items that are from their zone. Instead of one worker moving around the store, it’s the box/package that travels from zone to zone.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Let’s say a customer orders two packs of pasta, two pounds of steak, and a selection of cheeses. The first worker in the staples zone packs the pasta, then passes the box onto the meat zone. There, a worker packs the steak, who then passes it to the dairy zone for the cheese. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Wave Picking\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-3\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Wave picking is when orders are fulfilled according to specific criteria. You can group orders by priority (e.g. rush delivery), by delivery location (e.g. all orders from one zip code are fulfilled first). This helps you break up a large volume of orders into more manageable chunks.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The problem with wave picking is that the orders have to be packed into their separate packages down the line, which requires a whole new set of processes and staff.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"kzOix6TWxPUT5QQbGYhr7\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Locate Products Seamlessly\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"There are many challenges to picking and packing. Sometimes, items aren’t where they should be because of restocking issues or changing product locations. This can result in longer picking times, delayed orders, and frustrated customers.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"One of the goals of grocery store mapping is to make the order picking process more seamless. Every product is programmed into the map on an SKU level. You’ll find full inventory management data such as the product number, price, and its exact location in the store. Finding the right items is as easy as browsing through the app and following directions.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"When you have new products and items to add to your inventory, indoor mapping will also make it easier for you to add it into the inventory management system. This way, you’ll always be able to locate your products.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"When you can locate products easily, you free up time and manpower for other tasks. Workers aren’t spending the entire day shuffling around the store for just a handful of orders, increasing productivity and reducing mistakes.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2ZZYGF6xAMcRAm7qR48O8U\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Entry\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-entry-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Reduce Distance And Time Traveled\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Even the biggest grocery stores have a maximum number of orders that they can fulfill every day. The more your workers have to move through the store to pick and pack, the fewer orders you can complete. And even if you have enough manpower, that’s manpower that can be used more efficiently for other store operations.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The number one factor in long pick and pack times? The distance that workers have to travel to complete an order. Indoor mapping provides an easy solution for this because the most optimal routes are mapped out – store associates don’t have to scramble for items, they just have to follow the planned route. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"When we tested our indoor mapping solution with Loblaw Digital, we found that app runs were much shorter than usual. We cut distance travelled by as much 13%, allowing workers to complete more orders in the same amount of time.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Digital Order Tracking\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Another common speed bump in picking and packing is the fact that workers have to log items that are shipped out. Even if a small order takes just a few minutes, that can stack up if you have a large customer base.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Fortunately, indoor mapping can help automate inventory management. With Mappedin’s grocery store maps, store associates can mark items as “picked” when they ship it out for the customer. You don’t have to create a separate process for tracking orders since it’s already built into the app.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2oGL8Xi41mzr1TuoZZYdgL\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"This is much more efficient than paper-based systems, which are also prone to human error. By tracking orders digitally and on the same app, you can ensure that every customer gets their order fulfilled, and there are fewer accounting mistakes. Plus, orders are updated in real-time, so there are none of the delays usually associated with manual order tracking. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Accurate Inventory Profiling\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Keeping an accurate inventory count is essential to grocery store management. If you know what’s being moved and how often, you can better plan when you need to restock. This leads to cost savings since you’re not overstocking unpopular items, stocking too frequently, and holding items in storage for longer than necessary.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Indoor mapping tools help you keep track of inventory by automating your stocktaking. For example, the pick and pack app we developed allows store associates to mark an item as sold or shipped. That input is automatically recorded by the system, which then updates the inventory as needed.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"2ZZYGF6xAMcRAm7qR48O8U\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Entry\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-entry-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Optimization Through Data\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The best decisions are made based on data, but keeping track of the various operations in your grocery is practically a full-time job in itself. Indoor mapping platforms like Mappedin allow you to extract valuable insight from your day-to-day processes.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Here are just some of the things you can track with indoor mapping software:\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"value\":\"Worker movements & productivity: \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Indoor mapping apps allow you to track how workers move throughout the store when picking and packing. This can help you pick the right picking strategy (e.g. batch picking, zone picking, etc.) to maximize efficiency.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"list-item\"}],\"nodeType\":\"unordered-list\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"value\":\"Optimal product location & placement: \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"How quickly your workers move through the store also depends on where the products are located. Through the app, you can see which products are most often bought together and plan your store layout accordingly. You’ll also know to place frequently-picked items waist-high to reduce worker injuries and speed up the process.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"list-item\"}],\"nodeType\":\"unordered-list\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"value\":\"Inventory management: \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Whenever your workers pick and pack, they can mark items as sold through the app. This tells you which items are moved more frequently, therefore giving you better control over your inventory.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"list-item\"}],\"nodeType\":\"unordered-list\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}],\"value\":\"Other key performance indicators: \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"There are plenty of KPIs that you can monitor through our mapping software, such as space utilization, order fulfillment rate, order accuracy, and labor costs. Once you have that information, you can identify process weaknesses and make better business decisions.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"list-item\"}],\"nodeType\":\"unordered-list\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"As a bonus, indoor mapping tech provides you with all of this data in real-time. This is especially handy if you have stakeholders or investors who are constantly demanding updates.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Retail Wayfinding Solutions\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Aside from picking and packing efficiencies, there are plenty of other ways to maximize an indoor mapping platform like Mappedin. In fact, we offer a whole host of wayfinding solutions for grocery stores, malls, retail spaces, and other industries.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"We also create wayfinding shopper apps that help customers find the products they’re looking for. It’s like a companion map for your store, complete with text directions and animated pathing. Customers can even view product details like price, size, and more – all from their mobile device.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Mappedin can use the same data for a custom in-store digital directory. These interactive maps can be placed in strategic locations around your store to guide customers to the right product, service, or section. They can display different information necessary to keep your shoppers informed.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Conclusion\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The pick and pack process for online grocery retailers provides a great opportunity for optimization. Even large stores can always stand to improve certain aspects of the process, such as order selection routes, picking strategies, and inventory profiling. We hope these best practices will help you in improving your own picking and packing operations.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"1ZsnxrjtPbFMgrOmbkPGUN\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Interested in incorporating indoor mapping into your own store for better picking and packing? Contact us today to learn more about our interactive 3D mapping services!\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"document\"}"},"articleType":"Whitepaper","image":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQEAlgCWAAD/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wAARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQYA/8QAIhAAAgEDBAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQREiExQRMjwaLR/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAL/xAAcEQACAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARESAgMhQWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AHZpYJLMwXj+mQaec47+VOXNz47mYR30upCUjRiNJHG9VAsEnYNJghG1LjbBwf7UHI4dpS25DsP0aNDeMsVrraBCO6hZMvLAjdjxg/K1GevAwp436rVNfRHHSP/Z","aspectRatio":1.466310873915944,"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=480&q=50","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=120&h=82&q=50 120w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=240&h=164&q=50 240w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=480&h=327&q=50 480w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=720&h=491&q=50 720w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=960&h=655&q=50 960w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=1440&h=982&q=50 1440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3W9ZOtwSM0KRCLTBzOA6AN/7cd6bc3558290fc9abd9d37e8c6e79d2/iStock_000060452736Large-e1432822086193-2.jpg?w=2198&h=1499&q=50 2198w","sizes":"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px"}}}},{"title":"4 Advantages to Using Digital Maps in Retail Stores","slug":"4-advantages-to-using-digital-maps-in-retail-stores","content":{"__typename":"ContentfulBlogPost","author":"Cara Hueston","publishDate":"Jul 14, 2020","updatedAt":"Jan 21, 2022","tags":{"category":{"name":"Use Cases","slug":"use-cases"},"topic":{"name":"Retail","slug":"retail"}},"content":{"raw":"{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Imagine your retail store could offer the same advantages as e-commerce, along with the benefits of brick and mortar shopping. From locating products with a few keystrokes to personalized offers and optimized operations, here are four advantages that digital maps provide to both retailers and their shoppers. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"1. Empowering in-store shoppers \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Shoppers arrive at your retail store with varying degrees of product knowledge and different types of shopping lists. Some know exactly what items they need, even down to the brand (e.g. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}],\"value\":\"Cuisinart Kettle\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"), others know generally what store departments to look in (e.g. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}],\"value\":\"Kitchen Small Appliances\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"), while some arrive without a list and looking for inspiration on what to purchase. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"A digital map can help each of these shopper types. With information at their fingertips, shoppers can search, navigate, and discover everything your retail store has to offer. From category listings to a powerful AI-driven search, 3D interactive maps, and more, gone are the days of lost, confused, and frustrated shoppers.  \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"1qKS5gXTIureNlQCpMJJcL\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Retailers such as \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/beauty/mobile?country_switch=ca\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Sephora\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" and \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/mobile-app.html\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Home Depot\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" have invested in robust mobile apps that allow their customers to review product information and receive personalized offers. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://resources.mappedin.com/blog/product-101-mapping-sdks\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Mappedin’s SDKs\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" allow retail stores to integrate their custom indoor map experiences with existing shopper applications and in turn, provide an end-to-end experience.  \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"2. Efficiencies for store associates\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Not only does a digital map platform help shoppers, it provides flexibility and operational efficiencies to retail stores and their associates. One benefit to retail stores is the ability to maintain your store layouts with a map management platform. A \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/mapping/map-editor/\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"digital map editor\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" offers a quick and easy way for associates to update store floor plans, product details, or stock information. Once these items have been updated and saved, changes are reflected in real-time on the shopper-facing map.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Along with the editor platform, associates are able to take advantage of the digital store map. The same interactive map used by shoppers can be used for employees stocking shelves or packing online orders, providing them with the most efficient route through the store. In many cases, shoppers are able to use a digital map to find product details and their location in the store, freeing up your associates to make product recommendations, stock shelves, and perform other high-value operations.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"5obVOkKj5Z5eodwDAm4VTE\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"3. Targeted messaging and promotions\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"The shopper experience can be further enhanced when accurate digital maps are used with indoor positioning systems (IPS). Users can utilize turn-by-turn directions and see their precise location within a store. Mappedin’s \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://resources.mappedin.com/blog/product-101-real-time-web-positioning\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"real-time positioning for web\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" provides this experience without the additional investment in IPS hardware. Along with providing detailed location information, IPS provides another way to communicate with your customers. When paired with proximity marketing, you can send targeted messages to users to notify them if an item from their shopping list is sold out or if nearby products are on promotion. This added touchpoint with shoppers can prove extremely valuable. In fact, in-store incentives like coupons, special deals, and one-time offers make users \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.shopify.ca/retail/6-reasons-to-invest-in-your-own-retail-app\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"78% more likely\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" to take advantage of an in-store offer if it is presented to them.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"4. Gather retail customer insights\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"heading-2\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"As shoppers browse categories, search for products, and navigate within a venue, retail stores gain data to help them better serve their customers. A mapping \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/mapping/analytics/\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"analytics dashboard\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" can show valuable insights such as top category selections, search trends over a specific time period, how customers are engaging with digital promotions, and more. Examine visual reports or export the raw data to review in combination with the volume of data already available to retailers. These additional insights can help make informed businesses decisions about your store and catering to shoppers.\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{\"target\":{\"sys\":{\"id\":\"5ASZQramNYIelvIJ6zKbIp\",\"type\":\"Link\",\"linkType\":\"Asset\"}}},\"content\":[],\"nodeType\":\"embedded-asset-block\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"A store map helps shoppers understand what departments and products are available and where to locate them. A digital map platform, however, offers this benefit along with many others to shoppers, retail stores, and their associates. In a space where Customer is King, simple navigation, easy-to-access product information, and personalized offers help to provide a shopping experience that is enhanced and seamless. For more information on Mappedin’s indoor mapping solutions for retail, contact us today. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"},{\"data\":{},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"},{\"data\":{\"uri\":\"https://www.mappedin.com/industries/retail/\"},\"content\":[{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\"Visit our website\",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"hyperlink\"},{\"data\":{},\"marks\":[],\"value\":\" to learn more about Mappedin's retail store mapping software. \",\"nodeType\":\"text\"}],\"nodeType\":\"paragraph\"}],\"nodeType\":\"document\"}"},"articleType":"Article","image":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5108593012275733,"src":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=480&q=50","srcSet":"//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=120&h=79&q=50 120w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=240&h=159&q=50 240w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=480&h=318&q=50 480w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=720&h=477&q=50 720w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=960&h=635&q=50 960w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=1440&h=953&q=50 1440w,\n//images.ctfassets.net/wdjnw2prxlw8/3HpOTYka2DV8wNiuzU4nOC/e9675eea86a056c4f6c57984280d6304/moma-retail-store-2-2.jpg?w=1600&h=1059&q=50 1600w","sizes":"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px"}}}}],"tags":{"category":{"slug":"use-cases","name":"Use Cases"},"topic":{"slug":"grocery","name":"Grocery"}}}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"5-reasons-to-use-digital-maps-in-grocery-stores"}},
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