IRVING, Texas, March 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REPL Group, a world-leading consulting and technology group specializing in workforce management, point of sale and in-store digital solutions, today announced key research revealing that understaffing is retail workers’ biggest frustration of working in the industry. Not only is this the biggest point of frustration, but over 80 percent of retail workers claim that more efficient management of stores and better forecasting would improve their job satisfaction.
Based on a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers and 500 retail workers, the research also revealed compelling predictions as the retail landscape continues to evolve. By 2025, 66 percent of consumers expect there to be even fewer staff in stores and instead to encounter more automated processes, virtual assistants and virtual reality technology. Additionally, over 70 percent of retail employees agree that a pay-desk will no longer be the area in the store where the greatest value, advertising, or customer retention is provided.
“The retail industry is at a pivotal point in its evolution and one of the ripest arenas for artificial intelligence and predictive business models. We’re seeing how the physical, online and virtual worlds can intersect and create a beneficial consumer and employee experience. Innovative technologies can enhance employee engagement and staffing by more accurately providing automated systems to carry out menial tasks,” said Mike Callender, executive chairman, REPL Group. “Not only does this improve the customer experience by allowing in-store staff to do value-add activities, but it also saves costs and assists in answering what we’re seeing as the biggest management frustration – understaffing.”
REPL Group is working with a number of businesses to help them optimize operations, leveraging AI and data science to gain a better grasp on supply chain and workforce requirements – not just a few weeks in advance, but months in advance. In many cases, this approach has proven to save customers millions of dollars in staffing requirements alone.
REPL Group provides a suite of cutting-edge workforce management solutions, including:
- ADAPT - A full suite of the latest artificial intelligence technology that calculates, manages and analyzes data bringing unrivaled accuracy to forecasting. Next-generation technology powers predictions with expert precision through machine learning.
- WFM Connect - Dynamic workforce mobility app provides easy access to schedules with comprehensive coverage, improving staff engagement and reducing employee turnover. Mobile scheduling empowers employees to take charge of their work-life balance and in the process, create consistent and predictable schedules. WFM Connect will have 1.2 million users by April.
These highly-adaptable tools provide unprecedented granular insights and exceptional forecasting accuracy. These solutions combine workforce management best practices with state-of-the-art technology to transform how retailers schedule, forecast, budget employee needs and manage tasks.
About REPL Group
REPL Group is a world-leading consulting and technology group specializing in workforce management, supply chain, point of sale and in-store digital solutions. Since its beginnings in 2007, the UK-headquartered firm, formed by a specialist team with highly-successful retail careers, has enjoyed year-on-year growth by drawing on its experience and expertise to deliver visionary professional services and unique solutions that transform business operations. In the US, REPL Group serves the largest US retailer and is expanding its North American presence following the recent opening of a new office in Dallas, Texas. REPL Group.
For REPL Group Inquiries:
Christine Blake
Public Relations
W2 Communications
703-877-8114
Christine@w2comm.com