Source: Supplychaindive - Jen A Miller – 01/12/20 
The model offers close access to consumers, but executing it can be a challenge, especially without technology to track and manage decentralized inventory.
As e-commerce demand hits all-time highs, retailers are scrambling to find ways to get items to customers as quickly and cheaply as possible.
One potential solution is micro-fulfillment, which is "a hybrid model that’s using smaller facilities that are much closer to consumers," said Nathan Schmies, vice president of supply chain operations at Hub Group.
Micro-fulfillment focuses on the last mile, said Rudolf Leuschner, associate professor in supply chain management at Rutgers Business School. It blends traditional technology and automation with in-store picking, and it has the goal of getting items closer to consumers for speedy delivery or pickup.
A few industries and businesses have embraced the fulfillment method. But setting up micro-fulfillment isn’t always cheap, and it’s not easy, especially without technology to track and manage decentralized inventory.
The disruption may not be worth the cost for companies with successful logistics solutions already in place.
Lire la suite : Micro-fulfillment: Where it works for supply chains — and where it doesn't
Source: OTM -
