Automatisierung: Schlüssel zur Profitailität im Online-Lebensmittelhandel
21. August 2024

e-Pack study: How packaging and automation make or break online grocery success

The online grocery trade (e-grocery) is steadily growing, and packaging plays a crucial role in this process. It not only affects the efficiency of the supply chain but also impacts customer satisfaction and the carbon footprint. The research project "e-Pack"—initiated by packaging specialist Greiner Packaging, TGW Logistics, and the innovation and competence center logistikum.RETAIL at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria—is a pioneer in this field.

 

Learn more about the future of e-grocery packaging in our whitepaper. It provides detailed insights and solutions for companies aiming to succeed in this dynamic market. The study was co-financed by the State of Upper Austria as part of the Excellence Network logistikum.RETAIL.

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Automation for Greater Efficiency

The online grocery trade is booming, but without automation, profitability often falls by the wayside. Efficient handling processes are crucial to ensuring the fast shipment of groceries. Robots and automated systems can help increase the speed of order assembly while minimizing errors.

In this context, empirical tests from the study showed that picking robots equipped with modern grippers and machine learning algorithms from TGW Logistics are highly reliable in handling various products—with a high degree of efficiency. The automation of processes in online grocery shopping offers numerous advantages:

  • Speed: Automated systems can pack and prepare groceries for shipment faster, significantly reducing delivery times.
  • Error Reduction: Human errors are minimized, leading to increased customer satisfaction and fewer returns.
  • Cost Efficiency: In the long run, automated systems reduce operating costs, as they can work around the clock without breaks.

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is a key concern. Customers expect environmentally friendly packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable. We demonstrate how companies can find innovative solutions to meet these demands.

Adapting to the Needs of Online Grocery Retail

The requirements for packaging have evolved. While the focus in supermarket shelves is on appearance, packaging for online retail must meet additional demands:

  • Robustness: Packaging must withstand transport and storage without damaging the products. Shock resistance and stability are crucial.
  • Informative Design: Since customers cannot physically inspect the products, packaging should clearly display essential information such as content, ingredients, expiration date, and storage instructions.
  • Space Optimization: Packaging should be space-efficient to maximize available storage capacity and reduce shipping costs.

Conclusion

Online grocery retail can become significantly more profitable through automation. Efficient picking and packaging processes are key to this success. Investing in technology and adapting packaging to meet the demands of automation are crucial for thriving in this highly competitive market. Overall, research shows that the future of e-grocery packaging will be shaped by sustainability and automation. Companies that prioritize these aspects in their strategy will not only succeed but also contribute positively to sustainable resource management.

Whitepaper Download 

Erfahren Sie in unserem Whitepaper, wie Unternehmen in Technologien investieren können, die eine nahtlose Integration von Verpackung und Logistik ermöglichen. Laden Sie unser ausführliches Whitepaper herunter, das tiefere Einblicke und weitere spannende Informationen bietet.  

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