October 24, 2019
Best Buy to Offer Free Next-Day Delivery
Best Buy announced this week that 99% of their customers will be eligible for free next-day delivery on items purchased through their website, excluding those that require white glove. The retailer has made several efficiency improvements to its distribution network, including shipping online orders from both stores and distribution centers, building three new e-commerce centers in major urban areas, and adding automated storage and retrieval systems and automated packaging systems in those facilities.
Lower Prices May Make IoT Sensors More Accessible
The average price of an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor dropped to $0.44 in 2018, down from $1.30 in 2004. The manufacturing industry may be able to take advantage of these lower prices and use more products-as-a-service models, like robotics-as-a-service (RaaS). IoT devices could also provide insights into the locations of warehousing equipment like racks and pallets.
Amazon to Add More Pickup Counters, Eliminating Last Yard
Amazon is adding more package pickup locations at Stage Stores, GNC and Health Mart through its Amazon Hub Counter program. Supply Chain Dive reports that “an array of retailers, convenience stores, and small businesses” are interested in partnering with the Counter program, which eliminates the need for the last yard.