Introduction

The retail supply chain is rapidly evolving due to e-commerce growth, automation, omnichannel strategies, and sustainability initiatives. To stay competitive, professionals need to adopt data-driven, technology-enhanced, and customer-centric supply chain strategies. This course provides in-depth knowledge on AI-driven demand forecasting, last-mile delivery optimization, digital warehousing, and sustainable sourcing to help professionals build efficient and resilient supply chains.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand modern retail supply chain dynamics and emerging global trends.
• Implement AI, blockchain, and IoT in retail supply chain operations.
• Optimize inventory management, warehouse automation, and demand forecasting.
• Enhance omnichannel fulfillment and last-mile logistics.
• Improve supply chain visibility and risk management.
• Leverage sustainable and ethical sourcing strategies.
• Develop agile, customer-centric, and cost-efficient retail supply chains.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Retail Supply Chain Managers & Executives
• Logistics & Distribution Professionals
• E-commerce & Omnichannel Retail Specialists
• Inventory & Warehouse Managers
• Procurement & Sourcing Officers
• Retail Operations & Store Managers
• Data Analysts & IT Professionals in Retail Logistics

Day 1: The Future of Retail Supply Chains

• Retail Supply Chain Trends & Challenges
  • The impact of e-commerce, fast fashion, and same-day delivery
  • Supply chain resilience in the face of disruptions (pandemics, geopolitical risks)
  • The role of AI, blockchain, and IoT in retail logistics
• Retail Demand Forecasting & Planning
  • AI-driven predictive analytics for demand planning
  • Managing seasonal fluctuations and consumer behavior shifts
• Supply Chain Risk & Resilience Strategies
  • Identifying vulnerabilities and building contingency plans
  • Case studies of supply chain failures and successes

Day 2: Procurement & Supplier Management

• Strategic Sourcing in Retail
  • Centralized vs. decentralized procurement models
  • Supplier relationship management and contract negotiation
• Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing
  • Implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards
  • Circular economy and sustainable retail practices
• Blockchain & Transparency in Retail Procurement
  • Reducing fraud and counterfeiting risks
  • Real-time tracking of goods from suppliers to stores

Day 3: Inventory, Warehousing & Distribution

• Smart Warehousing & Automation
  • The role of robotics, AI, and RFID in modern warehouses
  • Micro-fulfillment centers and dark stores
• Inventory Optimization & Stock Replenishment
  • Real-time inventory tracking and demand-driven restocking
  • Reducing stockouts and overstock scenarios
• Cold Chain & Specialty Goods Logistics
  • Managing perishable items (groceries, pharmaceuticals, fashion trends)
  • IoT-enabled temperature monitoring for sensitive goods

Day 4: Omnichannel Fulfillment & Last-Mile Delivery

• Omnichannel Retail Supply Chains
  • Integrating brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and mobile commerce
  • Click-and-collect, curbside pickup, and ship-from-store strategies
• Last-Mile Delivery Innovations
  • Drones, autonomous vehicles, and urban logistics solutions
  • Route optimization and cost-effective delivery models
• Reverse Logistics & Returns Management
  • Handling product returns efficiently
  • Sustainability in reverse logistics

Day 5: Future-Proofing Retail Supply Chains

• AI & IoT for Retail Supply Chain Visibility
  • Real-time tracking and predictive analytics
  • Smart shelves and automated inventory alerts
• Digital Twins & Scenario Planning for Retail Logistics
  • Creating virtual models of supply chain operations
  • Testing different demand scenarios and risk factors
• Capstone Project & Certification
  • Participants present a real-world retail supply chain challenge & solution
  • Final assessment and feedback session
  • Certification: Certified Retail Supply Chain Specialist (CRSCS)

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and the final assessment, participants will receive the Certified Retail Supply Chain Specialist (CRSCS) credential. This certification validates expertise in modern retail logistics, enhancing career growth and professional credibility.

Key Takeaways

• Master the latest AI, blockchain, and IoT applications in retail supply chains
• Optimize inventory, warehousing, and omnichannel fulfillment
• Build resilient, cost-efficient, and sustainable supply chain strategies
• Gain real-world insights and hands-on experience from case studies
• Earn an industry-recognized certification for career advancement