Location intelligence and footfall analytics can be valuable tools for wholesale distributors to maximize their revenue, optimize their processes and choose the best distribution routes for their pickup and last-mile delivery processes.
The correlation between foot traffic patterns, visitation, sales, and the success of wholesale food distribution companies has been studied and proven, so the development of this type of analysis has become a priority in the process of site selection, supply chain process optimization, and expansion modeling.
Location intelligence through techniques based on Big Data collects spatial data in order to improve the decisions made in logistics centers, allowing the use of location and its related data points, creating solutions and optimizing distribution routes.
This new technological tool finds its immediate application in space-dependent businesses, such as delivery and logistics companies. The data collected through infrastructure sensors, cameras and traffic mapping not only allows them to determine the best locations for their businesses, warehouses and centers, but also allows them to know why certain locations have a direct impact on the success or failure of a business.
Foot traffic and location analytics help wholesale distributors maximize profits, allowing them to reveal where operational inefficiencies are and then implement solutions in problem areas.
Through geospatial data analysis techniques, CentralAmericaData carried out an analysis of five Walmart distribution centers in Florida, United States, with the aim of identifying patterns in the supply chains of these five centers and their relationships with commercial establishments and other logistics complexes in the State.
Through this analysis, whose objective is to show how geospatial data science techniques can be applied to solve problems in the logistics sector, the existing relationships between Walmart distribution centers and their supply sites were identified and characterized, so that different large commercial chains can evaluate and at the same time improve processes in their respective supply chains.
By analyzing the large volumes of anonymous data generated by mobile devices, it is possible to establish whether a distribution center has a commercial relationship with other logistics complexes, and even with establishments that serve the end consumer.
Using the most advanced Big Data tools, it is possible to understand the behavior of the supply chains of companies in the retail sector, since by monitoring delivery parts and counting mutual visits between suppliers and vendors, it is possible to identify and establish which are the most important relationships between distribution centers and points of sale to the end consumer, such as stores.
Keeping online inventories as close as possible to their customers through the strategic location of emerging distribution centers, micro-distribution centers and dark stores is currently one of the most important challenges for companies.
Due to the change in consumer habits, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and the popularization of online commerce, companies are busy optimizing their distribution channels for Internet sales.
The change in consumer habits resulting from the boom in e-commerce and the preference for avoiding visits to physical stores, has forced some large commercial surfaces to be transformed into storage and logistics areas.
The covid-19 outbreak caused the emergence of a new commercial reality, in which consumers are less willing to go to physical stores to make certain purchases and prefer to store online.
Multiplaza Escazu and its surroundings is a commercial point that in Costa Rica monopolizes a captive market of more than 176 thousand people, which can be covered with home deliveries just 15 minutes away by car.
In CentralAmericaData we developed a geomarketing tool based on interactive isochronous maps, through which you can identify where people are and what characteristics they have as consumers. The map incorporates, for any Central American country, the variables population, income and average monthly expenses. With this information, it is possible to identify potential clients and define promotional strategies accordingly, or also explore home delivery times from any sales point.
Locating customers and estimating their potential consumption, choosing strategic locations for distribution points and calculating product delivery times are some of the tasks that occupy companies in this context of changing consumption patterns.
Many of the changes in purchasing patterns resulting from the crisis generated by the Covid-19 virus in the region will not be temporary; several of them are here to stay.
In Costa Rica, Thermo Fisher Scientific opened a new 1,400 square meter distribution center in Coyol Free Zone, Alajuela.
This investment represents the third expansion of the company in the country in 7 years, and with its new distribution center Thermo Fisher increased its installed capacity by 52%, reported the Costa Rican Coalition of Development Initiatives.
Walmart launched a new distribution center for vegetables, fruits, vegetables and grains in Coris, Cartago.
The company reported that the new distribution center has the capacity to serve 140 agricultural producers per day, is located on a 150,000 m2 lot and the construction area is 24.000 m2.
In Costa Rica the company Volio and Trejos will be in charge of the construction and equipment of the Regional Wholesale Market in Chorotega, Guanacaste.
Works will start in September this year, and should be completed 13 months later.The project consists of building and equipping a regional food distribution center.
The food producer plans to invest $30 million in the construction of a distribution center in Alajuela and $20 million on technology and computer systems.
The multinational and owner in Costa Rica of Cinta Azul and Pipasa Corporation, plans to start construction of distribution center in San Rafael de Alajuela in 2018, after finishing with the design process, procedures and permits this year.
The government has announced that it is preparing the specifications for an international tender for the supervision and construction of a food distribution center in Guanacaste.
From a statement issued by the President of Costa Rica:
Carrillo, Guanacaste.Construction of the new wholesale market for the Chorotega region is coming increasingly closer to fruition and will benefit the approximately 400 thousand inhabitants in the province of Guanacaste, Upala and communities on the peninsula.
Creating collection and distribution centers for exporting Costa Rican products is one of the proposals put forward to take advantage of the commercial potential of China.
Having special centers that receive and distribute goods from there to different areas of China's export sector would allow Costa Rica to better take advantage of business opportunities in the Asian giant.