LEAN – Logistics Engineering above Norm

Going the Extra Mile: TOP 10 Special Considerations of E-Grocery

E-grocery has exploded in popularity recently as people discover the convenience of shopping for groceries online. But there are a few special considerations that e-grocery retailers need to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly.

1. Cold-Chain: Temperature control is super important when it comes to keeping your groceries fresh and safe. Foods stored at the wrong temperature can spoil or even make you sick. For example, if raw meat isn’t kept cold enough, it can become contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning. And if dairy products aren’t chilled, they can go bad quickly. E-grocery retailers need to make sure they have systems in place to keep perishable products at the right temperature during transport and delivery.
2. Get the right packaging: E-grocery retailers should use packaging materials that are appropriate for the types of products they’re shipping. For instance, perishable items may need insulated containers to keep them at the right temperature during transport. Packaging should also be sturdy enough to protect the products from damage.
3. Don’t cross-contaminate: Cross-contamination happens when bacteria or other contaminants are transferred from one surface or product to another. In the context of e-grocery, this can be a problem when different types of products are packaged together, like raw meat and vegetables. To avoid cross-contamination, e-grocery retailers should use separate containers for different types of products and make sure proper hygiene practices are followed during packing and handling.
4. Training: E-grocery retailers need to make sure their employees know the ins and outs of food safety and storage. This includes training on how to properly handle and store different types of products, as well as how to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Follow the rules: E-grocery retailers should be familiar with and follow relevant food safety regulations, like those from the FDA and local health departments. These regulations cover everything from temperature control to packaging to hygiene practices.
6. Bigger is better: E-grocery orders can be larger than a typical e-commerce order, which can be a logistical challenge for retailers. This might mean more storage space, more packaging materials, and more time to pack and deliver the order. To handle the extra volume, e-grocery retailers may need larger warehouses or fulfillment centers, and more advanced systems for managing inventory and orders. They may also need more delivery vehicles or third-party couriers.
7. Special treatment: Some products, like fresh produce, meat, and dairy, need special handling and storage to stay fresh and safe. E-grocery retailers may need to have separate storage areas and handling processes for these types of products. They may also need to let customers specify how these products should be packed and weighed. All of this requires extra staff and resources.
8. Costs and margins: The grocery business usually has low margins, and the added costs of e-grocery services like last mile delivery can make it tough for retailers to make a profit. Retailers may need to find ways to cut costs, like optimizing fulfillment and delivery or offering promotions and discounts. They may also need to find ways to stand out from the competition, like offering a wide selection of products or exceptional customer service.
9. Robots and cold storage: Automation and robots can help increase efficiency and reduce labor costs in e-grocery fulfillment centers. However, these technologies may not work well in cold storage environments, like those used for frozen or refrigerated products. The low temperatures and condensation can be tough on some types of automation and robots, and special precautions may be needed to ensure they function properly. This can add to the costs and complexity of using automation and robots in cold storage environments.
10. Special Stowing Rules: E-grocery retailers also need to consider the need for separate storage for certain types of products. For example, deodorant should not be stored with vegetables or other types of food

When it comes to e-grocery, there are a few special needs that retailers need to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly. These include efficient delivery, careful handling and storage of products, and the ability to accommodate customer requests and preferences. E-grocery retailers need to be prepared to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of the industry. In other words, they need to bring their A-game!