Relationship between real-time information processing and supply chain optimization among supermarkets in nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Real-ti me information processing is a management slogan that is spreading across organizations like bush fire. Some companies have implemented the use of real-time information processing and have reaped from what they sowed. The study was conducted to determine: the types of real - time information processing used by supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya; the benefits of real - time information processing; and lastly to establish the relationship between real - time information processing and supply chain optimization. The res earch adopted a descriptive cross - sectional survey of supermarkets operating in Nairobi, Kenya. The descriptive approach was used to try to find out the types of real -time information processing technology used in the supermarkets and the benefits of real -time information processing. A sample size of 50 respondents was drawn from a list of 105 supermarkets. Data was collected from the field through use of questionnaires and then analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables and figures. The study revealed tha t all supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya, use real - time information processing technology with the following technologies in use: barcodes, mobile phones, internet, RFID, and GPS. The study indicated that two major benefits are accrued through the use of real -time information processing. These are: improved inventory management and increased supply chain visibility and reduction in labor costs...