Implement an automated system in Asda to run the business smoothly

Assignment Brief

Topic: Implement an automated system in Asda to run the business smoothly

Research Paper

The paper should adhere to UMUC writing standards and be at least 6, but no more than 10 double-spaced pages in length, excluding title page, abstract, bibliography, table of contents, or any graphic, tabular or illustrative material. The paper should be formatted in Word (doc, docx, rtf, pdf) and submitted to the assignment folder. You can find the Research Topics under the Course Discussions area.

The research paper will be marked as follows:

70% will be assigned for the content of the document:

• clarity
• conciseness
• appropriateness of the information, concepts
• incorporation of all reviewed articles in a comprehensive whole
• summary of findings (at the end)
• state of the art

20% will be assigned for the presentation style of the document:

• abstract
• table of contents
• introduction
• conclusion
• paragraphs with headings where appropriate
• references in the text
• acknowledgements section if you got special help from anyone
• reference list at the end with links where appropriate
• figures, diagrams and tables must be numbered and labeled, and close to the first reference in the text
• UMUC graduate level writing ability is expected
• APA guidelines are followed

10% will be assigned for proper referencing:

• References are of high quality
• APA guidelines are followed

Sample Answer

Implementing an Automated System in Asda to Run the Business Smoothly

Abstract

In today’s competitive retail environment, automation is increasingly vital for operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction. This research paper explores the implementation of an automated system at Asda, one of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom. The study analyses current operational challenges, proposes suitable automation technologies (including inventory management, self-checkout systems, and AI-driven supply chain tools), and evaluates the expected benefits and potential risks. Using recent academic and industry sources, the paper concludes that automation can significantly improve Asda’s business operations, reduce human error, enhance customer service, and strengthen competitiveness in the retail sector.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Overview of Asda’s Business Operations

3. Rationale for Automation

4. Proposed Automated Systems

   • 4.1 Inventory Management Automation

   • 4.2 Self-Checkout and Payment Systems

   • 4.3 Automated Supply Chain and Logistics

5. Benefits of Automation in Retail

6. Challenges and Risk Factors

7. Implementation Strategy

8. Summary of Findings

9. Conclusion

10. References

Introduction

Automation in the retail sector has become essential for businesses seeking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and meet evolving customer expectations. Asda, owned by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital since 2021, competes with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons in the UK grocery market. While Asda has experimented with limited automation (e.g., self-service checkouts), full-scale automation across its core operations remains underdeveloped. This paper aims to analyse how a comprehensive automated system can be implemented in Asda to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth business functioning.

Overview of Asda’s Business Operations

Asda operates over 600 retail outlets across the UK, offering groceries, clothing, household goods, and financial services. Key operational areas include inventory management, customer service, checkout processes, and logistics. Currently, Asda relies on a mix of manual and semi-automated systems. For instance, while some stock control systems are digitised, many warehouse and in-store operations still involve significant human labour.

Rationale for Automation

Several drivers necessitate automation at Asda:

• Labour shortages and increasing wage costs.

• Rising customer expectations for speed, accuracy, and convenience.

• Need for real-time data analysis to improve decision-making.

• Competitive pressure from tech-savvy retailers like Amazon Fresh.

• The need to manage supply chain disruptions, especially post-Brexit.

Automating core processes would allow Asda to remain competitive, improve accuracy, and ensure efficient use of resources.

4. Proposed Automated Systems

4.1 Inventory Management Automation

Using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, Asda can automate real-time stock monitoring. These technologies can track product movement across warehouses and stores, alert managers to low stock, and reduce overstocking. Automation will also support predictive analytics, enabling smarter restocking decisions based on demand trends.

Example: Walmart, Asda’s former parent company, successfully implemented RFID systems, resulting in a 30% reduction in out-of-stock items (Smith, 2020).

4.2 Self-Checkout and Payment Systems

Expanding self-checkout kiosks and introducing mobile payment solutions (e.g., scan-and-go) can reduce queue times and improve customer experience. AI-powered checkout systems can detect scanning errors and prevent theft.

Example: Tesco’s mobile scan-and-pay system increased customer satisfaction and reduced staffing costs by 15% (Brown & Harris, 2021).

4.3 Automated Supply Chain and Logistics

Introducing AI-driven supply chain software (e.g., SAP Integrated Business Planning) and robotic process automation (RPA) in logistics can improve delivery efficiency and cost management. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be used in warehouses for picking and packing goods, reducing manual errors and speeding up order fulfilment.

Continued...