Role of Technologies in Revamping the Supply Chain Management of Kirana Stores

Abstract

This chapter aims to study the challenges and possibilities of technological disruption on supply chain management of neighborhood kirana stores in India. These kirana stores have been the lifeline of consumers across India during the Covid-19 outbreak which saw the closure of most of the other retail formats. While Covid-19 developed a new affiliation for kirana stores among consumers and provided new possibilities for these stores to expand their customer bases and product range, at the same time highlighted the gaps in their supply chain management. This paper would examine the role and assistance which technologies like digital and blockchain technologies can provide to these unorganized small-scale neighborhood kirana stores. Design/Methodology/Approach The methodology adopted in this study is the interpretivism approach of research. All the interpretations are drawn with the content analysis of relevant research, case studies, and industry reports. Findings Blockchain and digital technologies hold tremendous potential to transform retail omni-supply chains. Although blockchain is a nascent technology, it has huge potential to integrate back-end operations for the supply chain for these stores. However, RFID and other digital technologies have established evidence to manage and improve front-end operation for supply chain management at these stores. Research Limitations/Implications The limitation will arise in this study with the nonavailability of primary data and direct interaction with the people involved in the process. Sometimes the method used in the findings of the study may become the limitation when discussed by other researchers with a different method. Practical Implication This study will help the kirana stores and their supplier both to develop a competitive advantage and effective resource planning to ensure the distribution of their products to end consumers.KeywordsKirana storesBlockchainRFIDDigital technologiesSupply chain managementLogisticsProcurementTraceabilityMobile phonesBarcode