It was the third AIP & Woolworths SFP training initiative and by popular demand, a second day was offered for In-DC Training. Sessions were led by a trainer from IGD in the UK, and were open to everyone in the industry.
The AIP added Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) SFP training this year to focus on SFP performance through the DCs and reported that this training was a huge success. SFP causes problems, it stated, when transit and DC performance is compromised to achieve ‘The 5 Easies,’ the essential requirements for good shelf friendly packaging. Regional Distribution Centres are among the least accessible and understood parts of the supply chain for packaging technologists and the extra training session showed them the true rigours of their SFP designs in DCs.
In-store SFP Training at Preston and West Ryde focused on SFP performance through the last 50 metres in Woolworths stores. SFP that achieves ‘The 5 Easies’ for store and shopper has the potential here to increase the productivity of scarce replenishment labour, improve on-shelf availability and appearance, and increase sales and loyalty.
Many packaging technologists have not seen their SFP designs in distribution and on shelf. Many have not experienced its functionality in-store and many stores have yet to see fully fit-for-purpose SFP designs coming through.
The training analysed the spectrum of SFP designs currently on the market – good, bad and ugly, so that technologist could incorporate new understanding into future work.
THE FIVE EASIES:
1.Easy to identify: SFP needs to be clearly labelled and identifiable so store staff can quickly and easily locate products and place them in their allocated aisle spot.
2. Easy to open: SFP should be easily opened in-store without the need to use cutters or knives.
3. Easy to shelf: SFP has to be easily transportable in-store and then fit neatly within existing shelving requirements.
4. Easy to shop: SFP should aid branding on shelf (make it easy for consumers to find their brand). SFP is a prime location for promos and call-outs.
5. Easy to dispose: SFP should be able to be folded flat to collect and dispose of easily, as well as be separated from other materials, like overwraps, before entering the waste stream.
