In our interconnected, digitalized world, cybersecurity isn't just an IT concern—it's a fundamental necessity. However, navigating through the multitude of security measures available and evolving threats can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that the People, Process, and Technology (PPT) Framework can help you structure your thermal printer and enterprise mobile computer (EMC) security. That framework is built upon three pillars and is a holistic approach that extends beyond just the technical aspect of cybersecurity.

In our interconnected digital world, businesses of all sizes—from local shops to global logistics firms and retail chains—rely on a vast network of connections to operate. While bringing untold benefits, these connections are also potential entry points for unscrupulous actors to access, breach, or disrupt enterprise systems. Among these entry points is your thermal printer. While serving an important function within business operations, they are often overlooked in cybersecurity planning. Are your thermal printers secure?

Since coming into effect on July 25, 2024, EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires retailers to demonstrate clear and measurable sustainability outcomes. Retailers today face increasing pressures from regulators, investors, and consumers to visibly commit to sustainability. Despite this, many retailers are struggling to translate their ambitions into tangible, credible results across both their stores and distribution centers.

In today’s retail environment, rising customer expectations and the growing complexity of omnichannel operations make accurate inventory management a must-have. Poor inventory accuracy doesn’t just impact operations—it results in lost sales, shrinkage, and a diminished customer experience.

Distribution centers (DCs) are the foundation of modern retail fulfillment. In a landscape defined by speed, precision, and customer expectations, DCs largely shape how quickly and accurately inventory flows across the entire retail network. As fulfillment complexity grows, there is no room for bottlenecks, blind spots, or outdated systems.

In unified commerce, the store has become more than just a point of sale—it's now a fulfillment hub, a service point, and a brand experience center. Store teams play a critical role in retail transformation—but they can only succeed when empowered with timely data and adaptive technologies. Empowering store execution means bridging the gap between business vision and day-to-day execution.

Continuing from our previous discussion on item-level tracking and digital transformation, this article explores how GS1 Digital Link and item-level tracking work together to connect physical products with rich digital data. Adopting these new standards can help retailers stay competitive in today’s retail landscape by unifying operations, improving traceability, and enhancing customer engagement.

In our previous blogs, we explored how seamless shopping and swift fulfillment are reshaping retail. Driving these changes are key digital initiatives—like item-level tracking with RAIN RFID, Digital Product Passport (DPP), Digital Link, and Sunrise/ Ambition 2027 (2D barcodes)—that enable real-time visibility, compliance, and stronger customer trust. As retailers move toward unified commerce, these capabilities are no longer optional but essential to staying competitive.

As a retail DC operations manager, how do you imagine fulfillment evolving? With unified commerce blurring the line between in-store and online shopping, distribution centers (DCs) must keep pace with real-time inventory demands and enable faster fulfillment and seamless customer experiences. Smart DC solutions make this transformation possible.