Dive Brief:
- Supermarket retailer H-E-B said it is working on modernizing its emergency communications with a AlertMedia software platform that combines multichannel, two-way messaging and 24/7 monitoring services, according to Chain Store Age.
- H-E-B plans to utilize the platform, which consolidates communication channels such as voice, text, e-mail, social media, and Slack, to better connect with employees across its 400 locations about product recalls, severe weather, system and power outages, among other critical situations.
- The company can now filter information based on the locations and departments it needs to communicate with regarding a particular situation.
Dive Insight:
It’s in every retailer’s interest to keep its customers protected and ensure the food supply at the store is safe. What H-E-B is doing by employing this new emergency communications software platform is a smart move that is sure to attract the attention of customers.
While most grocery stores have a standard policy of posting information about recalls, at least one major store — Midwest and Mid-Atlantic chain Giant Eagle — did not, according to a survey conducted by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. These consumers might not have received adequate communication about vital safety issues.
Software like H-E-B is bringing on board will enable any of its stores to contact customers by telephone, texts and emails to alert them of any problems that may have come up. It also allows chain management to communicate with any of their employees at its over 400 locations.
In today’s fast-paced world, where every second counts, having a communication tool like this will only raise the status of a retailer and instill confidence in its shoppers.