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In the previous Module we explored the various strategies and choices regarding Location of a firm or operation. In this Module we will focus on the Layout design for different types of operations.

The objective of layout strategy is to develop an effective and efficient layout that will meet the firm's competitive requirements. Some key design considerations include:

Higher utilization of space, equipment, and people

Improved flow of information, materials, or people

Improved employee morale and safer working conditions

Improved customer/client interaction

The text authors provide examples and recommendations for various types of facilities:

Office layout

Retail layout

Warehouse layout

Fixed-position layout

Process-oriented layout

Work-cell layout

Product-oriented layout

Each one of these has specific relevance to different product / service operations - dependent on the unique objectives, characteristics and processes involved.

An Office Layout is designed to position workers, their equipment, and spaces/offices to provide for movement of information.

A Retail Layout is designed to allocates shelf space and responds to customer behavior.

A Warehouse Layout is designed to address trade-offs between space and material handling.

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In the previous Module we explored the various strategies and choices regarding Location of a firm or operation. In this Module we will focus on the Layout design for different types of operations. The objective of layout strategy is to develop an effective and efficient layout that will meet the firm's competitive requirements.

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8 Ways to Make Every Interaction With Customers Fantastic

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To build customer loyalty, you have to make sure you’re providing memorable experiences. Here are 8 ways to make your customer interactions fantastic.

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How to Improve Employee Morale - Onsite Safety

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Nothing is more important to your company than the morale of your employees. After all, your employees are the front-line of your company and are what the world sees when they interact with your business. A well-trained and happy group of employees is not only productive but enhances the image of yo…

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Pandemik COVID-19 di Malaysia telah memberi kesan besar terhadap ekonomi Malaysia termasuk penurunan nilai ringgit Malaysia (MYR) dan penurunan keluaran dalam negara kasar (KDNK). Wabak ini juga memberi kesan buruk kepada beberapa sektor utama termasuk sektor hiburan, pasar, peruncitan, perhotelan, dan pelancongan. Selain kekurangan barang dan perkhidmatan, banyak bisnis terpaksa membiasakan diri dengan konsep penjarakan sosial serta perintah berkurung yang mempengaruhi operasi dan pendapatan mereka. Pandemik ini juga menarik perhatian terhadap keselamatan di tempat kerja dan eksploitasi pekerja migran yang bekerja di industri Malaysia.

Pasaran saham di bursa saham Bursa Malaysia jatuh semasa pandemik tatkala para pelabur menjual sekuriti kerana jangkaan kesan ekonomi berikutan pandemik virus tersebut, bersama dengan pasaran saham membangun dan dijangka kekal sebegitu sehingga Jun 2020. Dengan China sebagai rakan dagang terbesar Malaysia, ekonomi negara itu terjejas secara langsung dan pakar ekonomi telah memberi amaran bahawa pandemik virus yang berpanjangan dapat memberi kesan ketara terhadap KDNK negara. Pada akhir Februari, Pelaburan Standard Aberdeen Malaysia juga meramalkan bahawa ringgit Malaysia (MYR) akan semakin lemah disebabkan oleh suasana pandemik beserta dengan krisis politik Malaysia 2020.

Pada 10 Julai, Menteri Kanan Ismail Sabri Yaakob mengumumkan bahawa pusat hiburan keluarga termasuk arked permainan, pusat karaoke, pesta hiburan dalaman, pusat hiburan kanak-kanak, dan gimnasium kanak-kanak dapat beroperasi semula mulai 15 Julai. Namun begitu, disko, pub, dan kelab malam belum dapat dibuka lagi.

Berikutan gelombang baharu wabak pada Oktober 2020, pihak Persatuan Pameran Filem Malaysia (MAFE) mengumumkan bahawa mereka akan menutup sementara semua pawagam di Malaysia mulai 2 November untuk mengekang penyebaran COVID-19.

Pada 7 Jun 2020, Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan mengumumkan bahawa Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur akan membenarkan pasar terbuka, pasar pagi, pasar malam dan bazar dibuka semula secara berperingkat dalam Peralihan Selamat (Fasa 2) pada 15 Jun.

Peningkatan kes serta kesedaran masyarakat terhadap ancaman yang ditimbulkan oleh virus telah menggalakkan pembelian topeng pembedahan dan pembersih tangan yang terjual secara laris dalam waktu singkat. Bandar-bandar di Malaysia seperti di Johor Bahru dan Kota Kinabalu melaporkan kekurangan topeng pembedahan, sementara syarikat pembersihan di Shah Alam melaporkan permintaan pembersih tangan yang lebih tinggi disebabkan wabak tersebut.

Ada laporan bahawa beberapa farmasi dan peniaga menjual topeng dengan harga yang lebih tinggi daripada harga terkawal yang ditetapkan oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna Malaysia yang boleh menyebabkan denda hingga RM10,000. Ini juga merangkumi laporan mengenai sebilangan orang yang ditipu oleh individu yang tidak bertanggungjawab mengambil kesempatan daripada situasi pandemik, dengan jumlah keseluruhan 501 kes penipuan yang melibatkan kerugian berjumlah RM3.5 juta yang dilaporkan sepanjang tempoh PKP mengakibatkan penangkapan 37 orang penipu. Walaupun dengan kekurangan topeng di negara ini dengan kedua-dua pihak farmasi dan pembekal berjuang untuk memenuhi permintaan yang semakin meningkat, kerajaan persekutuan telah memberi jaminan bahawa bekalan topeng akan diisi semula dengan sejumlah 10 juta topeng untuk memasuki pasaran Malaysia dalam masa terdekat.

Dengan penyebaran pantas virus ke beberapa negeri lain seperti Pulau Pinang dan Sabah, pembelian panik telah meningkat di seluruh negara dengan orang mula mengemas barang keperluan secara berlebihan. Ini menyebabkan sebilangan pengusaha pasar raya utama di negara ini terus menerus memberi jaminan kepada orang ramai bahawa terdapat bekalan barang keperluan yang mencukupi dan mendesak kebanyakan orang untuk tidak terlibat dalam pembelian panik walaupun langkah-langkah baharu diumumkan oleh kerajaan persekutuan untuk melaksanakan kawalan pergerakan di dalam negara.

Kerajaan persekutuan juga mempertimbangkan untuk melarang eksport topeng muka berikutan kekurangan kekurangan topeng, dengan KPDNHEP menekankan kebimbangan mengenai peningkatan kekurangan topeng pembedahan dan pembersih tangan kepada Kabinet Malaysia. Pada 18 Mac, penguatkuasaan larangan eksport topeng muka telah diwartakan di bawah Peraturan Kawalan Bekalan (Larangan Mengeksport) - (Pindaan) 2020 yang merangkumi empat jenis topeng muka.

Selain daripada melaksanakan undang-undang larangan eksport topeng muka untuk memenuhi permintaan masyarakat domestik, kerajaan persekutuan juga mengumumkan rancangan untuk mengimport 10 juta topeng muka dari China secara berperingkat untuk meningkatkan bekalan di seluruh negara dan membantu pihak barisan hadapan dengan mengimport topeng muka dari negara lain juga dibenarkan. Jumlah keseluruhan 24.62 juta topeng muka untuk diedarkan di kalangan rakyat Malaysia di seluruh negara telah diumumkan oleh kerajaan pusat pada 8 April.

Malaysia selaku destinasi utama bagi pelancong dari China, mengalami penurunan mendadak kedatangan pelancong dari negara itu akibat wabak dengan industri pelanconganpaling banyak terkesan dengan kerugian RM3.37 bilion setakat Mac 2020. Negeri-negeri Malaysia yang bergantung pada sektor pelancongan dan menjadi tumpuan pengunjung China seperti Johor, Melaka, Pulau Pinang, dan Sabah adalah antara negeri-negeri yang paling teruk terjejas dengan tempahan hotel dan gerai makanan melaporkan kerugian besar dalam perniagaan. Hal ini memaksa negara-negara untuk mengalihkan tumpuan mereka ke pasaran dari Asia Tenggara berikutan penurunan pelancong China. Di sebalik kerugian besar yang ditanggung oleh perniagaan pelancongan, sejumlah orang Malaysia telah menyuarakan kebimangan terhadap penyebaran virus dan mendesak larangan pelancong dari China ke negara itu dengan sekitar 149,000 orang yang menyokong panggilan tersebut.

Pada akhir Disember 2020, Menteri Sumber Manusia Saravanan Murugan mengumumkan bahawa Kementerian Sumber Manusia akan melancarkan aplikasi multibahasa baharu untuk membolehkan pekerja domestik dan asing memberitahu pihak kerajaan mengenai majikan yang menyediakan tempat tinggal yang tidak mencukupi dan tidak mengikuti tatacara operasi standard piawai sementara melindungi identiti mereka.

Pada 28 Disember, Kementerian Sumber Manusia mengesahkan bahawa pihaknya mengemukakan 30 tuduhan terhadap kilang sarung tangan Brightway Holdings dan dua anak syarikatnya di Selangor atas tuduhan melakukan kesalahan di bawah Akta Piawaian Perumahan dan Kemudahan Minimum Pekerja 1990 (Akta 446) berhubung kepada keadaan perumahan pekerja yang tidak bersih.

Menjelang 7 Februari, Menteri Kanan Ismail Sabri Yaakob mengesahkan bahawa 312,363 pekerja asing telah diperiksa bagi jangkitan COVID-19 sejak 1 Disember 2020. Daripada yang disaring, 6,093 orang diuji positif COVID-19 sementara 306,530 orang lagi diuji negatif. Pemeriksaan ini melibatkan 13,533 orang majikan dan 1,268 buah klinik.

Menjelang 12 Mac, Ismail Sabri Yaakob mengesahkan bahawa sejumlah 608,093 pekerja asing telah diperiksa COVID-19, dengan 9,653 ujian positif.

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Kesan ekonomi pandemik COVID-19 di Malaysia - Wikipedia Bahasa Melayu, ensiklopedia bebas

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Pandemik COVID-19 di Malaysia telah memberi kesan besar terhadap ekonomi Malaysia termasuk penurunan nilai ringgit Malaysia (MYR) dan penurunan keluaran dalam negara kasar (KDNK). Wabak ini juga memberi kesan buruk kepada beberapa sektor utama termasuk sektor hiburan, pasar, peruncitan, perhotelan, dan pelancongan.

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Standard Operating Procedures for Retailers during COVID-19

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Coronavirus Update | Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands

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For many, 2020 was a year of professional and personal challenges. Shoppers adjusted their behaviors to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and business owners found safer ways to get their products into shoppers' hands. These shifts were particularly apparent in supermarkets.

Needless to say, the pandemic has changed the way people shop for and retrieve food and other staples. Grocery access is essential, and it's up to supermarket owners to make the shopping experience comfortable, safe, efficient, and convenient.

Grocery Store Layout Strategies

Navigating the changes in consumer behaviors while keeping shoppers happy and protecting your bottom line requires critical thinking and strategic planning.

So, what are the best ways to create an adaptable grocery shopping experience for a supermarket? In 2021, you can expect to see enhanced entrances, modular layouts, easy access to essentials, optimized traffic flow, efficient checkout, inviting outdoor spaces, and order pickup stations. These grocery store design ideas can help you connect with your customers' current needs and drive sales. Here's what you should know.

Enhanced Entrances

One important feature of today's thriving supermarkets is an entrance designed to orient customers. Your grocery store already has entrances and exits. However, enhancing these spaces with a few key details can minimize the stress some shoppers might feel about venturing out to buy food.

This may include outdoor line markers indicating a safe distance and friendly signs noting any updated rules or what to expect upon entering. You might consider creating an open, decluttered layout with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for shopping carts. It can also help to have a designated greeter at the entrance to welcome guests and answer any questions they may have.

Modular Grocery Store Layout

If there's one concept retail owners have embraced over the last year, it's adaptability. One way to ensure you can adjust to the evolving needs of your customers is with a modular layout.

Consider switching out permanent fixtures with adjustable aisles, portable kiosks, and moveable shopping stations. KRS is seasoned in flexible store designs, and we can help you conceptualize a layout to meet your ongoing needs.

Easy-Access Essentials

In response to shoppers' increasing desire to get in and get out as quickly as possible, many supermarkets are making essentials more accessible. In some cases, grocery stores are placing essential items on their end caps to create a more efficient shopping experience.

Additionally, this strategy might include a section modeled after a convenience store with grab-and-go items and fast checkout. KRS specializes in supermarkets and convenience stores, and we can help you create a layout that blends the concepts together.

Optimized Traffic Flow

Optimizing the flow of traffic is a vital component of making customers feel safe and comfortable. Aside from signs and markers, retailers are rethinking the layout of their stores to ensure social distancing and encourage an efficient flow.

The idea is to minimize shopper frustrations and maximize sales by allowing them to access everything they need. On the other hand, the layout should also feel natural and unforced. KRS can help you design a layout for a traffic pattern that makes the most sense for your store.

Efficient Customer-Led Checkout

Self-checkout isn't a new concept, but it's become a critical piece of meeting consumers' needs. As more shoppers opt for self-checkout at supermarkets, store owners are finding innovative ways to make it faster and safer.

Creating self-service checkout stations meets your shoppers' needs, but the benefits don't end there. Since several registers can typically be monitored by one staff member, you might be able to reduce labor costs or reassign checkout staff to other high-need tasks like greeting or cleaning.

Inviting Outdoor Space

Some consumers feel it's safer to shop in open-air environments like farmers markets than grocery stores. As a result, many supermarkets are embracing new concepts with outdoor spaces.

These innovative layouts include fully outdoor, tented, or partially open areas where shoppers can browse or pick up grocery items. Beyond that, some are creating outdoor eating spaces where people can enjoy a quick bite in the fresh air.

Convenient Curbside Pickup

Though many of these design ideas encourage customers to enter your store, the reality is some people prefer staying outside. Whether for safety reasons, convenience, or both, you should consider including a designated pickup station for online orders in your grocery store layout design.

King Retail Solutions: Your Resource for Grocery Store Design

We offer innovative solutions that take into account the real-world needs of shoppers and retail owners. With thousands of store designs in our growing portfolio, we have the knowledge and experience to help you meet your goals while staying within your budget.

Unlike other supermarket design companies, KRS takes care of all aspects of your project under one roof. From concept, site survey, and design to strategy, fabrication, and installation, we can assist with every step of your interior and exterior grocery store layout.

King Retail Solutions creates compelling retail spaces and award-winning supermarket layouts that build on a store's existing strengths while taking into account the needs of its customers to encourage repeat visits. We believe every surface and corner of your store has value, and we're here to optimize every last inch. Our comprehensive services and capabilities can save you time and money in a continuously evolving, competitive market.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your brand evolve.

Let's Get Started! Tell us about your project.

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7 Supermarket Design Ideas That Connect With Customers | King Retail Solutions

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For many, 2020 was a year of professional and personal challenges. Shoppers adjusted their behaviors to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and business owners found safer ways to get their products into shoppers' hands. These shifts were particularly apparent in supermarkets.