Road map to help furniture retailers integrate tech in ops

They can learn topics like tech adoption, data analytics via workshops

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Chee Hong Tat (waving) arriving at the launch of the Service Experience Technology Roadmap yesterday, flanked by Singapore Furniture Industries Council president Mark Yong (wearing dark-rimmed spectacle
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Chee Hong Tat (waving) arriving at the launch of the Service Experience Technology Roadmap yesterday, flanked by Singapore Furniture Industries Council president Mark Yong (wearing dark-rimmed spectacles). ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

Furniture retailers are getting more help to integrate technology into their operations.

The initiative is part of the new Service Experience Technology Roadmap for the sector released yesterday.

The road map will allow smaller retailers to benefit from workshops that help them understand the challenges in adopting technology and how to use data analytics, among other topics.

Firms will also be guided step by step in how to incorporate new technology into their operations and employ it as they expand.

The road map was developed by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), which represents 95 per cent of established manufacturers here, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, with the support of Enterprise Singapore.

Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, told the guests at SFIC's new year lunch yesterday: "Many businesses and consumers today have a good appreciation of how the furniture industry can benefit from the use of technology and design to enhance product quality and customer experience.

"The road map offers a range of solutions aimed at improving the online and offline experiences of customers throughout the entire sales process. Furniture retailers can pick and choose the solutions they need to streamline their business processes and enhance their customer service."

Mr Chee added that Asia's share of global expenditure on furniture has doubled over the past decade, driven largely by increasing urbanisation and rising affluence. The global furniture industry is expected to continue growing by 5 per cent annually.

The SFIC launched a road map last year to help companies seize growth opportunities that could arise in Asia in the coming years. It also encouraged furniture businesses to be open to urban living solutions and design products that fit customers' experiences and needs.

SFIC president Mark Yong said the industry should also continue with expansion and internationalisation efforts, as well as collaborating across industries.

He added that there will be more initiatives to help companies raise productivity by improving the skills among their workforces.

There will also be a formal structure to attract young people to join the industry and drive sustainable growth over the long term.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 15, 2019, with the headline Road map to help furniture retailers integrate tech in ops. Subscribe