Walmart Shareholders

8 • Walmart Shareholders • 6.2.2019 food system is absolutely too large for any sin- gle entity to track. With blockchain, however, it takes seconds, he said.. The letter to suppliers states that Walmart and IBM worked on the Food Trust network, in collaboration with numerous suppliers includ- ing Dole Food Co. and Nestle SA, over the past 18 months. The retailer decided the system was ready after testing it with a variety of products, including pork. The company decided leafy greens was the best commodity to start with in light of recent outbreaks of illness. Other food categories will eventually be added to the network "in a prioritized, phased manner," according to a Walmart document on the initiative. And while the initial affects only U.S. suppliers, the company plans to im - plemente similar programs in its international markets. EXPLORING BLOCKCHAIN The Food Traceability Initiative isn't the only use of blockchain Walmart has been ex- ploring. The retailer has filed a number of block- chain-based patent applications, many of which are clearly intended for use in e-commerce. One filed earlier this year is for a vendor payment system that automates package track- ing and payment processing on grocery orders requiring same-day delivery. A related patent is for a courier shopping system to be used in pro- cessing orders and shipping them to customers. Another patent application, dated June 5, entails "locker docking stations" to ensure on- line orders are delivered safely. The application states these could be placed at a user's home, at public locations such as transportation hubs, public venues or other desired locations. Even more recently, a patent application published Aug. 30, titled "Systems, Devices, and Methods for In-Field Authenticating of Autonomous Robots," describes a block- chain-based system enabling delivery drones to communicate with one another and even transfer packages. Just because a concept is patented doesn't necessarily mean it will ever be put to re- al-world use. However, these blockchain pat- ents hint at huge changes ahead for logistics. A recent report by Grand View Research states the global market for blockchain tech- nology is expected to reach $7.59 billion by 2024. Besides retail, the report states, block- chain has potential in the financial, health care, media, telecom, transportation and public sectors. Where Dining is Always a Fiesta! Tontitown 1115 Henry de Tonti E. Blvd. 479-306-4068 Bentonville 301 N. Walton Blvd. 479-254-8801 Rogers 200 W Poplar St. 479-986-9622 Aurora, MO 530 E. Church St. 417-678-0740 Visit any of our 4 Locations Welcome Shareholders NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) alumna, Nell Moore, participated in the college's Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) program in 2018 and quickly broke into the retail and supplier industry. She currently works for CCF Brands as a category advisor for the egg category for Walmart. "NWACC has great support from the vender community and from Walmart. It has access to the platforms and tools that are used within the industry which enabled me to be successful as an analyst," says Nell. Through a partnership with Walmart, the NWA supplier community and NWACC, the CRA program came to fruition almost 20 years ago. It is designed to provide solution-based analyst training that sharpens problem- solving skills and strategic and critical thought processes - all to ensure success in retail career endeavors. By participating in the CRA program, students like Nell learn the fundamentals of retail analysis and supply chain, gain first-hand experience with Retail Link®, and network with industry leaders. "Retail is everything from the inception of the product, the entire supply chain, and everything that leads to that point. It's replenishment and how things got on the shelf. It's how you measure how fast things move, and keeping them on the shelf at the right level so you don't have buildup of inventories and you don't use excess storage… It's sales, and what are the new trends that are coming up, and how you are going to meet the costumer's expectations," Nell explains. The CRA classes are taught by experienced Walmart and supplier retail professionals who ensure the training remains relevant to industry changes while also focused on making a difference in students' lives. "CRA administration is reactive to student needs and would take the time to facilitate understanding while ensuring that the program fits the changing needs of Walmart and the supplier community. They worked closely with every aspect to make sure students get the support they needed to be successful," says Nell. As a CRA graduate, students qualify for entry level work as an analyst, which can grow into long term careers in areas such as sales, replenishment, finance, business and more. To date, 87% of CRA students report finding employment while in the program or within one year of graduation. To gain the skills necessary for an exciting career in the retail industry, enroll during the program's fall registration. Classes begin September 3. Learn more by visiting nwacc.edu/CRA. NWACC Prepares Students to Enter the World of Retail SponSor Content CRA graduate Nell Moore credits the CRA program for giving her the tools to succeed in the industry. Courtney Bell of Rogers (in pink) and Zola Luman, 3, pick out vegetables, Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Walmart on Pleasant Crossing Blvd. in Rogers. NWA Democrat-Gazette/CHARLIE KAIJO Tracking n Continued from Page 6

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