Philip Morris develops mobile app to connect with retail outlets across Ukraine
Philip Morris develops mobile app for stores in Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
Philip Morris has developed a digital platform to engage with retail outlets across Ukraine, enabling the company to automate information exchange with its partners and address operational issues remotely, including in regions facing heightened security risks.
This was announced by Artem Konik, General Manager of Philip Morris Ukraine, during the TECHNOVATION conference held on October 27 in Kyiv as part of the Kyiv International Economic Forum, UNIAN reports.
“Just five to seven years ago, we did not have the tools to interact with our retail partners across Ukraine as quickly and efficiently as we do today. Thanks to our mobile app, we now maintain direct communication with more than 25,000 retail outlets, allowing us to share information promptly and provide the necessary support regardless of their location - whether in Lviv or in the Kharkiv region near the front line. This is particularly important during the war, as digital solutions enable us to maintain business continuity even in areas where employees’ physical presence is limited or unsafe,” he said.
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According to Konik, the company can also automatically monitor product displays in stores. Some retail outlets are equipped with specialized devices that take photographs of shelves displaying the company’s products every 15 minutes.
If the system detects that a product is missing from a shelf, it automatically sends a notification to the retailer, who can then check product availability and replenish the display.
Konik explained that, previously, sales representatives had to visit stores regularly to inspect product displays. Automating this process helps reduce the need for in-person visits in regions facing heightened security risks.
“For us, digitalization is not just about efficiency and resource optimization. During the war, it has also become a tool for protecting our employees and ensuring business continuity,” emphasized the General Manager of Philip Morris Ukraine.
Konik also noted that the company’s digital transformation extends to consumer services. In particular, Philip Morris uses artificial intelligence to anticipate consumer needs and identify cases where electronic devices may require maintenance or replacement.
According to Konik, the company’s contact center and chat services handle approximately 2.8 million consumer interactions annually, while its services facilitate nearly 1 million deliveries.
The TECHNOVATION conference took place on October 27 as part of the Kyiv International Economic Forum. Organized by Diia.City Union, the event brought together more than 250 representatives of government, Ukrainian businesses, and international companies.
