How SCM software addresses Retail industry supply chain issues.

• Improve in-stock positions

  In an industry where products may be sourced anywhere in the world, delays in the global supply chain can threaten product availability. A demand-driven value chain is required to synchronize supply-chain resources and prevent costly stock-outs. According to AMR Research, demand-driven businesses achieve 90% fewer stock-outs than the peer average, and 17% stronger order fulfillment.

• Ensure better customer service

  Companies in the specialty retail industry are feeling increased pressures to more accurately predict market demand, then effectively improve overall supply chain operations to execute upon the numbers. Comprehensive views of demand compiled from multiple sources are required for companies to reliably predict future needs and capabilities. Re-planning must be accomplished quickly as new market intelligence is available. Many supply chains in this industry are creating product-level, customer and channel forecasts to compete more effectively and improve customer service levels.

• Support promotional events effectively

  Advertised discounts, special merchandising strategies, in-store coupons and other programs are used to help specialty retailers motivate consumer spending. To successfully protect margins, companies vying for buyers’ attention need to compare multiple factors as they design promotions and marketing programs. The effects of price discounts and advertising should be analyzed. Profitability and margins rely on the ability to accurately calculate promotional lift and optimize inventory investments. For best results, the marketing plans should be tightly integrated with forecasting, distribution and logistics planning.

• Improve in-season replenishment

  In an effort to reduce inventory risk and improve in-season replenishment, companies competing in the specialty retail industry must organize, optimize and synchronize the supply chain. This involves modeling, selecting and coordinating the right suppliers, production partners and distribution resources. A collaborative technology platform is required to enable optimized efficiency and real-time visibility into supply chain activities. Capacity constraints, scheduling limitations and other critical issues need to be proactively shared and acted upon to condense cycle times. Real-time information sharing via the Internet is essential.