SMART IN PLANNING | TRACK RECORD
CASE STUDIES
We have worked with 18 clients through the 2020 – 2021 period to date. Some projects span several years.
Below is a small sampling of impact and achievements. For confidentiality reasons, clients names are not disclosed.
Client "A" (2020)
Specialty online business, multi brand, privately owned
Assessed business needs, and proposed appropriate support plan
Developed tools and processes required for forecasting and ordering, other key activities, and trained team in use
Provided hands on forecasting and ordering support for the top 20 brands (60% of business) to maintain in stock levels
during a period of significant growth during Covid-19.
Sales growth of the top 20 brands was +42%, whilst average stock inventory was - 4% during our period of support (8
months). A significantly higher amount of sales, from less stock.
Reduced overall days cover of the business by 27 days due to the visibility and control created by the tools and
methods implemented, as well as education to team members.
Days cover reduction saved $3.5m in OTB spend and cashflow.
Equipped teams with tools and information to facilitate forecast discussions with suppliers, (which were supplier led),
giving much more control to the business.
Provided training and coaching to the junior members of the team who were new to Planning.
Provided strategic and practical guidance, based on expertise, to senior management to drive the required change.
Client "B" (2019 – 2021 ongoing)
Large specialty retailer
End to end review, with focus on efficiency of Planning team structures, systems and process.
Recommendations were made and implemented in all 3 areas.
Specialist expertise was applied in the areas of Demand & Supply Planning, and Space Planning.
Significant improvements have been made in inventory management wrt lost sales, out of stocks, inventory reduction,
forecast accuracy – all during the highly volatile demand and supply environment caused by Covid-19.
User ratings of their own ability, knowledge and effectiveness in using critical systems for inventory management
increased from 3.3 out of 10, to 6 out of 10 within the first 6 months of our improvements and support, and are projected to reach 8 out f 10 by the conclusion of the project.
Client "C" (~ 2018 – 2021 ongoing)
Large specialty retailer, replenishment product, highly varied and complex supply chain, basic ERP and reporting systems unable to scale and support growth.
Full review and recommendations on Planning structures, systems and process, with consideration to broader business, and relevant KPIs of inventory management and profitability.
As an outcome, supported with vendor selection (RFP) for both Merchandise Financial Planning and Demand Forecasting software (evaluating more than 6 system solutions)
Demand and Supply Planning successfully implemented and live.
Merchandise Financial Planning system implementation in progress, with ongoing advice on strategic approach, technical design and methodology, and bespoke training sessions (junior to executive levels) on key Merchandise Planning principles.
Client "D" (~ 2019 – 2021 ongoing)
Large discount variety retailer
JDA EP implementation support including scope, design, functionality, trouble shooting data issues, UAT training, user training, flexible user support sessions, change management and cross functional communications.
Pivoting training workshops and individual user support sessions to remote delivery during enforced work from home periods (due to Covid-19 restrictions).
Realised expected business benefits associated with the implementation of a Merchandise Financial Planning systems, including improved forecast accuracy, inventory efficiency (in-stock positions, with reduced stock levels); and significantly improved control and visibility of KPI’s including sales, profit and stock.
High user adoption levels (whereas a number of previous attempts at similar system implementations failed).