Supermarket chain Waitrose is to extend trials of business intelligence software over the Christmas period to improve the management of its supply chain at its busiest time of the year.
It has already tested the software at three branches to forecast customer demand for products based on past history as well as variables like events or holidays.
Rob Thompson, Waitrose head of supply chain, says trials show there are benefits to be had from improved forecasts, particularly around events and promotions.
‘The software enables us to forecast the demand for thousands of items quickly and accurately,’ he said. ‘We anticipate that the return on investment through reduced wastage and increased revenues will be significant.’
The SAS forecasting software, built on the SAS9 Intelligence Platform, was installed to track up to 20,000 stock keeping units.
The feedback from its trials at three stores were positive, with reductions in order amendments, reduced stock levels and rotation sending stock direct to the shelf much improved.
The system will now be implemented into more stores this year to see how it copes with the busy Christmas period ahead of a full roll-out in 2007.
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