Lingerie retailer reveals SAP implementation

Figleaves.com will use enterprise software to better manage 200 suppliers

SAP software will support the online retailer's growth plans

Online lingerie retailer Figleaves.com is implementing SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to better manage its 200 suppliers and create visibility throughout the supply chain.

The company has experienced significant growth and outgrown its original Sage, Navision and in-house systems, and needed new software to support the business and further expansion.

The ERP software will be implemented by SAP partner Chelford to cover core back-office functions, particularly finance and procurement.

‘Our suppliers range from small to large and are geographically spread,’ said Daniel Nabarro, chief executive of Figleaves.com.

‘It is a complex supply chain as we sell basic lines which we replenish on a regular basis to ensure stock availability, and fashion lines for spring/summer and autumn/winter which we need to plan for six months ahead resulting in big fluctuations in inventory.’

Nabarro says that five years ago the company was struggling with its procurement operations and wrote a purchase order system to which it added extra functions. The firm also outgrew its Navision ERP software.

‘It was time to get a top quality system, tailored for the long-term, or at least the next five to seven years. We ship to 96 countries and want to be able to launch sites in other countries and need software that will help us get to the place we want to be,’ said Nabarro.

The company is nearly at the end of the blueprint stage, which it is working on with consultants, and aims to go live by March 2008.

‘Head office has under 100 people and over 30 are involved in some aspect of the project. It is a dynamic process and we are capturing all the business processes. If you don’t put the right level or resourcing in, you don’t get what you want. When we go live, we want it to go well as it impacts on every level of the business,’ said Nabarro.