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Fashion and homewares retailers upgrades critical operations for real-time visibility

Fashion and homewares retailers upgrades critical operations for real-time visibility

 

Matalan, the fashion and homeware retailer has successfully upgraded its supply chain technology platform with a multi-site roll out of the latest version of Manhattan Associates' warehouse management system (WMS). The recent project builds on its existing long-term use of the WMS.

 

The system upgrade has involved the retailer's three UK distribution centres (DCs), spanning over one million square feet and provides Matalan with the supply chain flexibility it needs to support its store expansion programme as well as its multichannel retail plans.

 

Through a low-risk, rigorous deployment approach, Matalan and Manhattan Associates upgraded the supply chain software in the retailer's Skelmersdale, Knowsley and Corby DCs to set up an end-to-end solution for managing stock moving from DC to store.

 

Minimised disruption to critical operations

 

During the upgrade go-live, there was no drop-off in service levels and the Manhattan WMS handled the required volume throughput from day one. The enhancement project included upgrades to reporting interfaces, making them more flexible and giving access to more users. Matalan has log-ins for 750 people and 250 users who can access supply chain data at any one time, in real-time.

 

Pete Trainer, IT and logistics director at Matalan Retail, commented: "The quality of Manhattan Associates' software is excellent and we have experienced a very smooth implementation in our key warehouses in the UK, without any interruption to the business – a particularly impressive feat at a time of year when we're going into peak season.

 

“The testing process was vigorous as it was important to get the implementation right, rather than be rushed and risk any fulfilment inaccuracies. The level of organization and detail we now have on stock stand us in good stead for further expansion into e-commerce as well, where Manhattan will be able to help us cost effectively manage order volume increases and support our multi-channel operations."