Japanese convenience store to optimise replenishment and procurement for its 1,000-plus stores and seven distribution centres

Japanese convenience store to optimise replenishment and procurement for its 1,000-plus stores and seven distribution centres

Seicomart, a Japanese convenience store group, has selected retail and distribution software systems from specialist provider Aldata.

The software will act as the foundation for efficiency and planned growth by integrating and optimizing its replenishment and procurement processes from head office through warehouse to store.

Seicomart is a Japanese convenience store group with over 1,000 stores served by 7 distribution centres predominantly in the Northern Island of Hokkaido, Japan. Established in 1971, the group provides fresh and healthy food at reasonable prices, while driving innovation and growth at an employee, project and group level.

The company will be deploying Aldata Replenishment for inventory forecasting and management, as well as Aldata Procurement for supplier management and buying enabling the group to have real-time visibility and control across its retail operations.

IT supplier matches brand philosophy

“Our group approach is based on innovation and trust, and this extends to our choice of suppliers and technology,” said Hideki Tsutsumi, director distribution control of Seico Fresh Foods, the wholesale and distribution arm for Seicomart. “Efficient management of inventory is the backbone of any retail operation and consequently Aldata – with its proven history – demonstrated that they could support our business innovatively and effectively.”

Seicomart use the Aldata software to automate many of the processes within store and warehouse replenishment and so increase efficiency and productivity across the business.

“Convenience stores are the lifeblood of food and drink retail in Japan, but face significant challenges,” added Tsutsumi.

“Long store hour opening, small store sizes with limited storage, diverse product ranges and high product turnover, require replenishment and procurement systems that are extremely efficient and are capable of proactively supporting our business model. Aldata’s solutions will provide exactly that, reducing the amount of staff time on routine tasks and increasing staff time with our customers.”