Expanding pet care retailer selects AGRÂ’s Inventory Optimiser software

Expanding pet care retailer selects AGR’s Inventory Optimiser software

Pets at Home has agreed to implement the inventory management system from AGR, called Inventory Optimiser.

Initially, Inventory Optimiser will be installed in Pets at Home’s national distribution centre before being rolled out to include the growing number of stores throughout the UK.

In the longer term, the company is looking to control costs by reducing the need for additional warehousing as purchasing cycles and patterns change.

Rapid growth with expanding range

Based in Handforth, Cheshire, the company was founded in 1991 and now has over 250 stores across the UK. Pets at Home is the UK’s leading pet care retailer, providing thousands of dedicated pet products for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, birds and fish, as well as wildlife. Its stores also provide a range of services including veterinary care, grooming and nutritional advice.

Before selection, AGR ran its forecasting simulation application for Pets at Home, which compared actual purchase orders from the past with simulated orders produced by the Inventory Optimiser. The results of this simulation allowed Pets at Home to quantify the return on investment (ROI) and project targets, as well as understand the demand forecasting and inventory optimisation capabilities of the system.

Usability, customisation prove key

Inventory Optimiser’s speed of implementation and ease of use means a faster ROI and low risk to the project. Dan Harvey, head of supply chain at Pets at Home commented: “AGR Inventory Optimiser is an uncomplicated, easy-to-use application, which delivers the results of complex calculations in an understandable, relevant and re-useable format. AGR has taken the time to understand our specific business issues and is working with our team to provide a solution that fits exactly with our requirements and objectives.”

Harvey concluded: “As our business continues to grow, AGR’s Inventory Optimiser will give us improved visibility of demand patterns as well as the ability to make better and more profitable purchasing decisions.”