Digital processes in the distribution center
Since 2010, Alnatura has operated its own distribution centre in Lorsch. Shortly after the start of operations, the bio-provider digitized replenishment and inventory management with the AI-based REMIRA software. The goal: optimal supply of stores and the reduction of out-of-stock situations. In addition, the software supports Alnatura to achieve its sustainability goals – for example, by improving the utilization of trucks.
Demand-based stocks
Among other things, it is used for the supply of over 150 stores as well as for the replenishment of items in the distribution center and is a valuable support for inventory optimization and demand planning, especially in times of crisis. The software is connected to the SAP system via an interface. Based on the goods receipts and outputs as well as the current stocks, the software determines planned orders for the employees in the replenishment department.
“REMIRA software delivers accurate and realistic sales forecasts. In addition, dynamic optimization leads to demand-oriented stocks in the warehouse,”
explains Matthias Lindner, Deputy Head of Logistics at Alnatura.
Alnatura places great importance to sustainability. In addition to lower depreciation, the optimal utilization of the delivery vehicles is therefore also a positive effect of LOGOMATE. The software uses the manufacturers' order lead times to calculate which deliveries can be collected together on which date. It also offers precise and realistic sales forecasts and always considers offers and promotions, seasonal fluctuations, public holidays and special sales days as well as best-before dates, which ensures that Alnatura's inventory is in line with demand and saves a lot of time in replenishment.
The employees of the branches work primarily in the merchandise management system. At the end of the day, the current inventory data is transmitted from SAP to the REMIRA forecasting software. This data matching, together with a qualitative sales forecast, provides the basis for the planned orders.
“Each store receives individual suggestions for the order quantities of individual products. The REMIRA software saves us a massive amount of time”,
explains Lindner. The planned orders are checked by the employees and transmitted to Lorsch via the SAP system. An adjustment of the proposals is rarely necessary: In the dry assortment, employees release 97 % of LOGOMATE’s orders without modification, compared to around 92 % in the freshness sector.
Efficiency gains in the company
With the REMIRA software, the organic food provider also ties up less capital in its branches and achieves a better supply of fewer out-of-stock situations. The service providers and regional wholesalers with whom Alnatura cooperates also benefit: they receive a realistic forecast of upcoming orders. “We are completely convinced by the REMIRA inventory management software and we have been using the promo module for specialized action planning for quite some time now,” says Lindner. Another future project is the introduction of a two-stage replenishment.
Facts
- 2.3 million SKUs
- Over 150 stores in Germany
- 97% of all orders in the dry good range and 92% in the fresh goods range are automated
