Quantum’s Q system will manage the end-to-end inventory forecasting, replenishment and order planning needs for Marks & Spencer’s food division.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN and LONDON, UK – January 5, 2010 – Marks and Spencer Group Plc (M&S) has chosen Quantum Retail’s software solution, Q, to manage the end-to-end inventory forecasting, replenishment and order planning needs for its food division.
Q was selected following a full review of competing advanced inventory management solutions available in the marketplace. M&S began running Q for the first area of merchandise in less than 6 months. Rollout is planned to commence in 2010.
Discussing the challenges of fulfillment for food retailers, Wyndham Albery, VP EMEA for Quantum Retail said, “Balancing high on-shelf availability and low wastage goes to the heart of what Q does for food retailers. Our work with a recognized innovator like M&S is focused on supporting their commitment to high levels of profitable customer service through a customer centric supply chain process.”
Q meets inventory management challenges by considering constraints such as availability, shelf life and wastage. The system is able to forecast and make inventory decisions in real-time while considering both inter-day and intra-day stocking. Importantly, Q forecasts demand at an individual item/SKU level for every store, rather than using averages across a range of similar stores. Buying decisions are made based on current stock levels, as well as considerations such as daily selling patterns, product life-cycle, seasonality, projected waste, target service levels and inventory availability.
“We aim to provide M&S with capabilities that can provide real competitive advantage in the marketplace – Q is a tool to execute on the vision of customer service and availability,” stated Quantum Retail’s chief strategy officer and co-founder, Chris Allan, “and we are very excited to prove the value of our solutions to a great company like M&S.”
About Quantum Retail Technology, Inc.
Quantum Retail answers the new questions facing retailers with a merchandise optimization suite designed for the increasing pace and complexity of the consumer revolution and today’s competitive landscape. Quantum Retail’s solutions solve the most difficult and costly problems retailers face – quickly and permanently. Our Q solution is the answer for: Forecasting and Order Planning – Replenishment and Allocation – Assortment and Range Planning.
About Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is one of the UK’s leading retailers with over 21 million people visiting their stores each week. They sell clothing, food and homeware and work hard to provide their customers with the highest quality products, service and shopping environments.
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