The Brantano Group, a major footwear company in Europe, plans to implement a supply chain management system based on the i2 for Retail suite of solutions.
IBM Business Consulting Services is the integrator and prime contractor for the project. Over a three-year period, IBM will deliver project management and implementation services and will supply the i2 software, and IBM hardware and software. The SCM system will provide capabilities for optimizing the purchasing, assortment planning, stock management and replenishment of individual stores.
"In recent years, the retail industry has become both more complex and more sophisticated," says Kurt Moons, CEO of the Brantano Group. "With the help of more detailed planning, we will continually optimize our stock position even at size level and bring it into line with realized and planned sales.
"We selected IBM and i2 for the project based on the companies' proven technology and experience in implementing advanced supply chain systems for retail organizations, including several other major footwear retailers. Our purchasing, merchandising and logistics experts from the U.K. and Belgium will work in close co-operation with experts from IBM and i2. We expect the effect of this investment to be evident from the second half of 2006."