Thorntons Streamlines Supply Chain Operations And Replenishment Logistics With Aldata Solution

Aldata Solution, Inc., a leading provider of software solutions for the retail industry, recently announced Thorntons, a UK chain of chocolatiers, successfully implemented the Aldata G.O.L.D. Retail Supply Chain Suite to more effectively and efficiently manage increased demand and seasonal fluctuations for goods, improve ordering and replenishment processes and gain a better view of merchandise and demand by replacing outdated legacy systems.

"We wanted to work with a system that could best address some of Thorntons' diverse operations including retail, franchise and commercial," said Jim McLauchlan, Thorntons program manager. "Aldata provides a good view of our stocks and sales and enables us to more effectively manage fluctuations in demand. Our business is highly seasonal, so it's critical to have a system in place that can react to sharp peaks in demand."

Thorntons sells a variety of chocolates and sweets in more than 378 shops, 200 plus franchises, online and through retailers such as Tesco. Nearly 100 years old, the company's IT infrastructure had been built up over many years resulting in a variety of systems that offered limited integration and functionality. Replenishment, for example, was previously manual and not automated as it is today.

After extensive research, Thorntons chose to implement Aldata G.O.L.D. Shop and Central to manage operations centrally for the store and franchise operations, and for commercial ordering. G.O.L.D. was integrated with Thorntons new warehousing system.

"Retailers require a supply chain infrastructure that is as agile as they need to be in a highly competitive industry," said Brendan Lowe, vice president, North America, Aldata Solution. "With Aldata in place, Thorntons can quickly and effectively respond to changing marketplace demands, minimize out-of-stocks and better manage seasonal demands. Thorntons has a long and successful history, and we're pleased our technology was selected to support their future growth."

SOURCE: Aldata Solution, Inc.