French toy retailer Picwic has selected Manhattan’s warehouse management, supply chain intelligence and slotting optimisation systems to work alongside its SAP system at its new 215,000 square foot distribution centre at Houplines, France.
Picwic has 20 stores in Paris and northern France selling some 30,000 products all year round. The toy market is characterised by very strong seasonality and poses specific distribution challenges for retailers, especially before, during and immediately after Christmas. During this peak period, Picwic has to increase its warehouse staff from 40 to 150 people to cope with the extra demand.
“The seasonality and the different types of orders represent the two main supply chain challenges we are facing,” said Mr Semelyn, IT director at Picwic. “We need a supply chain technology platform to complement our ERP system to handle fluctuating volumes, increase process efficiency and improve supply chain visibility. We want to significantly improve the picking process and increase the agility of our logistics activities to ensure that we are offering an exceptionally high service on a consistent basis to our stores and customers.”
