[asset_ref id=”451″]This is a new category for The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards. With so many entries for Supply Chain Innovation the judges wanted to differentiate between excellence in the application of IT, and strategic or operational innovation.
(From left: David Young, principal, PRTM; Karen Slack, network manager, Indesit; Dominic Vertuccio, managing director for logistics; Rufus Hound)
From a batch of excellent entries, the final choice was between EMI and Indesit. The scores were level pegging, but there could only be one winner. EMI is one of the world’s leading music companies, operating in 15 markets across Europe. EMI decided to enhance its competitive positioning and so implemented a pan-European demand and supply planning application, TXT Demand, while simultaneously moving to a centralised distribution facility for the region for all its SKUs. The improved visibility and planning capabilities have enabled significant rationalisation of inventory and substantial cost savings. The judges say: “EMI’s European distribution operation has been transformed by the application of appropriate information technology, giving the company the visibility necessary to make it a demand-driven organisation.”
The entry from Indesit, the kitchen appliance manufacturer, centred on the direct-to-home and small trade delivery network. The company wanted to improve on the AM or PM delivery windows to its customers and upgrade its capabilities to real-time information, proof of delivery and satellite navigation. But Indesit needed to go beyond the normal vehicle telematics and POD solution.
Working with Masternaut the company has created a system that has enabled Indesit to offer a better delivery service for its customers, even allowing the “suspension of deliveries” if customers are not in when the driver arrives, with delivery later on the same day. The judges were impressed by the customer focus Indesit placed on the project. It was a finely balanced decision but Indesit had the edge.
Winner
Indesit
Shortlisted
Indesit
Cadbury UK
Scotts & Co
Seachill
Shop Direct in partnership with Damco
