Allbirds, a footwear company, has incorporated Anaplan’s planning software into its warehouse operations to improve real-time visibility of supply and demand. This integration, announced in November, is part of Allbirds’ strategy to optimize its supply chain in line with the company’s growth, according to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Joe Vernachio.
Vernachio explained to Supply Chain Dive that Anaplan’s primary advantage lies in its ability to facilitate advanced data connectivity and streamline processes across the company’s teams. He noted that the software integrates detailed data and includes planning capabilities for demand and supply planning, purchase order submission, and retail allocation. This level of integration aids planners in efficiently building forecasts, reviewing plans at various detail levels, and making quicker, more effective decisions.
According to a press release from Anaplan in November, the platform will also allow Allbirds to refine its inventory and spending management processes, including allocations and replenishment across distribution centers and stores. This optimization is expected to reduce costs and enhance forecast accuracy.
The COO further stated that Anaplan would help streamline planning capabilities across various operational facets, leading to better data connectivity and more strategic work. He emphasized that this visibility and connectivity are crucial for Allbirds’ next growth phase.
Before implementing Anaplan, Allbirds relied on company-made spreadsheets for demand and inventory planning. However, this approach limited quick collaboration and increased risk amid the complexities of the business, especially as Allbirds expanded into new channels like wholesale and international distribution.
Anaplan’s platform is set to provide Allbirds with a unified source of truth for all relevant supply chain data, ranging from historical trends to real-time market signals. This integration will enable supply chain planners to act decisively, ensuring that products are appropriately positioned in terms of location, timing, and pricing.
The move by Allbirds reflects a broader trend among retailers to adopt technology platforms for greater supply chain visibility. For instance, Brooks Running implemented the TrusTrace platform earlier this year for traceability and compliance in responsible sourcing. Similarly, Party City adopted TradeBeyond’s platform in September to better utilize in-house data amid ongoing supply chain challenges and rising costs.
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