The Polish supermarket chain improves operational efficiency and ensures high service levels through AI-based optimization across the supply chain
Auchan Retail Polska, the well-known grocery retailer, has selected RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning to provide demand and forecasting capabilities.
Auchan Retail Polska leverages the RELEX Solutions supply chain and retail planning platform as a vital element of their omnichannel sales strategy. Based on the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), this solution allows for comprehensive and fully integrated supply chain management for all distribution channels in which the chain operates. The RELEX platform optimizes both Auchan’s internal processes as well as collaboration with suppliers in key areas such as demand planning, availability and resource planning.
Auchan has already implemented RELEX in all the chain’s stores in Poland. The second phase of the implementation will envisage using the system to support all Auchan warehouses and distribution systems including the newest fully automated e-grocery fulfilment center built in collaboration with OCADO. This phase is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025.
“A key element of our omnichannel strategy is operational agility and efficiency, enabling us to offer our customers a wide range of services while maintaining the high service level and competitive prices that are the hallmark of our network. To reach this ambitious goal, we need advanced integrated supply chain planning capabilities, from demand planning up to replenishment process and resource planning in warehouses and stores. With the scale, complexity and customer centricity of our business, it becomes nowadays absolutely necessary to use modern technologies based on machine learning and artificial intelligence to be able to maintain competitive advantage. That is why we are continuously investing in the digitalisation of our supply chain and very importantly, in the competences of our team, thanks to which we can fully exploit the possibilities of these technologies, including of course such advanced tools such as RELEX,” said Piotr Dopierała, Supply Chain and Logistics Director Auchan Retail Polska.
Using advanced machine learning algorithms, the RELEX system provides supply chain optimization, accurate forecasting and replenishment, considering a variety of variable factors such as seasonality or promotional campaigns. The new system ensures product availability in each of Auchan’s sales channels, optimising promotions, deliveries and order picking at suppliers. In addition, the new system gives shop staff transparent visibility and control of the replenishment process, improving collaboration and efficiency, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
“Thanks to the partnership approach and close cooperation with the RELEX team, the first implementation results fully confirm our assumptions and, what’s more, we are already working jointly on further opportunities to exploit the potential of the system. As a result, we are convinced that the decision to work with such a renowned partner as RELEX was the right one. It gives us the much-needed ability to scale our business and, most importantly, we can see that it translates into increased shopping convenience and satisfaction of our customers,” adds Piotr Dopierała.
“Consumers expect convenient, fast and efficient shopping, regardless of the sales channel, and sourcing, competitive prices and short delivery times are key. For retail chains, the issues of efficiency and effectiveness of the logistics and planning management infrastructure are therefore becoming extremely important – also in the context of food waste. Our AI-driven platform will allow Auchan to make more accurate forecasts, optimise inventories – all with a precise understanding of the preferences of Polish consumers,” said Henrik Salzmann, Vice President, Sales, Northern Europe, RELEX Solutions.