Marks & Spencer (M&S) Food is partnering with RELEX Solutions in a bid to improve product availability and reduce waste.
The grocery retailer has deployed the retail and supply chain platform’s forecasting and replenishment technology across its food business to better manage stock levels and demand across 1,050 stores and 13 distribution centres in the UK and Ireland.
The system, first implemented in March 2021, supports M&S Food’s complex supply chain, particularly across its fresh and chilled categories, which account for more than 70 per cent of the retailer’s food range.
Using AI-driven forecasting, it uses factors including historic sales, weather forecasts, promotions, pricing and events to predict demand more accurately.
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It is understood these insights are then combined with operational inputs such as inventory levels, lead times and delivery schedules to automate replenishment decisions.
M&S Food said the technology supports its wider sustainability commitments, including efforts to cut food waste by improving supply chain efficiency and ensuring products reach stores at the right time.
“These achievements highlight M&S Food’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity, as well as their ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the retail landscape,” added RELEX Solutions EMEA senior vice president Jason Berry
“We are honoured to support M&S Food in their journey to improve operational efficiency and look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive even more success”.
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