Auchan Retail France, a prominent player in the retail industry, has extended its collaboration with RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions.

The expansion aims to enhance Auchan Retail France's supply chain efficiency and improve customer service in its physical stores and food e-commerce operations.

Supply chain transformation project since 2019

Since 2019, Auchan Retail France has been engaged in a supply chain transformation project with RELEX.

The initiative focuses on optimising inventory, increasing product availability, and enhancing customer service within physical stores.

The partnership is now set to extend its scope to include food e-commerce, specifically Drives and Home Delivery services, in 2024.

Delivery flow smoothing and fresh produce optimisation

In the latest phase of the project, Auchan Retail France plans to broaden the implementation of RELEX solutions, incorporating delivery flow smoothing and fresh produce optimisation capabilities.

The delivery flow smoothing capabilities will play a pivotal role in balancing deliveries at various levels, from point-of-sale and distribution centres to upstream processes such sa preparation and transport.

According to Arnaud Poisson, supply chain director at Auchan Retail France: "An efficient, streamlined supply chain is crucial today in satisfying consumers. By increasing our investment in RELEX Solutions’ technology, we aim to increase efficiency, reduce waste while guaranteeing product availability and freshness at all times, while reducing the impact on our carbon footprint."

Integration of machine learning and weather forecasts

Auchan Retail France is concurrently implementing complementary modules to enhance sales forecast calculations.

In 2024, the incorporation of machine learning and weather forecasts will empower Auchan Retail to manage demand fluctuations more effectively, especially those influenced by changing weather conditions.

Julien Henrion, project manager in Auchan Retail France’s Supply Chain project department, highlighted the significance of these additions.

Thanks to the adoption of RELEX technology, Auchan Retail France will gain valuable insights into customer preferences.

The technology will enable the retailer to make more accurate forecasts, optimise stock levels, minimise out-of-stock scenarios, and ensure that products reach customers in their freshest state.

Stefano Scandelli, senior vice-president for Sales at EMEA & APAC, RELEX Solutions, emphasised the importance of accurate forecasting in the food and retail sectors:

"Accurate forecasting is crucial in food and retail, particularly to reduce wastage. Auchan Retail France will now be able to make more accurate forecasts, optimise stock levels, minimise out-of-stocks, and ensure that products are at their freshest when they reach customers’ hands."