Grocery retailer Auchan Retail Polska taps RELEX Solutions supply chain and retail planning platform

Auchan Retail Polska has selected RELEX Solutions to provide demand and forecasting capabilities.   

It is leveraging the latter’s supply chain and retail planning platform as a vital element of its 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 optimises both Auchan’s internal processes as well as collaboration with suppliers in key areas such as demand planning, availability and resource planning.

Auchan has 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 centre 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,” says Piotr Dopierała, Supply Chain and Logistics Director Auchan Retail Polska.

“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.”

Using machine learning algorithms, the RELEX system provides supply chain optimisation, accurate forecasting and replenishment, considering a variety of variable factors such as seasonality or promotional campaigns.

It ensures product availability in each of Auchan’s sales channels, optimising promotions, deliveries and order picking at suppliers. In addition, it gives shop staff transparent visibility and control of the replenishment process.

“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,” says Dopierała.

“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.”

“Consumers expect convenient, fast and efficient shopping, regardless of the sales channel, and sourcing, competitive prices and short delivery times are key,” says Henrik Salzmann, Vice President, Sales, Northern Europe, RELEX Solutions.

“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.”