Thalia is implementing cloud-based order management software from Rewe Digital’s spin-off Fulfillmenttools. With the system, the book retailer aims to make its omnichannel processes more efficient, increase product availability as well as service levels, and reduce inventory. Implementation partner for the project is IT consulting and system integration company Adesso.
The measure is part of Thalia’s Log2025 logistics strategy. As part of this initiative, the company is building its own logistics and production centre, dubbed omnichannel hub, in the German city of Marl. At the same time, Thalia is optimising its IT infrastructure. At the end of last year, the Hagen-based group decided to use Relex software for forecasting and replenishment. The Retail Optimiser reported.
Thalia aims to serve its customers across various channels in the most cost-optimised way possible. “To achieve this, we need a holistic supply chain planning and control concept that standardises, streamlines, and, where possible, automates processes”. explains Marco Rebohm, Managing Director of Logistics & Supply Chain at Thalia.
Software determines optimal sourcing channels
Fulfillmenttools aims to make processing of customer orders more efficient. To this end, the software determines best possible procurement channels for all product groups and ranges for the entire Thalia logistics network. The solution oversees the entire order process from customer, the replenishment of the stores and suppliers worldwide.
Thalia plans to introduce a ship-from-store concept, whereby the individual bookstores will also function as shipping hubs. This means that customer orders can be shipped from multiple locations. Fulfillmenttools’ routing engine applies intelligent algorithms to optimally control order and shipping routes. This is set to reduce costs as well as delivery times and increase conversion rates.
Rewe Group continues to invest in Fulfillmenttools
Earlier this month, Rewe Group announced that it was investing 17 million US-Dollars in the Fulfillmenttools platform. The software company was founded in 2020 by the Rewe Digital innovation hub. It has since gained well-established retail companies as customers. In addition to various Rewe Group distribution channels, users include Kik, Wormland, Blume 2000 and Indonesian fashion franchise company Kanmo Group.
