SAF replenishment software optimally utilizes transport capacities

SAF AG, which is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN CH0024848738), and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of automated forecasting and ordering systems for retailers, will present expanded functionalities of its core products SAF SuperStore and SAF SuperWarehouse at the EuroCIS trade fair (March 2-4, 2010) in Düsseldorf. While using automated ordering processes with SAF engines, retailers benefit primarily from the improved forecasting quality and the optimized truck capacity utilization (Truck Optimization Function).

The new function Truck Optimization of the SAF SuperWarehouse ordering software helps retailers to optimally utilize their transport capacities and to ensure efficient truck capacity utilization. Half-empty truck shipments are avoided, and truck loading is optimized in line with truck operating ranges thus reducing transport costs. The new software function considers many order restrictions that play an important role in optimal truck loading such as truck volume, logistical units and stackability of products.

In addition, with the help of SAF DC-Link, warehouse demand is reconciled with store orders and integrated into the order calculation. In doing so, the software considers not only warehouse demand but also the forecasted demand of all stores. Influencing factors (for example, sales promotions, seasonal effects etc.) are considered at warehouse as well as at store level to ensure high order quality. That helps retailers to improve product availability while optimizing inventory and service levels in the warehouse at the same time.

SAF Engines forecasting quality has also been further enhanced in Release 5.1.0. The SAF solutions have always stood out for their outstanding forecasting quality as they automatically consider several influencing factors such as seasonality, trends, calendar events and promotions. With the help of the new function “Extrapolation of Trend”, SAF SuperWarehouse and SAF SuperStore consider the effect of sales-influencing factors such as advertising and calendar events on increasing and declining sales of items. For instance, new store openings simultaneously trigger a higher number of product shipments from the warehouse.

The newly integrated alert function SAF Exception called “Forecast Correction” enables users to more quickly recognize the impact of a forecast correction on the existing demand. If, for example, the retail company’s headquarters decides to modify an order forecast centrally, the SAF alert function informs order writers in the stores about such modifications. That way, users can better understand why the system automatically modified the order. This minimizes unnecessary manual interventions in the ordering process.

SAF will demonstrate how retail companies can make their replenishment process more efficient and improve their competitive position at the same time at the EuroCIS – Europe's leading specialized exhibition for information technology and security in the retail business – trade fair in Hall 14, Booth D29 in Düsseldorf from March 2-4, 2010.