Urban Outfitters Speeds Turnaround
Urban Outfitters increases ordering efficiencies and reduces total headcount with Manhattan Associates supply chain software. In anticipation of projected company growth, the apparel retailer implemented Warehouse Management and Performance Management modules in the company's direct channel facility in Trenton, South Carolina.The Performance Management module offers dashboard views and detailed reports to measure and analyze supply chain performance. "We had no idea how valuable the performance management solution's analysis and report capabilities would be to our business," says Ken McKinney, director of distribution, Urban Outfitters. "The direct channel implementation was a great success, and we plan to continue rolling out to our other channels." Results recorded include a 35 percent reduction in total headcount; an 80 percent reduction in manifesting and invoicing processes; a 60 percent rise in putaway efficiency; and a 66 percent reduction in turn time through receiving. Urban Outfitters operates under the Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People brands. Each brand has its own retail stores, catalogs and Web sites. In addition the Free People brand also has a wholesale division, which sells apparel items to approximately 1,100 stores and catalogs.