This solution, based on the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, allows for comprehensive and fully integrated supply chain management in all network distribution channels. The RELEX platform optimizes both internal processes in Auchan and cooperation with suppliers in its key areas – demand planning, ensuring product availability and resource planning.
RELEX solution implemented in all Auchan stores
The RELEX solution has already been implemented in all chain stores. The second stage of implementation involves using the system to support all Auchan warehouses – including a fully automatic warehouse supporting the e-grocery channel, implemented in cooperation with OCADO. Completion of this stage is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
– A key element of our omnichannel strategy is operational efficiency, which allows us to offer our clients a wide range of services while maintaining their high level and competitive prices, which are the hallmarks of our network. One of the most important elements enabling this goal is integrated demand planning, based on which we can optimally implement our operational activities, while ensuring adequate availability of resources. Taking into account the scale and complexity of our business, it is necessary to use modern technologies based on machine learning and artificial intelligence. That is why we are constantly investing in the digitalization of our network and, very importantly, in the competences of our team. Thanks to them, we are able to fully use the capabilities of these technologies, including such advanced tools as the RELEX system – said Piotr Dopierała, Supply Chain and Logistics Director Auchan Retail Polska.
– Thanks to the partnership approach and close cooperation with the RELEX team, the first implementation results fully confirm our assumptions and we are already working on further possibilities of using the potential of this system. We are therefore fully convinced that the decision to cooperate with such a renowned partner as RELEX was right. Thanks to it, we gain the much-needed opportunity to scale our business, and most importantly, we see that it actually translates into increased shopping comfort and satisfaction of our customers. – adds Piotr Dopierała.
Supply chain optimization in Auchan
The RELEX system, using advanced machine learning algorithms, ensures supply chain optimization, accurate forecasting and inventory replenishment, taking into account various variable factors such as seasonality and promotional campaigns. The new system ensures the availability of products in each of Auchan's sales channels, optimizing promotions, deliveries and order completion with suppliers. In addition, the new system gives store employees transparent insight into and control over the stock replenishment process, improving cooperation and efficiency, which in turn translates into increased customer satisfaction.
– Consumers expect comfortable, fast and efficient shopping, regardless of the sales channel, and the key issues are supply, competitive prices and short delivery times. Therefore, the issues of efficiency and effectiveness of logistics and planning management infrastructure – also in the context of food waste – become extremely important for retail chains. Our platform, built on the basis of AI solutions, will allow Auchan to make more accurate forecasts and optimize inventory levels – all with a view to precisely understanding the preferences of Polish consumers – said Henrik Salzmann, vice-president of RELEX, responsible for sales in the Northern Europe region.
Auchan Retail Polska is a large-format retail chain with French roots, present in Poland since 1996, managing on the Polish market a network of hypermarkets under the Auchan brand, supermarkets under the Auchan Supermarket brand, convenience stores under the Easy Auchan brand, and local stores under the Moje brand. Auchan, autonomous stores under the Auchan GO brand, as well as an e-commerce channel. The chain also has franchise stores in the supermarket and hypermarket format.
