This is exactly what Marks & Spencer did, which led them to Zetes, which in turn helped them increase their visibility and streamline their entire supply chain.

Zetes is known as an experienced advisor to large global companies whose specialty and expertise we find in precisely visibility, traceability and streamlining of the distribution chain.

– We work to streamline our customers’ distribution processes and then we look closely at all parts and analyze how we can do this better. For us, the technology itself is not the interesting thing, but we are more interested in non-functioning processes, where the technology can become an enabler, says Håkan Hammar, Sweden manager and business development manager at Zetes.

Zete’s streamlined Marks & Spencer’s supply chain

Marks & Spencer is a global retailer of everything from clothing to fresh produce. Their business is huge and so is their distribution chain. It is therefore not shocking that they too experience problems with their processes and in their network of suppliers. To remedy the problems, they turned to Zetes.

– Many retailers can relate to the fact that it is a sensitive industry with very little patience for lack of deliveries. As a reseller, you lose a customer immediately if what they want is not with you. Marks & Spencer sat on old systems and had no opportunity to share data between their suppliers and stores. Something that ultimately leads to a lot of negative consequences, says Håkan.

For Marks & Spencer, their lack of visibility made their processes more difficult. For example, when you are unable to track your goods or share real-time data, you will not receive any proactive warnings about delays or missed deliveries.

– In this particular case, the lack of visibility led to them losing a large amount of fresh produce, a poor filling level in their stores and ultimately a deteriorating customer experience. We changed that, says Håkan.

What does increased visibility mean?

Visibility stands for the ability to see everything that happens in the distribution chain in real time. The better the visibility the more control. Just like for Marks & Spencer, visibility is something that is becoming increasingly important in the industry as a whole. Consumers and end customers are placing ever higher demands on deliveries, at the same time as the demands on sustainability are also increasing. Two factors that require better visibility.

– Now Marks & Spencer has intelligent visibility. They can see everything from their producer to their stores with real-time data. If they receive a warning that a supplier does not have the amount of salad they ordered, they have the time and opportunity to solve the problem elsewhere. It has reduced their food waste drastically and from a sustainability perspective, it is absolutely necessary if we are to succeed with the goals we have of halving food waste by 2030, Håkan explains.

In order to meet the sustainability requirements, a comprehensive reorganization of logistics is required. It is manifested at the fair / conference Logistics & Transports choice of focus areas for when they take place at the Swedish Fair in Gothenburg 9-10 November 2021. The focus will be on; sustainability, energy efficiency and smart logistics. It is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet, be inspired, exchange lessons and start collaborating on new, more efficient logistics solutions.