Restoration Hardware Expands Logistics Into the Cloud

Specialty retailer Restoration Hardware Inc. is expanding the capabilities of its Web-based logistics management technology platform to automate a full spectrum of import operations. GT Nexus has served as the retailer's global logistics management system for the past three years. The additional capabilities will allow the retailer to automate, standardize and monitor supply chain activities from issuing purchase orders, through production, logistics and delivery, to final supplier payment.

Restoration Hardware, Inc. is a retailer of hardware, bathware, furniture, lighting, textiles, accessories and related merchandise. The company operates more than 100 retail stores in the United States and Canada as well as a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer business that includes stand-alone catalogs and e-commerce sites.

"The value of connecting our suppliers and supply chain partners into a single, neutral platform and injecting an information standard to our import operations is huge," says Glenn Berger, vice president, transportation, at Restoration Hardware.

The retailer will now be able to see every order, item, document, cost and logistics event across its entire partner network and make decisions based on what's happening. The platform connects internal departments with suppliers, 3PLs, carriers, brokers, transload facilities, sourcing agents and financial systems to a common, secure information hub “in the cloud”, via the Web. All supply chain data and documents are standardized, creating a single version of supply chain truth, which then powers business applications and interacts with other internal systems at Restoration Hardware.

As part of this expansion, Restoration Hardware is adding a number of strategic application suites for business process automation, including:

Supplier Enablement – the exchange of purchase orders and production status.

Purchase to Pay – automation of supplier payment processes.

In-transit visibility – down to item level, from order point through final delivery.

Landed Cost – calculating actual landed costs, as they are incurred.

Scan and Pack – automated creation of fully compliant shipping labels at origin.

Freight Audit – comparison of contracts and final logistics invoices.

Importer Security Filing (ISF) – automated compliance for new U.S. Customs rules.

"This platform is a strategic investment that will support our global sourcing strategy," Berger explains. “We believe strongly in cloud computing because it gives us superior economics and faster time to value. We also recognize such a platform and industry community would be very difficult and expensive to replicate with traditional software.”

The entire service is provided over the Web and is fully hosted and managed by GT Nexus. The GT Nexus platform blends business applications with an integrated network of partners and data quality services to give customers visibility and control across companies in their supply chain. Customers can use just the services they need, and have the option to expand as their business needs warrant.

Source: http://logisticstoday.com/