Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer for Barloworld SCS, and Robert Wieggers, Head of Solution Design at CEVA, presented the results of applying CAST in a case study at a recent international event. Evidence was shared to reveal the actual cost savings and carbon reduction were considerably higher than originally estimated. The presentation also demonstrated how companies integrating supply chain planning across both functional divisions and planning time horizons also realise significant improvements in logistics, inventory, and service performance compared to companies planning their supply chain in traditional 'silos', or without integration.

"This case study is a great way to demonstrate the effects that strategic modelling can have on the day to day supply chain" says Robert Wieggers. "We are able to share the whole story from the initial strategy generated by the supply chain software to the actual savings achieved after several years of operation."

For demonstrating a CO2 friendly supply chain redesign for this customer, CEVA Logistics was awarded the Lean and Green Award by Connekt, a Dutch forum that promotes smart and sustainable 'mobility' thinking among logistic service providers and international partners. The Lean and Green Award is awarded to companies that are committed to reducing the CO2 emissions in their logistics activities by 20% within a five year period.

For further details call +44 (0)121 746 5350 or email marketing@barloworldscs.com

Supply chain planning leaders Barloworld SCS has become a value added reseller of Network Value Modeller (NVM), created by software company Incept. The addition of NVM to Barloworld SCS's integrated supply chain planning suite will provide its customers with access to an even more effective comprehensive solution.

The NVM tool is a software application designed to provide retailers and manufacturers with "end to end" cost to serve analysis. It delivers the capability to examine costs for any supply chain activity, as well as supporting a wide range of carbon emission calculations.

The software allows users to map supply chain networks by linking locations, flows and activities to reflect any costing scenario. It also has the flexibility to support any industry standard or custom activity based costing, coupled with powerful scenario modelling.

Barloworld SCS's existing CAST software offers valuable network optimisation capabilities that complement the NVM tool. Richard Forrest CEO of Barloworld SCS explains:

"Using NVM with CAST, retailers and manufacturers can map and optimise their extended supply networks from the point of production to the product's arrival in store. Companies can evaluate routes to market, simulate different activity options on any flow in terms of cost and carbon, helping to optimise their supply chains from end to end and reduce their carbon footprint.

"NVM will not compete with our existing network optimisation or simulation applications. It provides a simple way to visually build collaborative network models between manufacturers and retailers.

It can be used to provide input costs for strategy network optimisation in CAST Aurora software and complements the full Barloworld SCS product suite."

NVM software complements the existing Barloworld SCS product portfolio, which includes CAST Aurora, Optimiza Inventory Planner, Optimiza Demand Planner and CINO software. It will also allow manufacturers and retailers to carry out cost and CO₂ analysis without having to source large amounts of data.

Barloworld SCS and Incept are already working together with a major retail company in South Africa to deploy this technology following a successful pilot study.

To find out more about Barloworld Supply Chain Software call +44 (0)121 746 5350 or email marketing@barloworldscs.com

This year's User Forum took place on the 17th October at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, UK and was attended by 130 Barloworld SCS software users from all over the world, which included major retailers, food and drink manufacturers and logistics operations.

The annual event enables Barloworld SCS customers to see the current products and learn about future planned developments. It is also an opportunity to network with industry colleagues and meet the Barloworld SCS sales and development teams.

"We use the Barloworld SCS user forum as a chance to talk openly to our customers and get valuable feedback about our products" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS. "It also enables us to recognise and thank some of our customers, which we do through our 'User of the Year' awards."

The 'User of the Year' titles are awarded to Barloworld SCS customers, based on how their use of Barloworld SCS software has benefitted their operations.

Kevin Boake (on the right), announced the 'OPTIMIZA User of the Year 2012' as Automotive Distributors Ltd and presented the award to Tracy Leggett (on the left).

Due to a high level of nominations, this year's 'CAST Aurora User of the Year' award was divided into five categories and the awards were presented by Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS (see pictures below).

The Global Region 'CAST Aurora User of the Year 2012' award was presented to Yannick Picaut of British American Tobacco. Peter Madsen of Carlsberg was awarded the European Region category title and the Asia Region award was presented to Girts Jaunpujens of the LEGO Group.

DHL received two 'CAST Aurora User of the Year 2012' awards. Paul Forrest received the 3PL category title and Fielden Sinei was awarded the African Region title.

New OPTIMIZA software functionality was shared with the attendees, which includes a new flexi template, Multi-Demand stream and Price Break Optimisation functionality. "We showed our users how we are able to audit and track changes to inventory data over time, enabling them to better understand the root cause of problems and when they have occurred, particularly with the Flexi template functionality." says Kevin Boake.

OPTIMIZA users also learnt about Oriana software, built from the standard Barloworld SCS technology on the foundation of Microsoft .NET and SQL Server. "We successfully demonstrated all the existing functionally that has been brought across from OPTIMIZA" adds Kevin.  "We showed how the tools now also include fully integrated Hierarchical demand forecasting and S&OP functionality, such as diary systems, process monitoring, reasoning coding and audit logging."

Customers also learnt about the new functionality of CAST Aurora. "CAST Aurora is already helping companies to realise great levels of supply chain savings using the software's multi-time period optimisation function, which was revealed at the 2011 User Forum" says Fraser Ironside. "That functionality shows which assets to open and close and when to make investment decisions, whilst considering real world constraints such as facility contract length and opening and closing costs."

New CAST functionality includes a Transaction Level Data Importer and Aggregation Wizard, SKU level inventory modelling across the network, Next generation Carbon Modelling and Optimisation and Multi-Objective Network Optimisation scenarios. Barloworld SCS staff also offered product training at the event and attendees were invited to run real time models in CAST Aurora, under the guidance of a Barloworld SCS consultant.

"The CAST User Forum provided an ideal opportunity for our customers to get hands-on experience with the new CAST Aurora software functionality and to help us to shape the future development of the product" adds Fraser.

'CAST Aurora User of the Year 2012'
Presented by Fraser Ironside (on the right)

Winner: 3PL category - Paul Forrest - DHL - Collected by Barry Couchman (on the left)

Winner: European Region category - Peter Madsen - Carlsberg - Collected by Jon Tidey (on the left)

Winner: Asia Region category - Girts Jaunpujens (on the left) - The LEGO Group

Winner: African Region category - Fielden Sinei - DHL - Collected by Tom Ballingall (on the left)

Winner: Global Region category - Yannick Picaut (on the left) - British American
Tobacco

"Barloworld SCS is completely independent to the handling business and remains a strategic part of the Barloworld Group," says Richard Forrest, CEO of Barloworld SCS which has its European headquarters in the Midlands, UK. "We are currently enjoying the success of our leading software solutions and recent expansion into France and our customer base continues to grow. We also have new product developments on the horizon."

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their network and inventory performance.

"Customer service is our top priority and achieving higher forecast accuracy helps to improve our service levels by helping us to meet more customer demands" says Gerco Oosterink, Demand and Supply Manager at Gazelle. "Optimiza Demand Planner software helps us to respond quickly to possible changes in expected demand and we are now able to identify exceptions and convert this data into a well-considered demand plan."

Reliable forecasts help to create an effective demand plan, leading to improved revenue forecast accuracy, and inventory levels aligned with peaks and troughs in demand. Gazelle's operation faces a number of challenges in demand planning, with a particularly complex supply chain that includes a constantly changing product range, 800 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), and long lead times on the various components required.  The product range changes each year with new models (in different colours) added and some models discontinued, so sales history data, which is usually a key step in demand planning, cannot necessarily be used in the standard way.

However, Optimiza Demand Planner (ODP) software helps Gazelle to keep the demand plan up-to-date, based on orders received from dealers, Point of Sale data and a library of demand profiles from recent collection years.

When selecting ODP software from Barloworld SCS and its reseller partner for the Benelux region, Toplogic, Gazelle's goal was to realise a reliable forecast at 65% accuracy. Following the implementation of ODP, Gazelle has seen its forecast reliability go from 60% to 70% accuracy.

"ODP software is an advanced demand management tool, designed to help organisations, such as Gazelle, build and maintain an accurate demand forecast" explains Richard Mobbs of Barloworld SCS.  "In Gazelle's case, ODP has been configured with a pyramid structure, making it possible to forecast the demand on a cumulative level."

Alex Verweij of Toplogic adds "Gazelle required ODP as an advanced software solution to support its complex supply chain, but the company also understands the importance of aligning employees and supply chain processes with the defined inventory management strategies."

Barloworld Supply Chain Software has produced a white paper that explains how to drive value to a company's bottom line through improved inventory flow management.

Titled 'Driving shareholder value with multi-echelon inventory optimisation' the whitepaper is available to download, free of charge, from the Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) website. It outlines how Barloworld SCS's CINO software can be used by businesses with complex supply chains to improve their efficiency.

The paper investigates how improvements to inventory management can impact operating costs, working capital and customer service. Whether a company is focused on cost-cutting or growth, the effectiveness of its supply chain is probably the single biggest lever available to improve performance.

Sophisticated supply chains present huge challenges for coordinating inventory flow and traditional inventory planning approaches lack the sophistication required to optimise the operation of the entire network.

CINO (an acronym for Combined Inventory Network Optimisation) combines advanced sourcing and routing techniques with multi-echelon inventory optimisation to enable companies to effectively manage the balance of service performance targets with operational costs.

By considering the details of all sourcing, transportation and processing alternatives and taking into account lead times, capacities, constraints and service level targets across the entire network, CINO can determine optimal inventory flow and stocking policies for every SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), at every location. It provides early visibility of potential issues and enables companies to collaborate with their suppliers and customers to meet service performance targets efficiently and reliably.

This planning approach ensures that service targets are achieved at the lowest possible cost.

"CINO software enables organisations to maximise the performance of an existing network, identify any weaknesses and model the impact of planned and unplanned events" says Nick Newby-Ricci of Barloworld SCS.

The paper complements a series of discussions on LinkedIn that considers how a number of the global supply chain trends of 2012 are relevant to CINO software, as demonstrated in the whitepaper.

To learn more about how CINO software helps to positively affect shareholder value, download the white paper titled 'Driving shareholder value with multi-echelon inventory optimisation', free of charge, and watch the webinar recording, click here.  Join the CINO LinkedIn Group (search for CINO Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimisation Group) to discuss the supply chain trends of 2012 and find out how CINO can be applied to all of them.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their network and inventory performance.

The 'must-attend' event for supply chain professionals will include hot topics in supply chain, industry-defining keynotes, top solution providers and the opportunity to network with industry experts and peers. Topics on the agenda include inventory optimisation, demand-driven value network and supply chain risk mitigation.

Barloworld SCS specialists will be available on a stand S7 at the event to offer visitors information and advice about the company's suite of smart software solutions, including CAST Aurora, Optimiza Inventory Planner and CINO, developed to support supply chain network modelling, inventory optimisation and demand planning.

To make an appointment with Barloworld SCS during the event, please contact Amerjeet Ujjal aujjal@barloworldscs.com.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their network and inventory performance.

Increased globalisation has resulted in businesses situating different elements of the operation (such as manufacturing and warehousing) across various geographical locations. CAST Aurora supply chain modelling software has been developed by Barloworld SCS to help businesses identify the most cost effective supply chain to transport product around the world.

In parts of the world, for example in Brazil and India, companies moving product from one area to another are required to pay additional tax, based on how the product is moved. CAST Aurora software helps to calculate the payable and recoverable tax, to help a company optimise its supply chain costs.

"One of the main challenges in designing a cost effective supply chain across various countries is the tax differentials from one location to another " says Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS. "More businesses are beginning to use CAST Aurora as an advanced software solution capable of considering tax optimisation in order to identify the most cost effective supply chain."

CAST Aurora software has been designed to assist with global supply chain modelling and strategic network design and optimisation.  It is used to identify the optimal supply chain configuration, calculating end-to-end supply chain costs and can facilitate multi-time period network optimisation with mapping, locations and road network databases for any combination of countries. The advanced tax optimisation function is the latest development, helping businesses to identify further cost savings.

"Different tax set ups and trade agreements apply across different countries, so the country the product is imported from can make a noticeable difference to tax costs" adds Fraser. "Unlike other supply chain software products that offer basic tax calculations, CAST Aurora provides advanced functionality to help optimise the balance of payable and recoverable tax."

A global high-tech electrical product manufacturing company has recently used CAST Aurora to help identify its optimal routes to market. With its manufacturing operation based in Asia and the products' final destination in Latin America, the company required a supply chain network design to include the best possible import route.

"In this case, CAST Aurora was used to run scenarios that assessed the import routes from Asia to Latin America via Miami and Mexico, to ultimately identify the lowest total company cost strategy" explains Fraser. "An 8% saving was identified for the company, through identification of the optimal import gateway."

A webinar hosted by Fraser was recently attended by more than 50 leading supply chain professionals for some of the world's largest brands on the subject of " Identifying the tax optimal supply chain using CAST Aurora strategic network design software" which is available to view on the company's website (www.barloworldscs.com/home/media/media-archive.aspx).

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their network and inventory performance.

"With our smart product suite of supply chain software that uses the latest technology and a strong French-speaking team, we have the resources in place to support the supply chain market in France" says Gilles Alais, Country Manager for Barloworld SCS France.

The event was a great success, with high attendance. It began with a presentation by Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS about the company's Strategy and Vision within the French market, followed by testimonials from two of the company's existing French customers.

ISEL School of Logistics, has achieved reduced costs and reduced carbon emissions for the VALVER project with Renault environmental division, thanks to effective logistics network modelling with Barloworld SCS's CAST software. The Renault environmental division initiated its VALVER Project in 2009, working with ISEL School of Logistics (graduate) of the University of Le Havre in France to reorganise and reconfigure the glass recycling operation at Renault.

Christophe Bisiaux, Project Manager for ISEL, explained to delegates at the event how CAST was used to model the network.  They were able to evaluate and identify the optimal supply chain configuration and calculate the total cost to market, identifying supply chain scenarios that enabled cost and carbon emission reductions. To date, CAST software has been used to identify more than ten scenarios to optimise Renault's recycling supply chain.

Supply Manager, Marie-Ange Terrasse of CARGLASS France, one of the leading automotive glass repair and replacement specialists in France, and another of Barloworld SCS's French customers, also presented at the event. Marie-Ange explained the company's positive experience of Optimiza Inventory Planner software from Barloworld SCS and the benefits it has brought to CARGLASS France.

By building an inventory model of the business, and taking into account the unique supply and demand characteristics of its supply chain, Optimiza Inventory Planner has helped CARGLASS France to reduce its inventory and helping to increase service levels to the 1 million plus drivers that CARGLASS serves each year.

Guest speakers Jean-Philippe Guillaume and Cathy Polge, editors of the French publication, Supply Chain Magazine talked about 'complexity management' and supply chain software that provides solutions at strategic, tactical and operational levels, such as the Barloworld SCS product suite.

The event closed with live demonstrations of CAST, CINO (Combined Inventory and Network Optimisation) and Optimiza Inventory Planner software products, accompanied by cocktail networking.

"We are very pleased with the success of the seminar and the launch of our office in Paris" says Gilles Alais. "We have received positive feedback from attendees who found the day interesting and useful, and we have booked in several follow up meetings, which is a great start to the expansion of Barloworld SCS into the French market."

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is a global network of firms that has recently expanded its services in the Russian Federation to include supply chain management. The new business consulting team required specialist supply chain software and selected CAST Aurora from Barloworld Supply Chain Software (Barloworld SCS).

Having researched various supply chain software providers in Russia, PwC considered Barloworld SCS's software and services (including training and consultancy, which has also been provided to PwC) to best meet the supply chain planning requirements of PwC Russia's customers.

"We selected Barloworld SCS for a number of reasons" explains Vardan Gasparyan, Senior Manager, SCM Logistics at PwC Russia. "The new CAST Aurora software with its multi-time period functionality, and level of localisation met our operational criteria. Training and fast response support provided by Barloworld SCS were also essential factors in our decision making."

CAST Aurora software, (a powerful, PC based application) has been designed to assist with global supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation. It is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the end-to-end supply chain costs leading to cost savings and service improvements.

"CAST Aurora, is widely recognised as one of the most successfully deployed supply chain modelling solutions available" says Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS. "CAST Aurora has been developed to facilitate multi-time period network optimisation with mapping, locations and road network databases for any combination of countries."

Vardan adds that the company's reputation for excellent service, support levels and powerful software also influenced PwC Russia's decision, along with the breadth of its software offering, which could be useful for projects in the future. "While PwC Russia supply chain team had not experienced the service of Barloworld SCS previously, global PwC operations had positive experiences with the company on other projects with large retail companies. Barloworld SCS has a strong reputation and something of a legacy" he says.

ISEL, School of Logistics (graduate) of the University of Le Havre in France is currently working on the VALVER project, which was initiated by Renault in December 2009.  The project was established in response to the legal constraints regarding the recycling of vehicles and raw materials, according to new French policies.

"The supply chain surrounding the glass recycling operation at Renault, required reorganisation and reconfiguration in order to become fully optimised, whilst fitting within various time, legal and environmental constraints" explains Christophe Bisiaux, Logistics Project Manager at ISEL Le Havre.  "To achieve this, we have selected CAST software, which has been developed by Barloworld SCS to assist with supply chain modelling, network design and optimisation."

Member of the recycling plan board of directors, Toni Gallone, of Renault, explains "The project has been established to develop interactive collaboration with partners and to develop new recycling models using a new approach, which may develop new synergies."

To date, CAST software has been used to identify more than ten scenarios to optimise Renault's recycling supply chain. Since beginning the project, ISEL has signed a two year contract with Renault environment and the project has been recognised by, and received financial support from, the French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management, ADEME. The VALVER project is also supported by Europe, the French State and the Haute-Normandie region.

"The experience and the results of VALVER project will be reused in future projects" adds Toni Gallone. "In fact, ISEL and Renault are associated in new projects involving the recycling of other automotive materials, including textiles and polypropylene. ISEL will use CAST software to design the future supply chain."

CAST is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the total cost to market, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld Supply Chain Software explains "By using CAST software as a decision tool to model the network, ISEL has been able to identify supply chain scenarios that enable the reduction of both cost and carbon emissions."

ISEL, School of logistics, founded in 1994, is a French engineering school (Graduate School of logistics) at the University of Le Havre, offering five year specialised engineering logistics programs. To find out more, visit www.isel-logistique.fr.

French recycling association, ProRecyclage, supports the VALVER project. To find out more, visit http://www.prorecyclage.com/actualites/edito/current.html.

CINO V2 is a multi-echelon inventory optimisation (MEIO) software application that enables a step change in the way inventory is managed through a complex network.

"By combining MEIO with optimised routing and sourcing technologies, CINO V2 is able to calculate optimum inventory policies to ensure customer service target levels are achieved at the minimum cost" says Nick Newby-Ricci, Business Development Manager - EMEA at Barloworld SCS. "It can also help to quickly evaluate the impact of unplanned events and model alternative plans to mitigate risk, as well as manage constraints and support lean or agile strategies."

CINO V2 software helps businesses to achieve greater transparency and the ability to model end to end inventory flows, so they are able to reduce working capital and consistently realise targeted service performance levels.

"In the current economic climate many businesses face the challenge of how to deliver the level of service that customers require in order to compete effectively" adds Nick Newby-Ricci. "Traditional approaches to inventory management are not capable of calculating inventory policies that enable the service level that customers demand with an acceptable level of working capital."

Multimodal is the UK and Ireland's leading freight transport and logistics exhibition and has evolved into an annual one stop shop for shippers who need to find ways of optimising their supply chain and transportation flows and suppliers of transportation services. Attending Multimodal provides the opportunity to compare suppliers, strategies and modes and network with cargo owners.

Barloworld SCS exhibited and demonstrated a range of supply chain modelling and inventory optimising software at Multimodal 2012. The company offers a comprehensive suite of Smart software based solutions to help businesses enhance their entire supply chains, through the application of warehouse location planning, service lead-time analysis, stock profiling and classification, inventory forecasting, demand planning and excess stock management.

Opening the new office follows a number of successes for Barloworld SCS in France in recent years, with customers including ThyssenKrupp Aerospace, Carglass France and FM Logistic. Gilles Alais, Country Manager - France at Barloworld Supply Chain Software, attributes these successes to the quality of the Barloworld SCS product suite and the level of support available to customers.

"Barloworld SCS provides a full suite of supply chain software solutions to assist business with supply chain planning, strategy and inventory optimisation, supported by supply chain consultancy and customer support" comments Gilles Alais. "Adding a local support base in France will enhance the service offering and level of support in the country."

There are four principle software solutions offered by Barloworld SCS. These include supply chain network modelling software, ' CAST Aurora', the multi-echelon inventory optimisation software, 'CINO', for inventory planning strategy, and ' Optimiza Demand Planner' and ' Optimiza Inventory Planner' for optimised inventory management and demand management.

"The Barloworld SCS product suite fits well within the French marketplace and the Barloworld SCS offering is very different to our competitors" adds Gilles. "We are noticing many businesses are putting more focus on supply chain planning so it is the right time to ensure that all Barloworld Supply Chain Software solutions and local support is readily available in France."

There will be an official launch of the office, with distinguished speakers and customer testimonials on Wednesday 20 June at the new premises in Paris, 20-22 Rue des Petits Hôtels 75010 Paris France. To reserve your seat and for further information please contact Gabrielle Barthelemy on gbarthelemy@barloworldscs.com.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software (Barloworld SCS) offers a suite of supply chain software solutions to assist businesses with supply chain planning, strategy and inventory optimisation, supported by supply chain consultancy and customer support.

"We have lots of different clients in different markets all over the world" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS. "We strive to provide the best service and support to all our customers, but it can sometimes be challenging to do so centrally from the UK. As a global company with customers all over the world, it is important to have a local presence where possible."

With more than 18 years of experience within international software ERP and APS vendors, Gilles has been selected as an experienced business manager, to lead the Barloworld SCS business in France.

"We're really excited about having a local presence in France and we have a strong and experienced business development manager in Gilles to help push the business forward" says Kevin Boake. "We've seen the importance of a specialist to concentrate on non-multi-national business because, while many businesses are global, lots are also national, such as French companies that focus just on France. An experienced local business manager such as Gilles in France is invaluable."

Gilles Alais has previously been an Account Manager for mid and large CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), manufacturing and retail companies, involved with sales and business development. He has an IT Masters degree for Enterprise Management and an Economic Science degree.

The event organised by Barloworld SCS is a forum that provides supply chain managers and professionals who use Optimiza inventory management software, the opportunity to discuss particular topics and challenges affecting their businesses and to share their experiences and solutions.  Each meeting is hosted by a different organisation.

The key theme of the recent boardroom was 'Managing a Far East Supply Chain', which Peter Bridgwater and Jonathan Rogers of Scolmore International hosted at Scolmore's new showroom facility in Tamworth.

Representatives from various organisations that use Optimiza software participated in the event, with businesses ranging from jewellery manufacture to personal protective equipment distribution, all with the common criteria that they have suppliers in the Far East.

During the event Peter explained how Scolmore had grown from being a distributor of electrical plugs from a tiny warehouse in 1990, to now being one of the leading and most successful distributors of electrical accessories and lighting equipment in the UK. Scolmore's product range currently consists of over 4000 products and the international company operates from a 100,000 square foot facility.

"Scolmore's success has been built upon effective management of a predominantly Chinese supply chain" explains Peter Bridgwater.  "The focus of the day was on how best to maximise opportunities from these relationships, whilst minimising risk."

Various topics were discussed throughout the day, including the effects of anti dumping duties, trading standards relationship benefits, container price hikes, trademark protection and Chinese New Year management.  The pros and cons of currency risk strategies, the merits of JVs versus setting up a company from scratch in China or Hong Kong and the benefits of having Chinese speaking staff in the UK were also on the agenda, as well as the big question of 'where to go next, after China'.

"Our thanks go to Peter and Jonathan at Scolmore for organising such an interesting day" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS.  "The event was of great benefit to the wider Optimiza software user community and, as always, was a useful opportunity to discuss important supply chain and inventory management issues."

Established in 1990 Scolmore International is a British based family-run business in the electrical accessory market. Based in the Midlands at a purpose built 100,000sq ft Head Office and Distribution Centre, Scolmore is ideally located to design, develop, manufacture and distribute its ever-expanding product range throughout the UK.

Global supply chain planning company, Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) is exhibiting its range of supply chain modelling and inventory optimising software solutions, including CAST Aurora, at Multimodal 2012, on stand 232, at Birmingham's NEC from 1-3 May.

During the 3 day event, there will be live demonstrations of CAST Aurora, with a particular focus on identifying the tax optimal supply chain using the new CAST Aurora strategic network design software.

"At Multimodal, we will demonstrate how companies can minimise operational costs as well as tax costs" says Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling. "Supply Chains are becoming increasingly globalised and different geographies offer variable tax liabilities as products cross trade and tax borders - so when planning their supply chains, companies must consider both operational and tax costs."

Barloworld SCS has developed the next generation network optimisation supply chain modelling software, CAST Aurora, (a powerful, PC based application) to assist with global supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation.  CAST Aurora is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the end-to-end supply chain costs leading to cost savings and service improvements.

"Multimodal provides the opportunity to meet with existing and potential customers and to discuss current supply chain requirements" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS. "Specialists will be on the stand to offer advice about supply chain modelling, inventory optimisation strategy, demand planning and various topics surrounding supply chain optimisation."

Visitors to Multimodal 2012 will also see Barloworld SCS launch the latest version of CINO, a multi-echelon inventory strategy optimisation software application that enables a step change in the way inventory is managed across the network.

Barloworld SCS offers a suite of software solutions to help companies enhance their entire supply chains, through the application of warehouse location planning, service lead-time analysis, stock profiling and classification, inventory forecasting, demand planning and excess stock management

The software suite available from Barloworld SCS includes the CAST Aurora Supply Chain Strategy tool, CINO multi-echelon inventory optimisation software and Optimiza Inventory Planner, which helps drive down inventory and improve service levels.

Multimodal is the UK and Ireland's leading freight transport and logistics exhibition.  The event, now entering its fifth year, has evolved into an annual one stop shop for shippers looking for ways to optimise their supply chain and transportation flows and suppliers of transportation services. Attending Multimodal provides the opportunity to compare suppliers, strategies and modes and network with cargo owners.

The event is to be hosted by Peter Bridgewater of Scolmore International, a British based family-run business in the electrical accessory market and will take place at the offices/distribution centre in Tamworth.  The theme of this event will be 'Managing a Far East Supply Chain'.

"Our Boardrooms focus on discussing challenges and solutions within the context of Supply Chain Planning and Management and provide an invaluable forum for all involved in Supply Chain Planning" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director, Barloworld SCS. "Our previous Boardrooms, hosted by ADL, Belron and Bunzl Lockhart, proved to be of huge value to clients that attended."

Global supply chain planning company, Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) is exhibiting its range of supply chain modelling and inventory optimising software solutions at Multimodal 2012 at Birmingham's NEC from 1-3 May.

"Multimodal provides the opportunity to meet with existing and potential customers and to discuss current supply chain requirements" says Kevin Boake, Managing Director of Barloworld SCS. "Specialists will be on the stand to offer advice about supply chain modelling, inventory optimisation strategy, demand planning and various topics surrounding supply chain optimisation."

Multimodal 2012 will also see Barloworld SCS launch the latest version of CINO a multi-echelon inventory strategy optimisation application that enables a step change in the way inventory is managed across the network.

"In the current economic climate many businesses face the challenge of how to deliver the level of service that customers require in order to compete effectively" says Nick Newby-Ricci, Business Development Manager for Barloworld SCS. "Traditional approaches to inventory management are not capable of calculating inventory policies that enable the service level customers demand with an acceptable level of working capital."

Multi-echelon inventory strategy optimisation applications such as Barloworld SCS's CINO software helps businesses to achieve greater transparency and the ability to model end to end inventory flows, so they are able to reduce working capital and consistently achieve targeted service performance levels.

Barloworld SCS offers a suite of software solutions to help companies enhance their entire supply chains, through the application of warehouse location planning, service lead-time analysis, stock profiling and classification, inventory forecasting, demand planning and excess stock management.

Barloworld SCS's software range includes the CAST Aurora Supply Chain Strategy tool and Optimiza Inventory Planner, which helps drive down inventory and improve service levels.

Multimodal is the UK and Ireland's leading freight transport and logistics exhibition.  Now entering its fifth year, the event has evolved into an annual one stop shop for shippers who need to find ways of optimising their supply chain and transportation flows and suppliers of transportation services. Attending Multimodal provides the opportunity to compare suppliers, strategies and modes and network with cargo owners.

The complimentary webinar, titled 'Improving shareholder value with multi-echelon inventory optimisation', was held online on Wednesday 1 February and was presented by Nick Newby-Ricci, Business Development Manager and Jonathan Tucker, Product Manager, of Barloworld Supply Chain Software (Barloworld SCS).

In the current economic climate many businesses face the challenge of how to deliver the level of service that customers require in order to compete effectively. According to Barloworld SCS, traditional approaches to inventory management are not capable of calculating inventory policies that enable the service level customers demand with an acceptable level of working capital.

However, multi-echelon inventory optimisation applications such as CINO software from Barloworld Supply Chain Software, enable a step change in the way that inventory is managed across the network. By achieving greater transparency and the ability to model end to end inventory flows, businesses are able to reduce working capital and consistently achieve targeted service performance levels.

"Throughout the webinar, we demonstrated how Multi Echelon Inventory Optimisation (MEIO) positively impacts the various elements of shareholder value" explains Nick Newby-Ricci of Barloworld SCS. "We hope to enable businesses to identify and quantify supply chain risk, empower S&OP processes and model and execute agile inventory strategies across complex and constrained supply chain network."

To view a recording of the webinar online, please go to the media section of the Barloworld SCS website.  A white paper has also been produced to accompany the webinar and is available to download from the Barloworld SCS website.

The CAST Aurora software from Barloworld SCS will be used in both the full time MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the Executive (part-time) MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

"We believe that the use of market leading technology, CAST Aurora software from Barloworld SCS, will enrich our logistics and supply chain courses," says Dr Andrew Palmer of Cranfield School of Management. "It will support the academic theory of supply chain planning with 'hands-on' problem solving experience in an advanced supply chain planning software environment."

CAST Aurora, a decision support software application used for supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation, is the next generation in CAST Supply Chain Modelling software. CAST Aurora helps companies across various business sectors to identify savings and enhance efficiency within their supply chains, and users can typically expect to achieve a 10-15% saving on their supply chain costs.

Barloworld SCS specialists, including Jim Wilson, Strategic Planning Product Manager, will take sessions at Bedfordshire's Cranfield School of Management, part of Cranfield University and one of the world's leading business schools, to demonstrate the software to the students and provide expert answers and practical advice.

"These hands-on sessions will be supported by a case study and project examples" explains Jim Wilson of Barloworld SCS. "By offering tangible, real-world examples of how companies have re-engineered their supply chains, through the application of advanced supply chain planning theory and optimisation software, we hope to enhance the delegates' learning experience."

After a short introduction to the concepts and application of network design the candidates will be challenged with a spread sheet based exercise where they must find optimum distribution locations to service a European demand. They will then look at how this problem is constructed and solved using CAST software.

Barloworld SCS specialists will cover the fundamentals of the different optimisation techniques, before allowing the candidates to access the CAST software to model a range of network optimisation challenges focussing on cost, service level and capacity utilisation.

"The knowledge and expertise that the Barloworld SCS specialists can offer will be invaluable to the students," adds Dr Andrew Palmer.  "Having the experts that use and have developed that software, is going to be a real asset to the course."

Camelot Management Consultants, which provides strategic and organisational consultancy services, including value chain management, required an advanced supply chain planning software tool, to help plan and optimise its client's supply chain networks. The company approached Barloworld SCS and selected its new CAST Aurora software, which offers multi-time period network optimisation functionality, to identify significant supply chain savings.

"We selected CAST Aurora software from Barloworld SCS to help enhance our client offering through a number of positive features, such as the multi-time period optimisation functionality" explains Andreas Gmür, Head of Profit Center Logistic Solution, at Camelot Management Consultants. "CAST Aurora supply chain modelling software helps us to deliver advanced strategic network modelling projects to our clients."

Barloworld SCS has developed its supply chain modelling software, CAST Aurora (a powerful, PC based application) to assist with global supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation. CAST Aurora is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the end-to-end supply chain costs leading to cost savings and service improvements.

"Our next generation network optimisation software, CAST Aurora, is widely recognised as one of the most successfully deployed supply chain modelling solutions available" says Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS. "CAST Aurora has been developed to facilitate multi-time period network optimisation with mapping, locations and road network databases for any combination of countries."

Established in Germany and the USA in 1996, Camelot Management Consultants provides strategic and organisational consultancy services for value chain management, balancing strategy, process and IT competencies.

Government of Egypt (GoE) operates a food subsidy program across the country.  As a staple part of the Egyptian diet, Balady bread is considered the most important item in the program.  With Egypt's population of 78 million people and a land area four times the size of the UK, the GoE faced a number of challenges within the Balady bread supply chain, and requested the WFP (World Food Programme) to undertake a study (funded by the Dutch Embassy in Cairo) to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

The WFP selected its global partner, TNT Express, to help develop a supply chain solution. TNT then approached Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) to assist.

Barloworld SCS supplied the CAST software and training as well as additional support in building and optimising the models.

The CAST supply chain modelling software, developed by Barloworld SCS is a powerful, PC based application used for global supply chain modelling, network design and optimisation.  CAST is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the total cost to market, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

The main project objective was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing supply chain of wheat flour for the subsidised Balady bread and propose a new efficient system to be piloted in one or two governorates as a best practice model.

Barloworld SCS provided the CAST software as well as additional training and support. Several other international experts were also involved, to help identify further improvement areas throughout the baking and milling processes.

The total annual cost savings calculated are in excess of $1 billion USD, which includes the savings achieved through using 'super bakeries' and eliminating losses in the supply chain, reducing the total amount of wheat required.

Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld SCS, Ewan French, says "The project, which was carried out by TNT for the Egyptian Government, was very successful and has helped to identify savings in excess of $1 billion USD, which is a first for a CAST project."  He goes on to explain that further work is required in order to realise the savings identified in the modelling exercise.

Following the success of the modelling exercise, TNT has purchased Barloworld SCS CAST software to deploy on other supply chain projects.

"The primary objective in the Royal Mint's implementation of Optimiza Demand Planner software was to find a tool with the capability to improve accuracy and customer service" explains David Janczewski, Head of Strategic Intelligence at the Royal Mint. "Prior to implementing the Optimiza software, the Royal Mint logistics operation did not possess the necessary statistical analysis tools required for forecasting more accurately."

Optimiza Demand Planner (ODP), from Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS), is an advanced demand planning application, designed to enable an organisation to build and maintain an accurate demand forecast within their business.

"ODP is a tool designed to give demand planners an early and accurate view of future sales plans, booked orders and demand forecasts, allowing rapid and effective decision-making" explains Colin Ward, Managing Consultant for Barloworld SCS.  "Companies can typically expect a 15-20% improvement in forecast accuracy."

ODP has the ability to define multiple hierarchies, which allows the organisation to view data by different channels, using product segmentations.  Dynamic profiling, the ability to forecast products with limited sales quantities (MALs) and the ability to incorporate the effects of future promotions in different channels at different times are features that help to enhance the flexibility of an operation.

User friendly and straightforward dashboard presentation provides a summary overview in a simple, visible format.   The software also provides the user with a detailed breakdown of various price projections including gross profit and time-phased price modelling around these.

"We interviewed six suppliers of inventory software and our decision was made based on the quality of the Barloworld brand name and the high level of confidence we had in the package. The Optimiza Demand Planner software met our initial needs and is presented in a visible, easy to view and comprehensible format." says David Janczewski, adding that the installation of ODP was smooth and straightforward in comparison to other software products he has experienced.

The Royal Mint makes coins and medals for an average of 60 countries every year, with a primary responsibility to make and distribute United Kingdom coins and supply blanks and official medals.  The Royal mint is a government owned company, with more than 1,000 years of experience and is planning for organic growth and sustainable profits http://www.royalmint.com.

ISEL, School of Logistics (graduate) of the University of Le Havre in France is currently working on the VALVER project, which was initiated by Renault in December 2009.  The project was established in response to the legal constraints regarding the recycling of vehicles and raw materials, according to new French policies.

"The supply chain surrounding the glass recycling operation at Renault, required reorganisation and reconfiguration in order to become fully optimised, whilst fitting within various time, legal and environmental constraints" explains Christophe Bisiaux, Logistics Project Manager at ISEL Le Havre.  "To achieve this, we have selected CAST software, which has been developed by Barloworld SCS to assist with supply chain modelling, network design and optimisation."

Member of the recycling plan board of directors, Toni Gallone, of Renault, explains "The project has been established to develop interactive collaboration with partners and to develop new recycling models using a new approach, which may develop new synergies. We will be able to use the experience to help optimise the logistics of other recycling operations."

CAST is used to evaluate and identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the total cost to market, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld Supply Chain Software explains "By using CAST software as a decision tool to model the network, ISEL has been able to identify supply chain scenarios that enable the reduction of both cost and carbon emissions."

To date, CAST software has been used to identify five scenarios to optimise Renault's recycling supply chain. Since beginning the project, ISEL has signed a two year contract with Renault environment and the project has been recognised by, and received financial support from, the French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management, ADEME.

ISEL, School of logistics, founded in 1994, is a French engineering school (Graduate School of logistics) at the University of Le Havre, offering five year specialised engineering logistics programs. To find out more, visit www.isel-logistique.fr.

French recycling association, ProRecyclage, supports the VALVER project. To find out more, visit http://www.prorecyclage.com/actualites/edito/current.html.

The leading builders' merchant and home improvement retailer has employed Barloworld SCS's CAST software for over five years to help optimise its supply chain network, and has now upgraded to the recently launched CAST Aurora, a software package that is said to help companies achieve typical savings of 10-15% within their supply chains.

The Travis Perkins Group comprises 18 businesses including Travis Perkins, Wickes, BSS Pipeline and Heating Solutions, PTS Plumbing Trade Supplies, City Plumbing Supplies, Tile Giant and Toolstation, and its supply chain operation services the daily requirements of more than 1,850 retail and distribution sites across the UK.

"Accelerated investment in CAST Aurora allows us to maximise the benefits the software can bring to our Group and puts us at the leading edge of supply chain design in the UK," says Richard Horton, Transport Development and Planning Manager, at The Travis Perkins Group.

"Previously you had to present candidate depot locations for the software to consider, but the latest developments to CAST enable us to identify the required number of locations, their ideal position geographically and timings revolving around their opening." Richard adds.

CAST is a well-established decision support software application, which is used for supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation. New CAST Aurora offers even faster and more complex modelling capabilities, as Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS, explains.

"Technological developments have helped to enhance the software's capabilities.  Scenarios that previously may have taken hours to run through the software can now be carried out in minutes, in a single sitting" says Fraser, explaining that users can now try more scenarios, more regularly.

A key feature delivered by the new CAST Aurora, is the multi time period function, which enables companies to not only identify the ideal location for warehouses, for example, but also the ideal times to open and close warehousing facilities. It also considers seasonal peaks and falls in demand and supply. "CAST Aurora can flex capacities in the network and tactically size resources by time period" Fraser says.

"Having worked with the CAST software for over ten years, I've found Barloworld SCS to be a great company to work with," Richard Horton adds.  "The company involves its customers in the development of software, with user forums providing the opportunity for suggestions, which are usually then incorporated into subsequent software releases"

Barloworld SCS has acknowledged Travis Perkins for being the first UK company to fully deploy CAST Aurora.  Jim Wilson, Strategic Planning Product Manager at Barloworld SCS, presented Richard Horton with the award in June.

"We invite all Barloworld SCS users to share their feedback and experiences through an annual forum and we endeavour to incorporate their suggestions and requirements into our software" says Fraser. "Involving such leading UK companies as Travis Perkins in the development of CAST is key to its continued success as the premier supply chain decision support software."

CAST Aurora was officially launched at the Multimodal exhibition at Birmingham's NEC in April 2011, and is the latest addition to Barloworld SCS's suite of supply chain modelling and inventory optimisation software products, and can be used by third party logistics, manufacturing, consulting and retail companies to evaluate and identify different supply chain strategies, leading to significant cost savings & service level improvements.

Barloworld SCS's annual user forum allows existing CAST and Optimiza software users to learn about recent and upcoming developments, trial the software and offer their feedback about the products. This year's event saw the launches of CAST Aurora and Oriana Lite, in Warwick, UK.

CAST Aurora is a decision support software application used for supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation. According to Barloworld SCS, users can typically expect to achieve a 10-15% saving on their supply chain costs.

"The user forum provided an opportunity to engage with existing software users, following the global launch of CAST Aurora at the Multimodal exhibition in April" says Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling at Barloworld SCS.  "The forum allowed CAST users to trial the new software's new features in a workshop environment, supported by Barloworld SCS staff."

A key feature of the new CAST Aurora is the multi time period function, which enables companies to identify the ideal location for warehouses and the ideal times to open and close them, based on seasonal peaks and falls in demand and supply. Technological developments enable scenarios that previously may have taken hours to run through the software, to be carried out in minutes, in a single sitting.

Visitors to the user forum also saw the launch of Oriana Lite, which was the first, exclusive showing of the new software, following several years of research and development.  Oriana Lite is a development of the longstanding Optimiza demand and inventory optimisation software.  Key differentiating features include dynamic dashboarding for strategic, analytical and operational reporting, highly specific user configuration with hyperlinked prompts, extensive scenario modelling with approval staging for all key inputs and outputs, major improvements in scalability and process alignment capability including task workflows.

"Oriana Lite was well received by the users" says Kevin Boake, MD of Barloworld SCS. "The workshop was a good opportunity for our users from across Europe to get together and discover how others employ the existing Optimiza software."

The annual user forum is an important event in the Barloworld SCS calendar. "Engaging with our users in a workshop environment is vital to the success of our software" explains Fraser. "We invite our users to share their feedback and experiences and we endeavour to incorporate their suggestions and requirements into the software."

Several CAST and Optimiza users from around the world attended the forum, with Senior Project Managers, Purchasing Managers and other key figures from major retail companies, major food and drink manufacturers and major logistics operations present.

The event closed with two awards ceremonies.  From the Optimiza business, the Optimiza User of the Year Award went to Kwik-Fit.  The award was presented to Craig Douglas at Kwik-Fit, by Kevin Boake, after the event.  The CAST business presented awards to the CAST Aurora Development Stakeholders, Agility, Belron, Carlsberg, DHL, Tesco and Unipart.  Travis Perkins was recognised for being the first company to fully deploy CAST Aurora, and will be presented with the award by Fraser Ironside at a later date.

"This year's forum saw the highest attendance to date and we have had really positive feedback from the day" Fraser adds.  "The users enjoyed the 'hands-on' interaction in experiencing the new products and developing their partnership with Barloworld SCS."

With close to 385 sites worldwide and customers and partners in almost every country, BASF required a solution to optimise its supply chain and enhance operational efficiency.

"We were predominantly looking to streamline our European distribution network across more than 220 sites" says Markus Bölke, Senior Manager of European Logistics and Supply Chain Consulting for BASF.  "Barloworld SCS presented BASF with CAST, a unique software system, which proved to be the only package we considered capable of producing the results we were looking for."

Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) has developed its supply chain modelling software, CAST (a powerful, PC based application) to assist with global supply chain modelling, network design and optimisation.  CAST is used to evaluate & identify the 'preferred' or optimal supply chain configuration and to calculate the total cost to market, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

"Globalisation brings greater complexity to a business, which heightens the need for software capable of considering all components of the supply chain" explains Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld Supply Chain Software.

Widely recognised as one of the leading supply chain modelling solutions in the world, CAST functionality facilitates global supply chain network modelling with mapping, locations and road network databases for any combination of countries.

Global supply chain planning company, Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) is launching CAST Aurora, the next generation in CAST Supply Chain Modelling software, for companies across various business sectors to identify savings and enhance efficiency within their supply chains.

"CAST Aurora is a decision support software application used for supply chain modelling, strategic network design and optimisation" says Fraser Ironside, of Barloworld SCS, adding that CAST users can typically expect to achieve a 10-15% saving on their supply chain costs.

CAST Aurora will be officially launched at Multimodal 2011, at Birmingham's NEC on Wednesday 6 April, where visitors to the Barloworld SCS stand will have opportunity to trial the software.

The latest addition to Barloworld SCS's suite of supply chain modelling and inventory optimising software products, CAST Aurora can be used by third party logistics, manufacturing, consulting and retail companies to evaluate and identify different supply chain strategies, leading to significant cost savings & service level improvements.

"Technological developments have helped to enhance the software's capabilities.  Scenarios that previously may have taken hours to run through the software, can now be carried out in minutes, in a single sitting" says Fraser, explaining that users are now trying more scenarios, more regularly.

A key feature offered by the new CAST Aurora, is the multi time period function, which enables companies to not only identify the ideal location for warehouses, for example, but also the ideal times to open and close warehousing facilities, based on seasonal peaks in demand and seasonal falls in supply. "CAST Aurora can flex capacities in the network and tactically size resources by time period" Fraser says.

Barloworld SCS's suite of software solutions helps companies to enhance their entire supply chain, through the application of warehouse location planning, carbon emissions modelling, service lead-time analysis, stock profiling and classification, inventory forecasting, demand planning and excess stock management.

Global supply chain planning company, Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) is exhibiting its range of supply chain modelling and inventory optimising software solutions at Multimodal 2011 at Birmingham's NEC from 5-7 April.

"Multimodal is a great opportunity to meet existing and potential customers and to discuss current supply chain requirements" says Fraser Ironside of Barloworld SCS.  "We will be advising visitors about ways to enhance their supply chain, and showcasing CAST Aurora, the latest addition to our suite of software products, which will be launched at the show."

Barloworld SCS's suite of software solutions helps companies to enhance their entire supply chain, through the application of warehouse location planning, carbon emissions modelling, service lead-time analysis, stock profiling and classification, inventory forecasting, demand planning and excess stock management.

Supply chain modelling software from Barloworld SCS can help companies to realise massive cost savings and enhance efficiency throughout their supply chains and now, thanks to the powerful CAST Aurora software, several scenarios can be tested in a single sitting.

"Technological developments have helped to enhance the software's capabilities and scenarios that previously may have taken hours to run through the software, can now be carried out in minutes" says Fraser.

"We are actually inviting Multimodal visitors to bring some details about their operation, including their existing UK & EU warehouse locations, which we can run through the CAST software at the show to demonstrate how we help companies to identify savings and enhance efficiency."

Barloworld SCS's strategic modelling product range includes the CAST Supply Chain Strategy tool, CAST-CO2, which helps companies to incorporate their carbon footprint into supply chain modelling, to ensure they achieve minimal carbon footprint targets, and CINO, which optimally deploys inventory across a Supply Chain at lowest cost, to meet customer requirements.

Other software products from Barloworld SCS include Optimiza Inventory Planner, an advanced inventory optimisation application that helps planners place the perfect order on their suppliers, drive down inventory and improve service levels and Rapid Response, which enables front line decision makers across a global enterprise to quickly respond to changes in demand and supply.

Multimodal is an opportunity for market leaders from all areas of the transport and logistics supply chain to get together to exhibit and view the latest in supply chain and logistics solutions.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their supply chain networks, inventory and transportation.

In order to assist students working towards an MSc in Supply Chain and Logistics Management on the WMG part-time programmes, Kevin Boake, Fraser Ironside and Jim Wilson from Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) have been attending the university, as external speakers.  The three senior managers have assisted throughout the Supply Chain module, by sharing their experience and knowledge of the Supply Chain industry.

"It's a great project to be involved with, allowing Barloworld SCS specialists the opportunity to share expertise and communicate with the next intake of supply chain professionals" Jim Wilson, Strategic Planning Product Manager at Barloworld SCS explains.  "Our sessions have proved both successful and popular with the university delegates, who particularly enjoy the practicality of it."

The Barloworld SCS speakers help delegates to gain an understanding of the way in which theories of supply chain planning, such as inventory management & strategic network optimisation, are practically deployed in the commercial world, to help companies lower their supply chain costs and improve service levels. "We offer tangible, real-world examples of how companies have re-engineered their supply chains through the application of advanced supply chain planning theory & optimisation software" Jim Wilson says.

Senior Teaching Fellow at WMG, Philip Foster, goes on to explain how else the delegates benefit from being taught by senior representatives of a market leading company.

"The partnership between Barloworld Supply Chain Software and WMG enhances the quality of teaching, for students learning about supply chain management and their own organisations" Philip explains.  "A great advantage of collaborating with Barloworld Supply Chain Software is that the speakers are able to refer to the latest technologies available, and their case studies also relate to the latest challenges facing the supply chain world."

Barloworld Supply Chain Software serves a wide range of sectors, which enables the speakers to align their teaching to WMG's portfolio of modules, whilst providing outstanding education to any companies involved in WMG Programmes.

As a world leader in the field of Supply Chain Planning, Barloworld Supply Chain Software supports WMG's teaching with market leading software technology currently being used by commercial companies, which can also be used by delegates in the classroom.

"The use of market leading technology helps to enhance the teaching experience by supporting the academic theory of supply chain planning with 'hands-on' problem solving experience in an advanced supply chain planning software environment" Jim Wilson adds.

The company's commitment to the WMG Programmes aids delegates in learning about the best methods and practices to overcome supply chain challenges, and in having the potential to implement these best practices.

Barloworld SCS will continue with the sessions at the University of Warwick throughout 2011.

About WMG

WMG, formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group, was established by Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharrya in 1980. We are an academic department at the University of Warwick and hold a unique position between academic and industry.

Our mission is to improve competitiveness through the application of value adding innovation, new technologies and skills deployment. Our major research capabilities are materials and manufacturing, digital technologies plus operations and business management.

We are an international group, with collaborative centres in the UK, India, China, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore and Thailand.

We educate the industry leaders of tomorrow through our full-time Masters and part-time professional programmes, which are delivered through our UK and international centres.

Robert Murray, Managing Director of Logiware, has significant experience working with third party logistics companies across Ireland and around the world.  Robert sees great potential in the Irish market for Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) products and services and is looking forward to 2011 with optimism.

"The Irish economy is set to face a number of challenges over the next few years and the supply chain has never been more important to organisations operating here" Robert explains.  "Logiware's expertise, combined with the tools offered by Barloworld SCS, enables customers to optimise their supply chain expenditure and plan for potential difficult times ahead, and further into the future."

Colin Ward, a Managing Consultant for Barloworld SCS, in the UK, comments "We're very excited about the opportunities that Logiware will bring to Barloworld SCS and looking forward to extending our client base into Ireland. Robert has a vast knowledge and great understanding both of the Irish market and our software offerings and it is great to be working with him and his team going forward."

Logiware is launching a new website (www.logiware.ie) in January 2011.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is a leading global supply chain planning company, providing expertise, tools and solutions to help companies optimise their supply chain networks, inventory and transportation.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software (SCS) will help Rothley to enhance efficiency, through heightened stock management, and to improve customer service, with the implementation of Optimiza Inventory Planner software, from 2011.

Steve Jacques, Managing Director of Rothley, says "We anticipate that the Optimiza Inventory Planner will help us to improve stock turn and proactively prevent excess stock in the supply chain.  With improved inventory forecasting, we hope to enhance efficiency and levels of customer service."

Further objectives for Rothley, through the implementation of the Barloworld SCS Software, include range management, demand management forecasting, improved order cycle process, visibility of supplier performance, purchase order management, excess management and space generation.

"Due to the number of products that Rothley imports from the Far East, we also hope that Optimiza Inventory Planner will help to drive more cultural change in the business, by improving information systems and introducing automation" Steve adds.

Colin Ward, Managing Consultant for Barloworld SCS, says "We have a wealth of experience in working with businesses that operate in the hardware industry and understand the challenges faced.  The Barloworld SCS Optimiza product will bring a number of benefits to Rothley's operation, to enhance efficiency and improve supply chain performance".

Rothley supplies products to retailers, DIY multiples, furniture manufacturers, builders' merchants and wholesalers.

"We now have a resilient and industry-leading supply chain that enables us to continue growing in the UK and to manage our costs better in the future" says Chris Bosworth, Kwik-Fit's Marketing and Business Development Director.

Kwik-Fit's move to a 245,0002ft National Distribution Centre (NDC) at Corby gave the UK's leading fast-fit supplier of tyres the opportunity to take complete control of its stock, extend its supplier base to a global level and to provide its 670-plus UK outlets with a daily delivery service, six days a week.

Consolidating sourcing and distribution into a National Distribution Centre that houses 300,000 tyres in 1,600 different sizes and brands, provided the business with the opportunity to enhance its inventory management system - a move that has resulted in clearer visibility of demand trends, more control over the supply pipeline and a greater promotion capability as well as enabling Kwik-Fit to operate notably more effectively and efficiently at a substantially reduced cost.

In the year leading up to the supply chain redesign, the company identified opportunities to make its operation more effective, particularly in the areas of controlling supply into its retail centres and centralising product-sourcing from suppliers.

With a typical retail centre holding 900 tyres, replenished from a range of about 1000 parts, Kwik-Fit's supply chain had been characterised by short notice supply issues, high product cost as a result of manufacturers holding inventory on the company's behalf, poor availability stemming from high competition in an under produced market, and little or no product supply priority.

On top of these challenges, future trends were proving virtually impossible to forecast accurately and were also proving to be highly dependent on promotions - leaving the company exposed to 'bull-whips' whereby a successful promotion results in stock-outs followed by re-order deliveries coinciding with a tailing-off in demand.

To help resolve these issues, Kwik-Fit brought in its specialist supply chain software partner, Barloworld Optimus, whose advanced application Optimiza is the inventory optimisation powerhouse for dozens of the world's leading companies, including Ricoh, AutoGlass, Continental and Alstom.

"Coinciding with direct ordering from tyre manufacturers as far away as China, Kwik-Fit also recognised the need to enhance its capability to develop more accurate sales forecasts to cover the exposure to longer supply pipelines" commented Barloworld Optimus' Business Manager Graham Orr.

"It all comes down to having a supply chain that optimises inventory placement throughout the network whilst maintaining a dynamic capability to respond efficiently as business conditions change" he said.

Optimiza was integrated with its add-on stablemate forecasting application, Optimiza Demand Planner, to create a total solution, synchronising supply and demand.

Having the ability to manage promotional activities by channel within a product family forecast affords Kwik-Fit the luxury of being able to quickly and effectively plan for changes in market conditions or company strategy. With the high economic volatility experienced over the last year, these innovations have proved invaluable in ensuring that the supply chain is agile enough to respond and adjust without sacrificing service or overly compensating with layers of inventory.

With retail centre capacity viewed a major constraint in the solution, accurate inventory levels that dynamically adjust to forecast changes and promotional activities are key to ensuring high availability at the lowest possible inventory level. The new system not only manages these dynamic levels, but also generates orders for all 670-plus centres based on customised constraining logic subject to each item's criticality every night within a four-hour processing window.

"For us at Barloworld, achieving results is as important to us as it is to the people that we work with" says Barloworld Consultant Grant Crosse.

"Kwik-Fit have inspired us through their dedication to deliver first-class customer service, and through the Barloworld systems we hope to have inspired them to exceed what they thought was possible" he said.

The Optimiza 'Balanced Scorecard' provides high-level data allowing for all Kwik-Fit's retail centres and NDC to be consolidated into an instantly-visual report containing key areas of forecasting accuracy, supplier performance, stock health analysis and quality of retail centre service.

Set to pre-agreed target levels, each block of the Scorecard corresponds to a key area of the inventory management process that allows for the entire supply chain to function as efficiently as possible and to obtain the best possible use from the Barloworld systems.

Within the business, the entire internal supply chain is now able to respond quickly to changes in brand mixes, market demand, new supercessions and projected manufacturing shortfalls. Routine supply forecasts are generated for all major suppliers for medium-term planning, and manufacturing slots are booked via blanket orders, allowing call-off orders to be raised on short lead times - resulting in the net effect of reducing costs, securing supply and ensuring on-request deliveries as and when required.

"The systems now in operation within the NDC will improve our stock availability, create considerable efficiencies and introduce a reverse-logistics capability" says Kwik-Fit's Head of Supply Chain, Neil Arnott.

Siemens has over 500 distribution centres globally and has optimised in the past its supply chain on a regional or national basis. An implementation process will enable Siemens to further optimise planning of the supply chain on a global scale, reducing complexity and cost and improving service.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software will implement its CAST software for Siemens Industry globally; a powerful desktop based application to evaluate and identify different supply chain strategies, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

Karl-Heinz Butz, Head of Network Development (Global Warehouse Network) explains, "The Siemens supply chain is multi-layered and complex. Following a discovery project last year, we took the decision to invest in a system which would help us to simplify our supply chain, carry out feasibility checks and model new parts of the network we were proposing."

"We believe that CAST will enable us to harmonise our processes by centralising the design of our supply chain and providing us with a roadmap to reduce cost and improve our service."

Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld Supply Chain Software, adds, "The ability for Siemens to model its supply chain centrally will offer the opportunity to simplify what is an extremely complex network - and in doing so reduce cost. Businesses using CAST typically achieve a 10-15% saving on their supply chain costs through the application of network optimisation."

During the selection process CAST software was considered alongside a number of competitor products. The feasibility study after the initial CAST project began in January 2010. This is a part of a long term optimisation run until 2014.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software will implement its CAST software on a global scale - a powerful, desktop based application to evaluate and identify different supply chain strategies, leading to cost savings and service improvements. Businesses using CAST typically achieve a 10-15% saving on their supply chain costs through the application of network optimisation.

In addition, Barloworld Supply Chain Software will be providing ongoing support and training for the application.

Robert Vallender, Head of Physical Logistics Corporate Operations, Supply Chain, at Nestec[1] comments, "We have a highly complex supply chain network. And it is critical that we employ a strategy which is both lean for the business and delivers for our customers. We have been impressed with the benefits of CAST and have taken the decision to implement on a global scale."

Ewan French, Chief Operating Officer at Barloworld Supply Chain Software, adds, "Barloworld has been working with Nestlé in the Philippines since July 2005, where we implemented CAST to help optimise supply chain operations in Asia. It was this success that was the basis for us working with Nestlé on a global scale. CAST is now the network modelling software of choice to be used globally across all product streams."

After a thorough procurement process, Nexus selected 'Optimiza' from Barloworld Supply Chain Software to streamline processes surrounding the distribution of goods in the UK. The inventory optimisation application will enable Nexus to simplify the procurement process, improve stock turn, and proactively prevent excess stock in the supply chain.

Geoff Flegg, head of supply chain at Nexus Industries, explains, "By changing the way we approach the management of inventory, we are committed to maximising customer availability levels. Optimiza will help us determine what inventory is needed to achieve those service levels, while taking into account our specific business needs."

"In the meantime, it offers the tools to calculate and maintain the optimal safety stock and replenishment orders and project future investment and warehousing requirements for our business."

The contract between Nexus Industries and Barloworld Supply Chain Software was signed in July 2010 with work beginning immediately. The application is anticipated to go live in autumn 2010.

Colin Ward, managing consultant at Barloworld Supply Chain Software adds, "Our experience working with businesses in the electrical goods and hardware industries, offers us an insight into the challenges they face. We can apply our tools, processes, people and experience in inventory optimisation, along with this knowledge to support Nexus to better exploit the value of inventory and improve customer service."

Speedy France had previously delegated responsibility for ordering inventory to individual branch managers at 335 company owned branches, and an additional 130 franchises. Following a review of procedure, the company took the decision to centralise the management and planning of inventory in order to exploit economies of scale and reduce inefficiencies.

The key objectives at Speedy France were to improve demand planning, identify stock profiles in each centre and have the ability to replenish stock automatically. Achieving this will support the growth of sales and improve profitability.

Timothy Manuel, Trade Director at Speedy France explains, "We are focused on providing the best possible levels of service to our customers; making sure we have the right product at the right time to meet their needs. To achieve this, we need central control over our inventory - the ability to plan for and react to changing demands. Working with Barloworld Supply Chain Solutions will help us achieve this."

"Using Optimiza to manage inventory from a central point means that we can work more efficiently, improving the processes for ordering and replenishing stock. As a business this will help us to identify cost savings, improve shelf availability and reduce stock obsolescence. Overall, it will help us to become a more profitable business."

Roger Koch, Manager of Professional Services at Barloworld Supply Chain Software adds,
"We are working with Speedy France to put inventory optimisation decisions back in the hands of the senior management."

"Our experience with Kwik Fit in the UK means that we're in a strong position to advise Speedy France on the specific challenges that the company faces, and offer advice on how gaining better control over their supply chain can yield positive results."

Akito Nakatsuma, Managing Director from Arrows Group comments, "Japanese retailers have historically outsourced their supply chain management; only a minority of them have the capability to analyse their logistics network in-house. But with logistics costs, and the associated risks increasing year on year, the tide is turning. Japanese retailers are now looking to gain more control over their inventory.

"We are in a position to combine local knowledge with software expertise; helping retailers regain control over their supply chain networks, for cost savings and service improvements."

Retailers typically deploy CAST to identify optimal distribution infrastructures for their national supply chain networks, particularly as they expand product ranges; store configurations and respond to changing demands and costs. Retailers are also using CAST to design supply chains for overseas market expansion, home delivery networks and to evaluate alternative and collaborative sourcing strategies.

Fraser Ironside, Global Business Development Director at Barloworld Supply Chain Software adds, "Japan represents a significant business opportunity for us and we're delighted to be working with a partner who combine consulting expertise and local knowledge with our Software proposition. Increasing our footprint in Asia is a key part of our global expansion strategy and we view this partnership as an intrinsic part of this."

Barloworld Supply Chain Software currently works with other partners in Asia and Australasia which include Lexian (Aus) and Logistics Consulting Asia.

RapidResponse helps companies immediately respond to the changes in demand and supply that come from the volatility inherent in today's increasingly unpredictable world.

Richard Forrest, CEO of Barloworld Supply Chain Software says, "Kinaxis RapidResponse helps manufacturers manage increasing complexity and react swiftly to unexpected events which impact their business. RapidResponse is a proven solution for demand and supply chain planning, monitoring and response. Our partnership with Kinaxis is part of our strategy to provide our customers with a comprehensive Supply Chain Planning Software offering."

Donna McAllister, Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Kinaxis adds, "Given the success of RapidResponse within North America, we are very pleased to partner with Barloworld Supply Chain Software to extend our presence within the EMEA market. Barloworld Supply Chain Software has a track record of not only providing world class supply chain planning tools to the market, but also ensuring their clients get a greater competitive advantage by supplementing these tools with effective processes and experienced supply chain planning advice. We are excited by the opportunities this partnership represents for both organisations."

With over 30,000 users, innovative market leaders, such as Casio, Research in Motion (RIM), Honeywell, Jabil, Qualcomm, Raytheon and Toshiba have all turned to RapidResponse for better supply chain performance.

But as this report[1] points out, the 'Top 25 are doing a lot more than just shipping'.  With increasingly complex networks, supply chains now marry product process and innovation with the challenge of customer demand and supply.  And it's a priority which now has a direct line to the boardroom; with supply chain directors on and reporting to the board.

It is no surprise that this research has focused on a number of measurables to establish the top supply chain performers. The score is made up of five key balance-sheet ratios that assess a manufacturing firm's financial health - liquidity, profitability (or operating efficiency), solvency and activity (net sales or total assets).

Technology lies at the heart of a successful 'value chain', supporting the strategy of some of the world's biggest brands.  From these top 25 companies identified by AMR, technology from Barloworld Supply Chain Software, is used by 50% of them.

Is this a coincidence?

We would argue not.

Barloworld Supply Chain Software is supporting some of the largest and most successful brands across the globe in their challenge to drive profitability through the supply chain.  Whether this is through network optimisation, inventory management or the capability to react to inherent volatility and changes in consumer demand, Barloworld Supply Chain Software's technology has the ability to help businesses gain competitive edge.

To speak to somebody  about turning your supply chain into a value chain, and to stand side by side with some of the world's biggest and most successful brands, call Barloworld Supply Chain Software on (0)121 746  5350  or via  info@barloworldscs.com

The AMR Supply Chain Top 25 for 2010 (Gartner, June 2010)

1. Apple
2. Procter & Gamble
3. Cisco Systems
4. Wal-Mart Stores
5. Dell
6. PepsiCo
7. Samsung Electronics
8. IBM
9. Research In Motion
10. Amazon.com
11. McDonald's
12. Microsoft
13. The Coca-Cola Company
14. Johnson & Johnson
15. Hewlett-Packard
16. Nike
17. Colgate-Palmolive
18. Intel
19. Nokia
20. Tesco
21. Unilever
22. Lockhead Martin
23. Inditex
24. Best Buy
25. Schlumberger

[1] The AMR Supply Chain Top 25 for 2010

The CAST team at Barloworld finally shortlisted the entries down to four companies of which Fraser Ironside, Head of Strategic Modelling presented the winning trophy to Agility Chemicals. Joint runner up awards were presented to Belron®, CEVA and Damco.

David Snow, Supply Chain Solutions Manager, accepted the winners award on behalf of Agility Chemicals and the project team.

Winner: Agility Chemicals

The Chemical arm of Agility was selected for its strategic use of CAST software from Barloworld Supply Chain Software. The Agility Chemicals team use the sophisticated software to build mathematical supply chain models to optimise everything from manufacturing footprint, warehouse number and location to transport and inventory deployment strategies.

Joint Runner Up: Belron®

The Belron® Supply Chain Development team was selected for creating a holistic and robust strategy and vision for the future multi-country supply chain network, involving cross functional internal stakeholders.

Joint Runner Up: CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics South Pacific nominated Logistics Engineer, Nicole Wu for the award. Her submission was selected by the CAST team in recognition of her contribution in delivering tailored supply chain solutions that optimised cost savings and services and that resulted in several new business wins for CEVA.

Joint Runner Up: Damco

Fiona Su's entry from Damco Shanghai, China was selected for its cross continent application using the CAST MIP Optimiser, Centre of Gravity and Network strategy models resulting in significant recognised value, distribution network savings and improved service levels within a complex, high supply chain cost distribution network.