Lowe's to unify inventory, allocation platforms
A leading home improvement retailer is enhancing its supply chain operations through artificial intelligence.
Lowe’s Companies Inc. is expanding its partnership with AI-based supply chain and retail planning firm Relex Solutions and IT solution provider Accenture to unify its inventory replenishment and allocation platform. The partnership, featuring Relex’s AI-driven technology and Lowe's proprietary supply chain technology, will enhance efficiency, improve inventory availability, and drive productivity across Lowe's stores, merchandising, and supply chain operations, according to the companies.
Building on Relex’s existing support of Lowe's seasonal businesses through its allocation platform, the retailer will expand its use of Relex’s AI-powered replenishment capabilities across its full assortment of products and nationwide network of stores and distribution centers. Additionally, Lowe's is partnering with Accenture to provide strategic and functional support for integrating Relex across its supply chain.
"Expanding our use of Relex accelerates Lowe's transformation toward a fully integrated, AI-driven inventory platform," said Margi Vagell, executive VP of supply chain at Lowe's. "By partnering with Relex and Accenture, we will equip our teams with enhanced tools that help us respond more quickly to customer demand, improve product availability and deliver a better experience for our DIY and Pro customers."
Relex’s replenishment capabilities automate the complex process of ordering, which improves product availability, inventory productivity, and streamlines planning to ensure depth of inventory to serve Lowe's customers. The company says it also adds visibility into inventory performance and pinpoints the root causes of stockouts, allowing teams to act swiftly and make more informed decisions across supply chain, merchandising, and store operations.
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"Lowe's expansion of Relex is a strong example of how leading retailers are reimagining supply chains as engines for growth," said Keith Adams, senior VP for North America at Relex Solutions. "We are proud to support replenishment at scale, giving Lowe's the confidence and flexibility to execute on its Total Home strategy. We look forward to delivering measurable value together."
Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's Companies Inc. operates more than 1,700 home improvement stores, 530 branches and 130 distribution centers.
