Lifeway Christian Stores moves to improve operational efficiencies

Lifeway Christian Stores is upgrading its supply chain management with an eye to reducing inventory and increasing availability.



Relex Solutions, in collaboration with Columbus Consulting International, is deploying its supply chain software to improve the retailer’s inventory forecasting, replenishment and allocation processes.



“The new allocation process will improve operational efficiencies,” said Bill Crayton, VP merchandising, LifeWay Christian Stores, which operates some 170 stores across the nation, an e-commerce platform and a distribution center in Nashville. “But the bigger return for LifeWay’s retail division will be in managing the inventory more effectively based on more localized assortments and dynamic SKU/store forecasts.”



Relex is providing a seamless forecasting, replenishment and allocation solution all in one common system.



“What really set Relex apart was their customer reference approach. Instead of proposing reference calls with a few hand-picked customers, they willingly allowed us to choose the customers we wanted to speak with from over 100 companies using their system,” said Jay Wallis, director of merchandise administration for LifeWay Christian Stores.



The project implementation started in April 2016, and is expected to be completed by November 2016.