Latest news with #RELEXSolutions
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
RELEX Named a Leader in Nucleus Research Supply Chain Planning Technology Value Matrix
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RELEX Solutions, provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions today announced it has been named a Leader in the Nucleus Research Supply Chain Planning Technology Value Matrix. This recognition highlights the platform's unified approach to connecting planning processes across demand, supply, and production, along with advanced AI capabilities that enable real-time supply chain optimization and scenario planning. The Nucleus Research Supply Chain Planning Technology Value Matrix evaluates vendors on the functionality they deliver and the value they provide to customers. This year's report emphasizes three critical factors: bridging planning and execution, enhancing user experience through AI, and accelerating implementation to realize faster ROI. RELEX was recognized for its comprehensive capabilities that span from manufacturing through retail execution, serving mid-sized to top tier organizations across retail, wholesale distribution, and consumer packaged goods industries. The RELEX platform delivers demand forecasting, supply and production planning, merchandising, sales and operations execution, and integrated business planning through AI, machine learning, and digital twin modeling. Recent innovations enhance and extend AI and generative AI capabilities with agentic AI pilots, aiming to further automate user processes, deliver advanced diagnostics, and drive better business outcomes for customers. The platform's scalable architecture and intuitive, UI-based configurability allow for seamless adaptation and expansion as the customer's business evolves. "RELEX's unified platform helps organizations connect planning processes across demand, supply, and production," said Charles Brennan, Senior Analyst at Nucleus Research. "Its depth in AI, and recent investments in scenario planning, and supply optimization position it as a leader in enabling companies to adapt quickly and drive better outcomes." "We're honored to be recognized by Nucleus Research as a Leader in supply chain planning," said Dr. Madhav Durbha, Group Vice President of Industry Strategy, Manufacturing at RELEX Solutions. "Our focus remains on helping customers navigate complex supply chain challenges with solutions that deliver flexibility, speed, and precision. This recognition validates our commitment to innovation and our customers' success.' Learn more about this report and how RELEX is positioned here. About RELEX RELEX Solutions delivers a unified supply chain planning platform for retailers and manufacturers, enabled by proven AI technology. We help companies optimize demand forecasting, replenishment, merchandising, pricing and promotions, supply chain operations, and production planning across the end-to-end value chain. Brands like ADUSA, AutoZone, Blount Fine Foods, Coles, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Home Depot, Systemair, and Vita Coco trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth. Learn more at:
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Strategies For Thriving In A Divided Economy
Mikko Kärkkäinen, CEO, RELEX Solutions. The U.S. economy is moving in two different directions. A growing segment of affluent consumers continues to spend confidently on premium goods and experiences. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans are feeling financial strain, seeking affordability and value wherever they can find it. For businesses, this widening divide has made one thing clear: There is no longer one consumer economy. This split in the market requires a clear strategy. Companies must recognize and adapt to the two very different economic realities shaping today's environment. Those that do will be better positioned to grow in a landscape where staying strong, flexible and focused on customers are more important than ever. Here are five ways businesses can succeed in a divided market: Know The Two Markets—And The Motivations Behind Them The 'luxury' economy includes older, wealthier consumers who remain resilient despite economic headwinds. Baby boomers, for example, hold a significant portion of U.S. household wealth and continue spending on travel, premium products and experiences. Their purchases are driven more by lifestyle preferences than necessity. On the other hand, the 'value' economy reflects the growing portion of consumers under pressure from inflation and stagnant wages. These households are cutting back and shifting to discount retailers and dollar stores. They are also less likely to participate in wealth-building activities like stock market investing or homeownership. Recognizing the different needs and habits of each segment is essential. Treating the market as homogenous risks missing key signals and mismatching offerings. Recent retail trends reflect this divide. While high-end travel and dining brands are reporting record bookings, dollar stores have seen a spike in foot traffic from middle-income shoppers. These trends show just how differently consumers are reacting to the same macroeconomic conditions. Align Your Offerings—Don't Split The Difference A one-size-fits-all approach can leave businesses stuck in the middle, failing to connect with either segment. Companies that succeed will take a deliberate approach to serving one or both markets with tailored offerings. This doesn't mean a business must choose one segment exclusively. But it does mean each product, service or experience must be clearly positioned for the economic audience it's designed to serve. Streamline Your Operation For Cost Efficiency Whether targeting premium or price-sensitive shoppers, cost efficiency is critical. Companies need to evaluate how they use their resources, manage inventory and optimize their supply chains. That includes reducing store costs through more efficient processes like one-stop replenishment and aligned planning. We find that stock handling typically accounts for 3% to 4% of revenue and better coordination can reduce those costs, considering labor costs are a major expense for retailers. Even in the luxury segment, pricing decisions must be backed by strong operations. For value-oriented consumers, small price increases can create major friction, making lean operations and strategic cost management a competitive advantage. Build Resilience With Smarter Planning And Data Agility is nonnegotiable in today's market. Businesses must plan for multiple economic scenarios and be prepared to adjust quickly as conditions shift. This requires closing communication gaps between teams and connecting planning functions with real-time data. AI and advanced analytics can support better forecasting, pricing and resource allocation. When teams work from shared insights, they can respond faster and make more informed decisions. For example, a retailer might use demand forecasting tools to detect early signs of trade-down behavior, such as customers shifting from branded to private-label products. With that insight, teams can adjust inventory, pricing and promotions in real time to meet new demand without overstocking or disappointing loyal customers. Use Disruption As A Growth Lever While economic volatility can be a barrier, it also presents opportunity. The same uncertainty facing your business is also affecting your competitors. Those who know and control their costs can operate with the most accuracy and act most decisively. Organizations that embrace change and operate with strategic clarity can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities for growth. The bottom line: Economic uncertainty doesn't mean you need to choose between cutting costs and driving growth. With the right tools, insights and focus, companies can navigate both sides of the divide and turn complexity into a competitive advantage. The split between luxury and value-driven consumers isn't temporary. Success in this environment requires more than reactive cost-cutting or generic marketing. It demands a precise understanding of your customer base and a focused strategy to meet their evolving expectations. Businesses that rise to this challenge won't just weather the economic divide; they'll emerge stronger, more adaptive and better aligned with the future of consumer demand. Those who know and control their costs can operate with most accuracy—and most decisively. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Guitar Center taps RELEX for AI-driven replenishment capabilities
US musical instrument retailer Guitar Center has partnered with RELEX Solutions to optimise its allocation and store replenishment planning. The collaboration aims to bolster the efficiency of Guitar Center's network, which includes over 300 stores and multiple distribution centres throughout North America. RELEX's AI-driven supply chain and retail planning solutions will foster better product availability while concurrently reducing inventory levels for its extensive range of over 7,000 stock-keeping units. In addition to maintaining optimal stock levels, the company seeks to address the issues it faced with previous systems, which often resulted in excess inventory or stock shortages. The new system will allow Guitar Center to synchronise its inventory more closely with consumer demand patterns. Guitar Center merchandising and supply chain senior vice-president Remo Puccio said: 'We selected RELEX for their proven expertise in the speciality retail sector and their advanced, AI-driven planning solution, which aligns seamlessly with our unique needs. "Their established track record in retail gives us confidence in their ability to deliver results, and we look forward to enhancing our business performance through this collaboration.' RELEX's platform is designed to provide real-time insights into inventory levels, enabling Guitar Center to make more informed and timely decisions regarding store replenishment. This move is anticipated to reduce instances of stockouts and overstocking, ensuring customers have consistent access to desired products. The automation facilitated by RELEX will also allow Guitar Center employees to shift their focus toward more strategic initiatives, thus improving overall operational efficiency within the company. RELEX Solutions sales senior vice-president Keith Adams said: 'Our flexible, AI-driven solutions are tailored to meet the complex demands of speciality retail. We're confident this partnership will improve product availability across their stores while optimising inventory levels to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction.' In December last year, Mexican toy retailer Grupo Juguetron selected RELEX Solutions to improve its operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience. "Guitar Center taps RELEX for AI-driven replenishment capabilities" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
RELEX Report: Economic Pressures Force Supply Chain Reality Check - 60% of Companies Investing in AI, But Nearly Half Face Talent Constraints
Companies are aggressively investing in AI across supply chains to counter inflation and trade volatility, but a growing execution gap threatens to derail these efforts, according to the second annual State of Supply Chain 2025: Balancing Inflation, Investment & Innovation report from RELEX Solutions. While 60% of surveyed companies are prioritizing AI and automation investments, nearly half (44%) can't find the specialized talent needed to implement these technologies. Companies also struggle with budget constraints that limit their ability to scale AI initiatives ( 43%) as well as poor data quality ( 39%). The comprehensive study surveyed 500+ retail, CPG manufacturing, and wholesale professionals across seven countries, revealing how economic headwinds are simultaneously driving technology investment and forcing strategic pivots: Inflation is reshaping retail strategies – 31% of retailers are optimizing operations and 31% are adjusting pricing to stay competitive Private label expansion has become mainstream – 59% of retailers are growing own-brand portfolios as consumers seek value Food and beverage manufacturers face margin pressure – 70% have increased discounting aggressively, while 40% have introduced value-tier products These findings expand on the early released findings of the report showing 60% of companies fundamentally restructuring their supply chains, with 52% citing demand volatility as their primary challenge and 47% concerned about tariff uncertainty and trade disruptions. 'Today's supply chain leaders face a dual challenge – they must innovate through technology while adapting to economic pressures,' said Dr. Madhav Durbha, Group Vice President of Manufacturing Industry Strategy at RELEX Solutions. 'The gap between AI's potential and its practical implementation represents both the greatest risk and opportunity in supply chain transformation today.' The report also identifies Generative AI (59%), Predictive AI (43%), and Cloud-native solutions (34%) as the top technology investment priorities, with most companies allocating between 5-20% of their technology budgets to AI-driven solutions despite market volatility. 'As businesses navigate economic volatility and evolving consumer behaviors, the report underscores the importance of flexible supply chain strategies that combine technology investment with operational agility,' said Durbha. 'Organizations that can bridge the gap between AI's potential and practical implementation will gain a competitive edge, while those that lag behind may struggle to keep pace.' Methodology The RELEX State of Supply Chain 2025: Balancing Inflation, Investment & Innovation report provides deeper insights into the challenges, investment priorities, and strategies shaping supply chains over the next 3-5 years. The report was conducted by Researchscape, surveying 519 retail, CPG manufacturing, and wholesale leaders globally in January 2025. About RELEX RELEX Solutions provides a unified supply chain and retail planning platform that aligns and optimizes demand, merchandising, supply chain, operations and production planning across the end-to-end value chain. We help retailers, manufacturers, and consumer goods companies like ADUSA, AutoZone, Coles, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, and The Home Depot drive profitable growth across all sales and distribution channels, leading to higher product availability, increased sales, and improved sustainability. Learn more at: Vice President of Communications RELEX Solutions [email protected] Yawn Senior Communications Manager SOURCE: RELEX Solutions Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/26/2025 09:41 AM/DISC: 03/26/2025 09:41 AM
Al Bawaba
17-03-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
RELEX Forum Riyadh highlights AI's role in Saudi Vision 2030 and retail growth
RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions, hosted its first Middle East event, RELEX Forum Riyadh, at the Finnish Embassy on 24 February. The forum brought together 30 industry experts to discuss the role of AI in advancing supply chain efficiency and retail operations, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's objectives. RELEX Solutions, known for delivering a unified platform to retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, improve operational efficiency, emphasized its commitment to supporting businesses in the region through AI-powered planning. The event marked a significant step in fostering international collaboration between Finland and Saudi Arabia, particularly in technology-driven retail strategies. AI plays a key role in Saudi Vision 2030 Alex Centimerio, Sales Director, MENAT at RELEX, opened the forum with a keynote on the future of supply chain and retail planning, outlining the critical role of AI in shaping the sector's next decade. 'By 2030, the winners in retail will rely on AI-enabled strategies in an increasingly hyper-competitive landscape. Adopting an advanced supply chain and retail planning solution will play a key role in helping Saudi businesses achieve the ambitious goals set by Saudi Vision 2030,' said Centimerio. The event highlighted RELEX's impact on the region with solutions driving operational improvements for their customers. By integrating AI-driven insights into planning, RELEX customers can enhance availability, improve demand forecasting, and reduce waste, contributing to more efficient supply chain management. With over 500 customers worldwide, RELEX has established a strong presence in the Middle East, supporting leading businesses such as Panda Retail, Getir, Binzagr, and Majid Al Futtaim. The company's approach integrates AI and automation to optimize inventory, logistics, and production planning, ensuring businesses can meet customer demand while minimizing inefficiencies. Finland and Saudi Arabia forge closer ties through tech and innovation The Finnish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Anu-Eerika Viljanen, hosted the event at the Embassy Residence, reinforcing the importance of bilateral cooperation in technological advancement. 'Saudi Arabia is a key global player and a valuable partner for Finland. I was delighted to host RELEX Forum Riyadh, providing a platform to foster collaboration, exchange expertise, and strengthen the ties between our nations in the fields of technology and innovation,' she said. As Saudi businesses increasingly focus on digital transformation, the demand for AI-driven solutions continues to grow. By leveraging predictive analytics and automation, RELEX aims to support retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers in adapting to changing market dynamics, enhancing operational resilience, and aligning with the sustainability goals set out in Saudi Vision 2030. RELEX Forum Riyadh served as a platform for knowledge exchange and industry dialogue, underscoring the company's role in driving innovation in retail and supply chain planning. The event's success reflects the region's growing appetite for AI-driven efficiencies and marks an important milestone in RELEX's expansion across the Middle East.
