Advanced Supply Chain (ASC) has been honoured with the prestigious Geek+ Supply Chain Visibility award at 2024’s Supply Chain Excellence Awards. This win recognises the outstanding work carried out with iconic French fashion brand Lacoste, and the innovations that helped bolster their supply chain.
With growing sales volumes and increasing customer demand, Lacoste sought a UK-based warehousing and fulfilment solution that could seamlessly navigate post-Brexit complexities while maintaining high standards in retailer compliance, speed to market, and labour efficiency. Thanks to ASC’s tailored tech-led approach, Lacoste’s UK supply chain operation now sets a new benchmark in efficiency, visibility, and sustainability.
Enhancing Retailer Compliance and Customer Satisfaction
At the heart of ASC’s success is Vector, a highly effective & bespoke web-based supply chain management tool developed by ASC’s in-house IT specialists. Vector allowed ASC to generate on-demand labels that are uniquely configured to meet the requirements of over 10-15 different retailers. By eliminating errors and manual entry, ASC’s solution has driven a 100% compliance rate, ensuring Lacoste’s products are processed correctly and ready for market.
Stuart Greenfield, Sales Director at ASC, emphasised the value of real-time, automated updates:
“Our automation not only ensures perfect compliance but also allows retailers to track stock movement and keep customers informed. This clarity greatly enhances the customer experience and boosts Lacoste’s brand reputation.”
Faster Time to Market
ASC’s supply chain solutions slashed the time Lacoste products take to reach UK retailers from five days down to just two. This accelerated timeline allows Lacoste to meet fast-moving consumer demands and stay ahead in a competitive market. A key component of this achievement is ASC’s use of Vector to consolidate orders across multiple clients. By optimising transport capacity and avoiding unnecessary dwell times, ASC minimised both costs and environmental impact.
Reducing Labour Costs through Automation
Through ASC’s advanced automation and warehousing expertise, Lacoste has realised a 50% annual reduction in labour costs. Vector’s digitalised management capabilities streamline processes that would otherwise require extensive manpower, reducing manual data entry, minimising errors, and increasing overall supply chain efficiency. This effective cost control is essential to Lacoste’s ongoing growth goals, supporting their ambition to reach €4 billion in turnover by 2026.
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth
ASC’s innovative use of technology is not only transforming Lacoste’s UK supply chain but is also contributing to sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions through optimised transport and reduced empty space in vehicles. By consolidating orders for multiple clients, ASC has cut down on the number of vehicles on the road, minimised waiting times, and lowered fuel consumption.
A Lasting Partnership for Global Success
The successful collaboration between ASC and Lacoste exemplifies the power of tailored, tech-led supply chain solutions that drive efficiency and reduce costs, while promoting sustainability. With Lacoste’s UK operation handling over 4.5 million units annually, ASC’s continued focus on innovation, carbon reduction, and automation will undoubtedly support Lacoste’s vision for sustainable global growth.
With this award, Advanced Supply Chain solidifies its position as a leader in the evolving world of supply chain management, showcasing how advanced tech solutions can drive real-world results for global brands.
