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Transforming Inventory Management with Slim4 at HBM Machines

Client: Johanneke de Moor, Head of Buying | HBM Machines Industry: Metal and Woodworking Tools Retail

Introduction

HBM Machines, a renowned name among metal and woodworking professionals, started as a small shop in Gouda 50 years ago. Today, it has evolved into a prominent European online retailer with its own branded products. With the rapid expansion of its online shops in Germany and France, HBM Machines needed a robust solution to manage its growing supply chain demands. Johanneke de Moor, Head of Buying and Supply Chain Manager at HBM Machines, shares how Slimstock's Slim4 platform has revolutionized their inventory management, enabling them to maintain control and drive growth.

Challenges

HBM Machines faced several challenges as it expanded its operations:

 

  • Complex Product Launches: Planning for innovative products was difficult, often leading to stockouts or excess inventory.
     
  • Promotional Campaigns: Major campaigns like Toolfest and Black November required precise planning and forecasting to meet increased demand.
     
  • Manual Processes: Reliance on Excel for inventory management was time-consuming and not scalable.
     
  • Demand Variability: Accurately forecasting demand for new markets and handling sudden changes in order quantities from dealers were challenging.

Solution

To address these challenges, HBM Machines implemented Slimstock's Slim4 platform. This advanced inventory management solution provided several key benefits:

  • Data-Driven Ordering Process: Transitioning from gut-feel to data-driven decisions, Slim4 helped HBM Machines optimize their order quantities and reduce overstock.

  • Promotion Management: The promotion manager module within Slim4 forecasted additional promotional demand, allowing for optimal orders up to a year in advance.

  • Management by Exception: Slim4 automated routine tasks, enabling planners to focus on anomalies and tactical parameter adjustments. This proactive approach ensured timely responses to unexpected changes in demand.

  • Improved Inventory Rotation: By categorizing items into A, B, and C, Slim4 applied different ordering policies, reducing overstock and increasing rotation rates.

  • Kit Management: Slim4's feature for managing kits ensured that underlying items were reordered correctly, preventing stock issues.

Results

Since implementing Slim4, HBM Machines has seen significant improvements in its supply chain operations:

  • Reduced Overstock: Optimized ordering policies and better demand forecasting have minimized excess inventory.
     
  • Increased Sales: Improved availability and reduced stockouts have contributed to double-digit growth.
     
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Automated processes have saved time and allowed planners to focus on strategic tasks.
     
  • Future-Ready Operations: With a scalable inventory management system, HBM Machines is prepared for further expansion into new markets across Europe.

Future Plans

With Slim4, HBM Machines is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. The S&OP module will support forecasting and planning for new markets, ensuring that the supply chain remains robust and responsive to demand. As Johanneke de Moor notes, "We are now ready to enter the rest of Europe. Slim4 will make this as easy as possible.

Conclusion

HBM Machines' partnership with Slimstock and the implementation of Slim4 have been pivotal in transforming their supply chain management. By leveraging advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights, HBM Machines has achieved operational excellence, setting the stage for sustained growth and success in the competitive European market.