Global supply chain optimisation provider Manhattan Associates (NASDAQ: MANH) today announced that Asda Stores Limited, one of the UK’s leading multi-category retailers, has selected multiple components from the Manhattan SCOPE® supply chain solution portfolio to support the future growth of its general merchandise ecommerce operation Asda Direct. The retailer will deploy the solutions within several distribution centres (DCs) across the UK where Asda Direct orders are fulfilled. In doing so, Asda Direct will leverage the Manhattan Supply Chain Process Platform (SCPP) for cross-application optimisation, ease of configuration and implementation, and a lower overall cost of technology ownership.

Paul Anastasiou, head of distribution for new business at Asda Direct, commented, “What we needed was a supply chain technology platform that would allow us to continue along the growth trajectory we’ve experienced in recent years. We also wanted a systems platform that would allow us to enhance the overall efficiency of our distribution processes and offer complete visibility of inventory throughout our operation. Finally we wanted a supply chain technology platform that could integrate with our core systems and support our growth and range expansion goals. We chose Manhattan Associates because its systems met all of these requirements and because its people really understood our organisation and our business challenges from the get-go.”

Asda Direct offers a huge range of goods from electrical appliances and clothing to home furniture, toys, home entertainment products, garden and outdoor equipment and baby items. The business has experienced rapid growth over the last four years since it was launched andanticipates a continuation of this trend for the foreseeable future - both in terms of revenue growth and expansion of its product range.

The deployment will initially be at the Asda e-fulfilment centre run by specialist 3pl Clipper Group Ltd at their centre of excellence in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire before the project progresses to other Asda DCs where Asda Direct orders will be fulfilled. The Manhattan technology will support a range of ordering and delivery options which will extend as the deployment project progresses.

Rob Wilks, distribution systems manager, added, “Whilst we will initially focus on deploying Manhattan’s Warehouse Management solution, the potential to implement additional, complementary, solutions from the Manhattan product suite, and what that gives us in terms of future flexibility and adaptability, was a big appeal to us.”

Craig Sears-Black, UK managing director at Manhattan Associates, commented, "Asda is a key customer for us in the UK and the recent contract award is testament to the level of investment Manhattan hasmade in its solutions over the last 5 years or so. Our SCPP-based supply chain solutions portfolio is helping Asda and a large and fast-growing group of customers achieve their business objectives and the Asda team knows it can count on Manhattan’s experience and our capability to serve as an expert advisor when planning and organising its cross-channel distribution operations going forwards.”