Resources
5 Reasons Not to Rely on Spreadsheets for Forecasting
Supply chain management is the process of coordinating and optimizing the movement of goods, information, and funds across the entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, in order to meet customer demand. Effective forecasting is a critical element...
Maggnumite has partnered with AGR to bring advanced forecasting, planning and procurement solutions to their customer base.
Maggnumite and AGR have announced a partnership to enhance demand planning functionality for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain with the AGR solution. The platform enables users to utilize data more effectively to increase forecast accuracy, optimize...
AGR at NRF 2023 – Retail’s Big Show
We are pleased to announce that AGR Dynamics will be at NRF 2023 in New York, January 15-17. NRF is retail’s most important event. With three days of educational programming, an enormous Expo featuring the latest retail solutions, plus an Innovation Lab and Startup...
Feeling stuffed after the Holiday Season?
Supply chain management is undoubtedly trickier around the holiday season, as businesses strive to meet the increased demand that usually occurs, and stretches well into the new year because it is important to consider the impact of returns on inventory levels. ...
Bundle partners with AGR to assist their client base with their Supply Chain insights
Bundle, an AI driven insights platform from Assimil8 - a technology consultancy business established in 2006 - has partnered with AGR to help their customers enhance their supply chain offering through the use of advanced insights. Designed to help companies unlock...
Plan Better for Major Shopping Events
How can you improve your promotional planning for next year? This year, people are buying their holiday gifts early. It is no wonder because, for the past two years, we’ve seen the pandemic impact holiday shopping in a multitude of ways, including supply chain...
AGR Customer Success Stories – Space NK
Acclaimed British beauty retailer, Space NK, is known for offering the best in beauty. They run 72 stores across the UK and Ireland, 29 in the US, as well as a thriving e-commerce platform. They implemented AGR in 2008 to improve their availability figures without...
Supply Chain Horror Stories
Let's be honest. The start of Q4 has been a bit spooky for all of us. Last year The Wall Street Journal published an article titled "The Scariest Part of Halloween This Year Is the Supply Chain" as many of the leading retailers struggled with supply shortages,...
Join AGR at Directions EMEA 2022
We are pleased to announce that AGR will be attending Directions EMEA, hosted by Directions 4 Partners, November 9-11, in Hamburg, Germany. For over 20 years, AGR Dynamics has worked with wholesalers and retailers across Europe and North America to streamline their...
The #1 rule of Inventory Management is: Control your stock or it will control you
But how you do so is just as important – are you simply managing your inventory or are you optimizing it? Let's look at how an effective ABC analysis can benefit your business. We frequently talk about inventory optimization in terms of the ways in which it can help...
Zencargo and AGR Dynamics form a partnership to transform the way companies deliver on supply chain demands
London based digital freight forwarder, Zencargo, has recently partnered with AGR Dynamics, a supply chain software that offers demand planning and supply chain management solutions for wholesale and retail companies. The global economy is under pressure from rising...
How to Achieve a More Sustainable Supply Chain
Companies play a key role in building a sustainable economy and society. In recent years, we have seen a significant shift in corporate consciousness towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Now, we are also seeing more legislative measures being...
AGR at DynamicsCon LIVE
We are pleased to announce that AGR Dynamics will be at DynamicsCon LIVE in San Antonio Texas, September 14-16, 2022. Hosted by the Dynamics User Group, DynamicsCon Live is a two-day conference for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central users and...
Build Your Strategy
An important aspect our system can help you with is strategy planning – where you need an end-to-end overview of your supply chain as well as dependable forecasts to help you prepare for an uncertain future. Having a sturdy workflow process and strict routine within...
Scenario Planning to Manage an Uncertain Future
Forecasting seems simple, especially when you have a rough idea of the scenarios that your business may face in the future. However, the increasing uncertainty and disruption in supply and demand make forecasting challenging. Therefore, we need a different approach,...
Inflation rates impact the cost of goods sold in the Supply Chain
Rising inflation rates can be felt through your supply chain in the rising cost of goods, resources, transport, labor, housing, and services that your company needs to operate. In our latest video, we share some best practices to manage the situation....
The successful Scandinavian Design company Muuto has chosen AGR for purchasing optimization
The Danish design and furniture company, has built up a strong brand and has put a lot of effort into building an efficient organization that covers both the wholesale and contract markets. Muuto’s furniture production takes place in Europe with European...
Forecasting: Using Both Internal & External Data
In these times of Supply Chain uncertainty and disruption, having access to all relevant data for inventory forecasting and planning is highly recommended – some would even say vital. Internal data is something you will most likely already have to hand. This may...
Cleland McIver selects AGR Dynamics to Assist with Managing their Inventory and Order Processes
Household textiles supplier looks to use AGR Dynamics to assist with ordering and handling supply chain demands. Cleland McIver was set up over 39 years ago and they have been involved in the textiles industry for over 90 years through multiple generations. They...
Tecman and AGR Dynamics form a partnership to deliver a supply chain solution across the customer base
Dynamics 365 partner looks to AGR Dynamics to help strengthen their customer service further and equip customers with the best supply chain solution Since Tecman launched 30 years ago, to great success, they have evolved drastically and now have over 8000...
AI / Machine Learning in Supply Chain Management
A rapidly growing area within the Supply Chain industry is the usage of AI and Machine Learning. After all, the most important aspect of Supply Chain Management is being able to predict future demand accurately as it gives companies a competitive advantage and...
AGR at Days of Knowledge Nordic
We are pleased to announce that AGR Dynamics will be attending Days of Knowledge Nordic, hosted by Directions 4 Partners, June 17-18, in Odense Denmark. At the conference, we will be sharing with Microsoft Partners how they can drastically improve their customers’...
Even More Powerful Inventory Optimization Solution
Discover new, exciting features in the AGR solution, that give you even better inventory visibility and control. For over 20 years AGR Dynamics has provided a powerful Inventory Optimization solution that enables businesses to improve efficiency, streamline their...
Honing Your ABC Analysis
Discover new features that allow you to select one or two dimensions, out of six possible ABC dimensions, and adjust your safety stock accordingly. ABC classification systems are widely used by businesses to streamline the management of inventories consisting of large...
Mastering Your Data
Discover new inventory optimization features that enable you to manage item-specific data across your network at the click of a button, to fine-tune the flow of goods. These days, even though many businesses realize the need to invest in inventory management tools to...
Making the Right Ordering Decisions
Discover new features in AGR v6.3 that visually highlight deviations from the norm in order lines to help focus your attention. When at its best, your supply chain should not only be effective but also efficient – two terms that have different meanings but are closely...
Clarity is the new Clever for Supply Chains
In an ever-changing world, what we once thought of being clever no longer applies after a pandemic shook the world to its core followed by heightened tensions and war. This brought about a change in mentality, as what we once thought was being clever changed overnight...
DART Tool Group Selects AGR Dynamics to Help Increase Visibility Within their Supply Chain and Cope with Demand
Leading Power Tool Accessory brand turns to AGR Dynamics to resolve their supply chain needs and requirements Since DART launched back in 2008, they have catapulted to become a reliable and consistent go-to brand for a wide range of power tool accessories that...
AGR at LS Retail conneXion
We are pleased to announce that AGR Dynamics will be at LS Retail Partner and Customer Conference, conneXion, in Iceland between 17-18 May 2022. At the conference Finnur Bragason, AGR Dynamics’ Sales Director, will host a session titled: Are sustainable Supply...
Predict the Unpredictable
Back in 2020, nearly every business in the world felt the impact of COVID-19 on their business, in one way or another, making the need for accurate planning and forecasting even greater. But when supply chain disruptions occur, on both the supply and demand side, such as we have felt due to the pandemic and now war on Ukraine? The need for a Planning Solution becomes apparent. Read more…
Hugh Jordan & Co launch supply chain initiative to enhance service and value
Leading independent catering supplier looks to AGR to unlock additional value for customers and strengthen their already impressive service levels Since 1947, Hugh Jordan has provided service, innovation and excellence to the Catering and Hospitality Industry. They...
Re-thinking Retail: The Opportunity for Wholesalers
The phrase “COVID has changed nothing but accelerated everything” has been used many times, across all aspects of life. It has been particularly apt with retail. Prolonged periods of lockdown have accelerated shifts to online channels in every product category. It...
Those Who Plan Together, Stick Together
Manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers face a number of challenges as 2021 closes. But facing down challenge is nothing new for anyone who has lived through the last 2 years. What firms have had to do out of necessity during the toughest of times shows us the...
Templespa to Upgrade Supply Chain Operations Capability to Support Future Growth
Award-winning supplier of luxury skincare products turn to AGR Dynamics to provide smooth transition to a new management platform International Skincare brand, Templespa has seen its business flourish even against the tough backdrop of the COVID crisis. Run by Liz...
Birlea Furniture invest in driving further efficiency and responsiveness in their supply chain.
Innovative supplier of bedroom, lounge and dining room furniture is to partner with AGR to optimise stock levels and accelerate operational improvements. Following significant investments in warehousing and systems that have enabled the family-run business to increase...
The Environmental Case for Optimization
Climate change and sustainability is increasingly becoming a central element of commercial decision making. In June 2019, the UK parliament passed legislation requiring the government to reduce the UK’s net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels...
Don’t Just Manage, Optimize: Minimising Risk and Waste
As we close out 2021 and look to 2022 it’s clear there are increasingly tight margins for profit and error. Consumers are demanding shorter delivery times. Retailers are placing a greater premium on service levels. Costs are rising, inbound and outbound logistics...
Sense and Sustainability
In April 2021 the UK government set the world’s most ambitious climate change target into law to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. The climate change agenda is hot news and despite protests from various organisations dividing public opinion,...
Resetting After Disruption: Are We Ready For a Promotions Challenge
As I write this in September 2021, the UK appears to be hitting peak supply chain challenge. As the constraints of COVID restrictions have eased, difficulties with driver shortages and availability right the way up the supply chain are coming to light. Talking to...
Navigating the Perfect Storm
If managing inventory can be challenging at the best of times, it can be debilitating at times of local and international disruption. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other companies that deal with household products, cosmetics and toiletries, office...
Becoming the Supply Chain’s ‘Most Valuable Player’
You can be the ‘All Star MVP’ in achieving supply chain excellence. You just need the support of the right information, tools and players. The barriers to excellence Everybody is aiming for excellence – delivery of the right product, to the right customer, at the...
Better Methods to Boost Sales
Consumer spending is increasing and given it is driving over a quarter of GDP growth this year, it is an important sign of economic life picking up as restrictions ease. In fact, the CBI is forecasting that the UK economy will return to pre-Covid levels by the end of...
Inventory Strategy in Uncertain Times
For many businesses, the cash tied up in stock can be 20%, 30% or even 40% of annual turnover. When considering those amounts, even seemingly small inventory management decisions can have a far-reaching and compounding effect across the organisation and on the bottom...
Creating the Space to Plan
Talking to manufacturers and wholesale and distribution companies has made it clear that there are several consistent trends at play at the moment. Competition is fierce Everyone is working hard to get their products to market, including suppliers and competitors....
When Results are Delivered, Do We Question the Approach?
When embarking on a journey somewhere, do you create a detailed route plan in advance or just set off in the general direction and rely on signs along the way to get you to your destination? Most of us probably combine the two approaches – we tend to take a look at...
Delivering for New Retail Trends
The shopping centre giant Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield have carried out research on the impact of the pandemic on the future of shopping. Westfield’s study, which polled 2000 UK consumers and 500 UK retailers, identified a range of trends: One of the five key areas of...
OTL launch supply chain project to keep up with increasing demand
Leading supplier of FMCG products to the UK and overseas markets, OTL has partnered with AGR to drive operational efficiency and optimise stock levels using AGR Software. Following several years of rapid growth, OTL, the international FMCG supplier, has this month...
Take Stock of Your Inventory!
It will come as no surprise to hear that having control of your stock is critical to success and yet many in wholesale and distribution don’t go beyond the fundamentals of stock management and are losing out. We know that the golden rule calls for the right product...
Why Robust Merchandise Financial Planning is Critical
Failing to plan is planning to fail. You’ll have heard that one before. The sentiment behind it is why we all plan for success. But all plans are not created equal, some are absolutely better than others. They’re easier to produce, deliver better results and drive...
It Takes People Equipped with the Right Tools to Manage Efficient Supply Chains
Supply chains are complex ecosystems that require tending to – they operate on a foundation of relationships and decision making. This means that you can never fully automate the S(I)&OP activity across the supply chain. The process cannot sustain itself without...
AGR Dynamics closes a strategic investment round
AGR is happy to announce a successful investment round led by a new shareholder VEX I. Current shareholders did also participate but the aim of the funding is to fuel and accelerate AGR's growth, as the company has grown by an average of 25% per year over the past...
Responding to Disruption
When you’re driving, your journey feels smooth thanks to your car’s suspension working to absorb any shocks from bumps in the road. The same applies to your business – if operations have started to feel smooth over the last few months that’s likely down to your...
Minimising the Cost of Uncertainty – Scenario Planning
‘Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth’ – Mike Tyson Plans are easy to come up with. The challenge is ensuring that they are good ones – able to withstand tests of turbulence and unexpected shocks. There are lots of signs to keep an eye out for as...
Demand Variability – Risk or Opportunity?
Unpredictable patterns of demand create challenges for managing inventory. These primarily manifest themselves in either excess inventory or issues with fulfilling service levels. Demand variability is a constant, there’s no way to predict with absolute certainty...
S&OP for Competitive Advantage: 10 Signs You Need to Up Your Game
We’ve previously considered the importance of strong inventory health to your success in wholesale/distribution. The health of your entire business is crucial though so here are 10 symptoms of larger problems you should be looking out for: Responding to disruption...
S&OP for Competitive Advantage: Why ERP Alone Can’t Deliver
Retailers need product, price and service level performance and it’s up to wholesalers to deliver. Those businesses with the best sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes are most likely to succeed in fulfilling the demands of their customers. What’s behind...
What Sets the Best Wholesale and Distribution Businesses Apart from the Rest?
A common factor among the best-in-class wholesale and distribution companies is their recognition of the importance of inventory on their bottom line. They acknowledge the need for effective and efficient management of inventory and shape their operations accordingly....
Carrington Textiles announces Inventory Optimisation and Merchandise Planning partnership with AGR Dynamics to support future growth
Carrington Textiles has a reputation for innovation, and continues to introduce exciting breakthroughs and new ideas to meet the most stringent performance requirements encountered in diverse areas such as heavy industry, light engineering, food processing, retail,...
Reduce the Resource Costs of Inventory Replenishment (10–25%) and Inventory Management (33–66%)
Inventory management takes place within an operating model with many variables and moving parts. Many of the links in the chain must be managed by people. But much of their daily work could (and should) be undertaken by technology, freeing them up as a resource to...
Cut Stock-Outs by 10–25% and Improve Service Levels
The last year has been defined by disruption and volatility. The unprecedented rate of change seen in consumer behaviour was a large factor. Looking ahead, there’s no tipping point on the horizon that will cause future prospects to settle into a predictable rhythm....
Reduce Obsolete Stock Write-offs by 5–20%
When excess inventory is managed effectively and stock levels are reduced, surplus no longer accumulates. A reduction of obsolete product means you can avoid selling off stock at a discounted price, or worse, writing it off entirely. Preventing this situation keeps...
Release 15–25% of Your Cash from Unnecessary Safety Stock
How do you consistently achieve high service levels without carrying large volumes of safety stock for each inventory item? Hitting those rates of order fulfilment starts with inventory classification. Like so many models, the wholesale and distribution approach is...
Inventory Optimization – The Impact on Your Bottom Line
We frequently talk about inventory optimization in terms of the ways in which it can help you better manage your supply chain. Perhaps you think of it as a ‘nice to have’ approach, something to incorporate in the future. You’d be wrong. There are quantifiable, in some...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 6 – Integration and Alignment
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
Heads Up: Successful Forecasting and Demand Planning
What’s the state of your inventory management today? Are you reliant on spreadsheets, snapshots and individuals’ knowledge? Or do you have a near-time view of all activity that automatically prompts planners, buyers and the rest of the team, allowing them to run with...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 5 – Robust Governance
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
The State of S&OP in 2021
Even before the crisis emerged in 2020 and forced them to take action, organisations had started to recognise and experience the many benefits of optimizing their S&OP process. In the main, this was as a tool for balancing supply and demand. Now, as we shift to a...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 4 – Automation and Control (2/2)
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
Paws Holdings Ltd announce Inventory Optimisation and Merchandise Planning partnership with AGR Dynamics to support future growth
Leading European online pet wellbeing business to drive operational efficiency and optimise stock levels alongside their sector leading service levels using AGR software.Paws Holdings Limited, the online Dog and Cat Wellbeing business operating in the UK and...
What CEOs and MDs in Wholesale/Distribution Really Want From Their Teams
What leader isn’t looking for new ways to make their business more efficient and cost effective? What supplier isn’t claiming methods and solutions to help them achieve it? Across the board, everybody’s trying to make improvements and everybody else is offering...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 4 – Automation and Control (1/2)
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
2021 Wholesale / Distribution Benchmark – Early Findings
Our wholesale/distribution benchmark survey is based on the anatomy of a world-class wholesale distribution firm. Participants score their organisations against the statements that a world-class organisation would use to describe themselves and their operational...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 3 – Intelligent Replenishment (2/2)
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
Can We Talk About Recovery Yet?
The journey ahead might be a little bumpy, but there are signs we’re on the road to recovery. According to a Financial Times poll of more than 90 leading economists, it will take at least 18 months for the UK economy to return to its pre-pandemic size. They also...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 3 – Intelligent Replenishment (1/2)
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
2020 – That Was the Year That Was
And what a year it was! Across the board, businesses had to deal with demand shocks and everyone had to adapt rapidly to uncertain and dynamic circumstances in order to survive. Ultimately, the experience has shifted the approach organisations take to planning. Demand...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 2 – Advanced Forecasting
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
Key Areas of Focus for World-Class Wholesale Organisations, Part 1 – Data Driven
The anatomy of a world-class wholesale organisation Based on our work with clients; analysis of the wholesale and distribution sector; and input from expert consultants; we’ve identified the characteristics that define world-class wholesale organisations. This set of...
Bo Andrén AB chooses AGR Dynamics as supplier of a new purchasing tool for their Jeeves ERP
Since 1942, BOA have looked for the right building boards from the best suppliers around the world. BOA aims for a sustainable building industry with products that are toxic free, environmentally friendly and with responsibility from start to finish. A modern and...
Bygma Gruppen chooses AGR as a supplier of a purchasing tool for their M3 ERP system
Optimal replenishment, optimal inventory levels and freight cost savings are some of the benefits which Bygma Gruppen gets from introducing an intelligent purchasing system. The system has been tested in 8 stores and will be rolled out to all of Bygma's 60 stores in...
Peak Trading 2020 – Initial Thoughts
In the week immediately after the typical Black Friday/Cyber Monday peak shopping weekend, it’s interesting to consider the ways in which things are looking different this year. The usual push to consumers started early this year and it’s likely to continue for...
Are You Experiencing More Business Pains Than You Should Be?
Every company experiences various pains – you could say it’s one of the costs of doing business. But are the difficulties you’re ignoring holding you back from becoming a world-class wholesale organisation? Acute vs chronic Given we regularly discuss the state of your...
Aktieselskabet Carl Christensen looks to proliferate agility in forecasting & purchasing and lowering costs, in addition to increasing the service level
AGR Nordic's Inventory system was again chosen as the preferred solution, when Aktieselskabet Carl Christensen needed a new system for forecasting and purchasing for central warehouse, as well as for allocation to au2part's 42 departments. The project ahead...
Etman Distribusjon AS improves the purchasing process and inventory management with AGR Dynamics Inventory system
AGR Nordic gets a new customer in Norway and continues its strong entry into the exciting and important Norwegian market. Etman Distribusjon AS / ETM Øst AS Etman Distribusjon AS, a Norwegian electrical wholesaler which together with ETM Øst AS serves the Norwegian...
Achieving Strong Inventory Health (and the Bad Habits to Avoid at all Costs)
Inventory health is one of the most important aspects of supply chain management. With valuable resources tied up in inventory stock, knowing exactly what you have and where it’s located is crucial to managing stock, avoiding accruing high carrying costs, and to...
Inventory Health Part 3: Increasing Stock Turn
Having considered the importance of relationship management and using your team’s knowledge to look behind the numbers, we’re going to consider the vital statistic for inventory health: stock turn. The rate at which your business turns its stock is a crucial indicator...
Inventory Health Part 2: Knowledge Matters
Strong management of the complex relationships and moving parts that determine inventory health requires quality information and proactive decision making. We looked previously at the importance of freeing your team from laborious tasks and equipping them with...
Inventory Health Part 1: People Matter
Strong inventory management was a key element in our focus on recovery and resilience. We’re going to take some time to consider this in more detail as inventory health is one of the most important aspects of supply chain management. With valuable resources tied up in...
Recovery and Resilience: Looking Ahead
As we’ve discussed over the last month, the supply chain is the engine of any retail and wholesale business model. When things are not running smoothly, the operation is stuck in a lower gear and the only way to create organisational resilience is to take steps to...
Recovery and Resilience Part 3: Removing Reliance on Spreadsheets
We’ve illustrated how important it is to remove vulnerabilities to your supply chain by targeting threats in the areas of demand planning, inventory management and financial fragility in order to increase resilience and build the momentum required to promote recovery....