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Mat
Mathew Tolley

Mathew has over 15 years of experience in the public and private sector, advising senior executives on technical solutions in operations and supply chain, from design and development through to system implementation. This experience has been gained in sectors including hospitality, distribution, retail, telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical products, food processing, after-market parts, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

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Tim Fagan

Tim has over 10 years experience in collaboratively working clients to find the right technology solution to meet their unique needs. With a background in tactical solution development, best of breed system implementation, system requirements definition, multi-language programming, (plus an undergraduate and postgraduate in Mechatronics) Tim has the expertise to support clients navigate their supply chain technology journey.

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What are the next steps for technology in our business?

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Tech Strategy & Roadmap Development
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How can we set our business up for success with new technology changes?

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What are the solutions we need? What should they deliver?

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How is effective is our supply chain operation? How well do we leverage our data?

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Solutions we have implemented with our clients.

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Supplier DIFOT & Credit Tracking

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

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Inventory Planning Software

Review forecasted demand, uplift ordering and inventory management discipline. Effectively manage service and cost.

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Supplier Fulfilment Comms.

Monitor and record supplier fulfilment performance. Automatically distribute targeted communications to internal teams.

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Reporting Dashboards

Unlock continuous improvement opportunities and improve responsiveness through visibility of operational performance

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Demand Forecast & Workforce Planning

Plan for peak periods of demand, optimise workforce capacity and roster investment to meet service and cost targets.

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Best-of-Breed Inventory Planning System Implementation

Leverage the potential of market leading inventory planning and optimisation capability.

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Production Kitchen Planning & Recipe Management

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

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Operational Asset Tracking

Maintain operational visibility of assets across the network, ensuring continuing capability exists and mitigating investment risk

Our Partnerships

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

Delivering solutions for complex logistics problems

A single platform for supply chain orchestration

Helping companies fulfil their customer's promises, GAINS is the supply chain performance optimisation company

AutoStore develops order fulfilment solutions to help businesses achieve efficiency gains within the storage and retrieval of goods.

Cloud Based Transport Management System for Agriculture

Zycus is the leader in Source-to-Pay (S2P) solutions, pioneering the world's first Generative AI powered platform that helps procurement achieve 10X speed and efficiency

Precision Economics focuses on the delivery of tailored economic and quantitative work, especially in situations where existing tools are unable to answer the questions under examination

Informed 365 offer Cloud Based Solutions to Efficiently Manage Your and Your Supply Chain’s Environmental and Social Performance

Mushiny provides proven robot intelligent warehousing solutions for warehousing users, regardless of industry origin

Create unified strategic supply and demand, production, merchandising, and operations planning decisions with the RELEX AI-based platform

Coupa conquers complexity by delivering intelligent insights across supply chain, procurement, and finance

Featured Articles

Planning, Forecasting, S&OP and IBP
March 13, 2025

Supply Chain Planning: Implementing or Upgrading Your APS in 2025

Boost your supply chain planning in 2025 with top APS providers like Oracle, SAP, and Kinaxis. Trace Consultants dives into Demand Driven strategies and AI for ANZ success.

Supply chain planning in 2025 is a critical lever for success, especially for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Retail, and Manufacturing companies in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Implementing or upgrading an Advanced Planning System (APS) can transform how you navigate demand volatility, cost pressures, and logistical challenges. Leading APS providers—such as Oracle, SAP, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, and o9 Solutions, all positioned as Leaders or Visionaries in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions (April 2024)—offer robust options to meet these needs. At Trace Consultants, we’re here to guide ANZ businesses through this process, delivering value for CFOs managing budgets, CSCOs building resilience, and CIOs integrating technology.

This article explores Supply Chain Planning, focusing on implementing or upgrading your APS. We’ll dive into Demand Driven Supply Chains, Forecasting Techniques, Dynamic Safety Stocks tied to forecast confidence, and pragmatic AI use, while touching on how top APS providers can fit your goals. For ANZ firms—from FMCG players like Fonterra to retailers like Woolworths or manufacturers like BlueScope—this is your roadmap to a smarter 2025.

Why APS Matters for ANZ Supply Chains in 2025

In 2025, ANZ supply chains face a perfect storm: sprawling geography, unpredictable demand, and economic squeezes like inflation. An APS acts as a central hub, optimising demand, supply, and production planning to keep operations lean and responsive. For FMCG, it ensures fresh stock hits shelves; for Retail, it aligns with seasonal trends; for Manufacturing, it syncs production with orders.

The ANZ Landscape

From rural Queensland to Auckland’s retail zones, ANZ supply chains deal with seasonality (e.g., summer sales) and disruptions (e.g., cyclone-affected ports). Providers like Oracle, SAP, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, and o9 Solutions bring tools to tackle these, making an APS a must-have for staying competitive.

Key Elements of APS Implementation or Upgrade

Let’s explore the core components of rolling out or refreshing your APS, with insights into top providers.

1. Demand Driven Supply Chains: Planning with Real-Time Insight

Understanding Demand Driven Supply Chains

Demand Driven Supply Chains (DDSC) pivot from forecast-driven push systems to demand-signal pull systems. This reduces excess stock and boosts agility—ideal for FMCG (e.g., snack demand spikes), Retail (e.g., holiday rushes), and Manufacturing (e.g., custom orders).

ANZ Relevance

ANZ’s dynamic markets—think dairy export shifts or Black Friday sales—thrive with DDSC’s flexibility. Buffering stock at strategic points and reacting to actual demand cuts waste and improves service. APS platforms like SAP Integrated Business Planning or Kinaxis RapidResponse excel at enabling this responsiveness.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

Trace Consultants specialises in DDSC implementation. We’ll evaluate your supply chain, identify key demand signals, and configure your APS—whether it’s SAP, Oracle, or o9 Solutions—to pull stock efficiently. Our tailored approach ensures your operations stay lean and customer-focused.

2. Forecasting Techniques: Precision in Prediction

Mastering Forecasting

Accurate forecasts are the backbone of APS success. Techniques include time-series analysis (tracking trends), causal models (tying sales to events), and machine learning (predicting anomalies). For FMCG, it’s forecasting milk runs; for Retail, it’s gauging fashion trends; for Manufacturing, it’s raw material needs.

ANZ’s Forecasting Challenges

ANZ’s diverse demand—urban vs. rural, seasonal vs. stable—requires a blended approach. Weather disruptions or promo spikes add complexity, where Oracle Demand Planning or Blue Yonder’s Luminate Planning shine with advanced analytics.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

We bring forecasting expertise to the table. Trace Consultants will customise techniques for your APS, refining data inputs to reflect ANZ’s quirks. Whether you choose Kinaxis or SAP, we’ll ensure your forecasts are spot-on, driving better decisions.

3. Dynamic Safety Stocks: Adapting to Confidence Levels

Moving Beyond Static Stocks

Static safety stocks lock up capital with fixed buffers. Dynamic Safety Stocks adjust based on forecast confidence: low uncertainty means lean stocks, high uncertainty triggers bigger buffers. This suits FMCG’s fast turnover, Retail’s trend cycles, and Manufacturing’s lead times.

Tying to Forecast Confidence

During a Retail peak like Christmas, high-confidence forecasts allow minimal stocks. In Manufacturing, uncertain supplier delays—like post-cyclone delays—demand higher buffers. This adaptability, supported by o9 Solutions’ AI-driven insights, proved valuable in past ANZ disruptions.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

Trace Consultants masters Dynamic Safety Stocks. We’ll integrate this into your APS—be it Blue Yonder or Oracle—linking it to forecast confidence metrics. Our data models optimise stock levels for ANZ’s volatility, freeing up cash while maintaining service.

4. Leveraging AI Pragmatically: Practical Power

AI’s Role in APS

AI transforms APS by enhancing forecasts, spotting patterns (e.g., Retail promo impacts), and suggesting actions. For FMCG, it tracks shelf-life risks; for Manufacturing, it optimises schedules. Kinaxis’s AI tools, for instance, predict demand shifts with precision.

Pragmatic Use in ANZ

ANZ firms don’t need AI overkill—just smart application. Starting with demand sensing (e.g., SAP’s AI features) and scaling to predictive maintenance can cut forecast errors by 20-30%, fitting budgets and goals.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

Trace Consultants takes a grounded approach to AI. We’ll select and integrate AI features into your APS—Oracle, o9 Solutions, or otherwise—focusing on practical gains like better forecasts and stock efficiency. Our rollouts are seamless and results-driven.

Challenges of Implementing or Upgrading an APS

Rolling out or upgrading an APS comes with hurdles for ANZ businesses:

1. Data Quality Issues

Inconsistent data—e.g., Retail’s fragmented POS systems—can derail APS performance.

2. Budget Constraints

High initial costs for software (e.g., Kinaxis licenses) or training strain FMCG and Manufacturing budgets.

3. Adoption Resistance

Staff clinging to old processes can slow SAP or Blue Yonder deployments.

4. ANZ Logistics Complexity

Long lead times (e.g., NZ imports) and remote sites challenge planning accuracy.

These are surmountable with expert guidance.

Opportunities with a Modern APS in 2025

A well-executed APS offers ANZ firms:

  • Cost Efficiency: Dynamic stocks reduce tied-up capital.
  • Service Excellence: DDSC ensures stock availability.
  • Risk Mitigation: AI flags disruptions early.

For FMCG, it’s fresher goods; for Retail, it’s satisfied shoppers; for Manufacturing, it’s smoother production. With Oracle, SAP, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, or o9 Solutions, 2025 is your year to shine.

How Trace Consultants Can Help ANZ Supply Chains Thrive

At Trace Consultants, we bring proven expertise to ANZ’s FMCG, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors. Here’s how we support your APS journey:

1. Demand Driven Implementation

We’ll transform your APS—whether Oracle or Kinaxis—into a DDSC powerhouse, aligning stock with real demand.

2. Forecasting Mastery

Our team will refine forecasting techniques for your APS, leveraging SAP or Blue Yonder’s strengths to match ANZ’s market.

3. Dynamic Stock Optimisation

We’ll set up Dynamic Safety Stocks in your APS—o9 Solutions or otherwise—tied to confidence levels for smart buffering.

4. Pragmatic AI Rollout

We’ll integrate AI into your APS, starting with practical tools from Kinaxis or Oracle, ensuring measurable impact.

5. Full Lifecycle Support

From data cleanup to training, we’ll guide your APS implementation or upgrade, ensuring it delivers long-term.

We don’t just consult—we deliver, partnering with you to make your APS a success. With Trace Consultants, your supply chain planning leaps forward.

Looking Ahead: Your APS Edge in 2025

In 2025, supply chain planning with a modern APS is how ANZ FMCG, Retail, and Manufacturing firms lead. Demand Driven Supply Chains keep you agile, precise forecasts cut risks, Dynamic Safety Stocks save cash, and pragmatic AI drives decisions. With top providers like Oracle, SAP, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, and o9 Solutions, the tools are there—let’s make them work.

Take the next step. Contact Trace Consultants today. Together, we’ll implement or upgrade your APS, setting you up for a stronger 2025.

Planning, Forecasting, S&OP and IBP
March 13, 2025

How Organisations Can Leverage VMI Effectively: A 2025 Guide for ANZ FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is transforming FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. Learn how to leverage VMI effectively in 2025 with Trace Consultants’ proven strategies.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic tool that’s reshaping how businesses operate in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). For Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Retail, and Manufacturing organisations, VMI offers a way to streamline operations, cut costs, and stay ahead in a competitive market. At Trace Consultants, we’ve seen VMI deliver real results when implemented thoughtfully, helping ANZ companies tackle the challenges of 2025 with confidence.

So, how can your organisation make VMI work effectively? This article dives into what VMI is, why it matters now, and how FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing businesses can harness it to drive performance. We’ll also show how Trace Consultants can support you every step of the way—turning inventory management into a competitive edge.

What Is VMI and Why Does It Matter in 2025?

At its core, Vendor Managed Inventory is a partnership model where suppliers take charge of managing a buyer’s stock levels. Rather than your team handling orders, the vendor uses shared data—like sales trends and inventory counts—to replenish stock as needed. It’s a shift from reactive ordering to proactive collaboration.

In 2025, VMI is gaining momentum across ANZ as FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing firms face rising costs, supply chain volatility, and relentless customer expectations. For FMCG giants like Sanitarium or Fonterra, it keeps high-turnover products flowing without waste. QSR chains like Hungry Jack’s rely on it for fresh, just-in-time deliveries. Retailers like Kmart use it to balance stock across stores, while manufacturers like CSR fine-tune raw material supplies.

The timing is right because today’s pressures—economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and demand for efficiency—make traditional inventory models too rigid. VMI offers a smarter alternative, and ANZ organisations are taking notice.

The Benefits of VMI for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing

Why bother with VMI? Here’s what it brings to the table for these industries in ANZ:

  1. Lower Costs:
    Matching stock to actual demand cuts excess inventory expenses—think warehousing, spoilage, and discounts on unsold goods.
  2. Better Cash Flow:
    With less money locked in stock, resources are freed up for other priorities, like expansion or innovation.
  3. Stronger Supply Chains:
    Vendors handle replenishment, reducing the risk of stockouts or delays, even when disruptions hit.
  4. Smoother Operations:
    Automating stock management frees up teams to focus on bigger-picture goals instead of daily grunt work.
  5. Happier Customers:
    Consistent product availability—whether it’s a burger bun or a bestselling shampoo—keeps shelves full and customers coming back.

These wins don’t happen by accident. Leveraging VMI effectively takes planning, collaboration, and the right tools—especially in 2025’s fast-moving environment.

How to Leverage VMI Effectively in 2025

Here’s a practical guide for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing organisations in ANZ to get the most out of VMI this year.

1. Forge Solid Vendor Partnerships

VMI hinges on trust. Suppliers need to grasp your business—its peaks, troughs, and unique needs—whether you’re rolling out a seasonal FMCG promo or keeping a QSR kitchen stocked. This means choosing vendors who can deliver consistently and building agreements that align everyone’s interests.

Clear communication and shared goals are key. It’s about creating a partnership where both sides win—vendors keep your stock humming, and you avoid the chaos of manual ordering.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants knows how to build vendor relationships that stick. We’ll evaluate your supplier network, craft VMI contracts that work for both parties, and set performance benchmarks. The result? A supply chain that’s reliable and ready for anything.

2. Harness Data and Technology

VMI runs on real-time data—sales figures, stock levels, forecasts—all shared seamlessly with vendors. In 2025, ANZ businesses are leaning on cloud platforms, IoT devices, and analytics to make this happen. For FMCG and Retail, it’s about syncing with shopper demand; for QSRs, it’s timing ingredient deliveries; for Manufacturing, it’s aligning materials with production.

The right tech setup is critical—think integrated systems that connect your operations to your vendors without friction.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We’re tech-savvy at Trace Consultants. We’ll review your current systems, recommend VMI-friendly tools—like cloud-based ERP or vendor sync platforms—and handle the rollout. Our team ensures your data flows smoothly, giving you control without the complexity.

3. Tie VMI to Demand Planning

Effective VMI starts with knowing what you’ll need. Robust demand planning—blending past trends with future insights like campaigns or market shifts—keeps vendors in step with your business. For FMCG, it prevents stockouts on fast-moving items; for QSRs, it ensures fresh stock; for Retail and Manufacturing, it matches inventory to sales or output.

This alignment cuts waste and keeps operations lean, making VMI a true efficiency driver.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants brings demand planning expertise to the table. We’ll set up Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes that link VMI to your forecasts, ensuring stock levels are just right. It’s a system that saves money and keeps things running smoothly.

4. Pilot First, Then Scale

Diving headfirst into VMI across your whole operation can be risky. In 2025, ANZ firms are starting small—testing VMI with one product, location, or supplier—before scaling up. A QSR might pilot it with dairy deliveries, a retailer with a top category, or a manufacturer with a core input.

This approach lets you fine-tune the process and build confidence in the results before going all-in.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We take a measured approach at Trace Consultants. We’ll design a VMI pilot, track its performance, and scale it across your ANZ footprint when it proves its worth. You get a low-risk path to big gains, tailored to your business.

5. Keep Improving Over Time

VMI isn’t a one-and-done deal. In 2025, ANZ organisations need to monitor how it’s working—think stock turnover, service levels, and cost impacts—and adjust as conditions change. This keeps the system sharp and vendors on their toes.

Regular check-ins and data-driven tweaks ensure VMI stays valuable year-round.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants sets you up for long-term success. We’ll create monitoring tools—like custom dashboards—and run periodic reviews to optimise your VMI setup. It’s about keeping the benefits flowing, no matter what 2025 throws your way.

Industry-Specific VMI Wins

VMI can flex to fit each sector in ANZ. Here’s how it plays out:

  • FMCG: Keeps fast-moving goods like snacks or drinks in stock without over-ordering, cutting waste.
  • QSR: Ensures fresh ingredients arrive daily, syncing with sales to avoid spoilage.
  • Retail: Balances stock for busy seasons while clearing out slow movers post-peak.
  • Manufacturing: Ties raw material deliveries to production schedules, reducing downtime and storage costs.

Across these industries, VMI can sharpen your edge—if you get the execution right.

Challenges to Watch Out For

VMI isn’t foolproof. Here’s what ANZ organisations need to navigate:

  • Vendor Dependability: A shaky supplier can disrupt the whole system with delays or quality issues.
  • Data Hurdles: Spotty or disconnected data throws off replenishment timing.
  • Initial Investment: Tech upgrades and setup take time and money before the payoff hits.
  • Control Trade-Offs: Letting vendors steer inventory can feel like a leap without tight oversight.

These aren’t dealbreakers—they’re just reasons to partner with someone who’s done this before.

Opportunities VMI Unlocks in 2025

In ANZ’s 2025 landscape, VMI offers a shot at efficiency and resilience. It’s a chance to trim costs without cutting corners, free up cash for growth, and build a supply chain that bends but doesn’t break. For FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing firms, it’s about staying lean and customer-focused in a tough market.

The organisations that nail VMI this year will be the ones setting the pace—turning inventory into a strength, not a burden.

How Trace Consultants Can Help ANZ Organisations Leverage VMI

At Trace Consultants, we’re all about making things happen—not just talking about them. With years of experience in ANZ’s FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors, we know how to turn VMI into a win. Here’s what we bring:

  1. Vendor Alignment:
    We’ll pick the right suppliers, negotiate smart VMI deals, and set clear expectations—building a network you can rely on.
  2. Tech Solutions:
    From system audits to seamless integrations, we’ll get your tech ready for VMI—making data your ally.
  3. Demand Planning Precision:
    Our S&OP frameworks tie VMI to your needs, keeping stock lean and service high.
  4. Phased Rollouts:
    We’ll start with a pilot, prove the value, and scale it across your operations—minimising risk, maximising impact.
  5. Ongoing Optimisation:
    With dashboards and reviews, we’ll keep your VMI humming, adapting it to changing demands.

We don’t just hand over a plan—we work with you to make it real. Trace Consultants is your partner in turning VMI into a practical, powerful tool for 2025.

Looking Ahead: Make VMI Your Advantage

In 2025, Vendor Managed Inventory is a chance for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing organisations in ANZ to rethink how they operate. It’s about cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and keeping customers happy—all at once. The businesses that leverage VMI effectively won’t just survive this year—they’ll thrive.

Ready to get started? Contact Trace Consultants today. Let’s make your inventory work harder—so your organisation can too.

Strategy & Design
March 13, 2025

QSR Supply Chain and Procurement Projects in 2025: Enabling Growth and Driving Cost Out in Australia and New Zealand

In 2025, ANZ QSRs can fuel growth and cut costs through smarter supply chain and procurement strategies. Discover how Trace Consultants helps CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs drive efficiency and profitability.

The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is poised for a transformative year in 2025. With margins under pressure and competition heating up, CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs face a dual challenge: how to enable growth while aggressively driving cost out of their supply chains and procurement operations. At Trace Consultants, we believe this is not just a balancing act—it’s an opportunity to unlock new levels of profitability and market leadership.

In this article, we’ll explore the trends shaping QSR supply chain and procurement projects in 2025, highlight strategies to fuel expansion and reduce costs, and show how Trace Consultants can partner with ANZ QSR leaders to deliver tangible results. Whether you’re a CEO eyeing market share, a CFO hunting for savings, or a CIO leveraging tech for efficiency, this guide will equip you to thrive in the year ahead.

Why 2025 Is a Make-or-Break Year for QSR Growth and Cost Efficiency

The QSR sector—home to fast-food chains, takeaway joints, and coffee shops—thrives on delivering value at speed. In ANZ, brands like Hungry Jack’s, Subway, and Coffee Club have mastered this game, but 2025 brings fresh stakes. Inflation is pushing up costs for ingredients, labour, and logistics, while customers demand lower prices and faster service. At the same time, growth opportunities abound as urban populations swell and digital ordering surges.

For CEOs, this is a chance to capture new markets and boost revenue. For CFOs, it’s about slashing wasteful spend to protect the bottom line. And for CIOs, it’s an invitation to harness technology to make every process leaner and smarter. The key? A supply chain and procurement strategy that drives cost out while enabling scalable growth. Let’s dive into how ANZ QSRs can make it happen in 2025.

Key Trends Driving Growth and Cost Savings in QSR Supply Chains

Here are the five major trends shaping QSR supply chain and procurement projects in 2025—and how they can help you grow smarter and spend less.

1. Lean Procurement for Cost Reduction

Rising costs are the enemy of profitability, and procurement is ground zero for fighting back. In 2025, ANZ QSRs are rethinking how they source everything from beef patties to paper cups, focusing on leaner processes that eliminate waste and secure better deals.

For CFOs, this means renegotiating supplier contracts and consolidating purchasing power to drive down unit costs. CEOs can align these savings with growth plans—like funding new store openings—while CIOs enable it all with e-procurement platforms that automate and optimise buying.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
At Trace Consultants, we’re experts at stripping cost out of procurement without compromising quality. We’ll analyse your spend data, identify overpriced inputs, and negotiate hard with suppliers to lock in savings. For CFOs, we deliver detailed ROI forecasts; for CIOs, we integrate tools like Coupa or SAP Ariba to streamline the process. Our goal? Help your QSR bank the savings you need to fuel growth.

2. AI-Powered Efficiency for Scalable Operations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for QSRs in 2025, offering a one-two punch of cost reduction and growth enablement. Predictive analytics can forecast demand with pinpoint accuracy—say, how many pizzas you’ll sell on a Friday night—reducing overstock and waste. Automation can handle repetitive tasks like order processing, freeing up resources for expansion.

CFOs will see the impact in lower inventory costs and reduced labour spend. CEOs can use these efficiencies to scale operations into new regions, while CIOs lead the charge by integrating AI into supply chain systems.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants brings hands-on experience in deploying AI for ANZ QSRs. We’ll assess your tech needs, recommend solutions like AI-driven demand planning tools, and oversee a seamless rollout. Working with your CIO, we’ll ensure your systems deliver real-time insights that cut costs and support growth—whether you’re opening five new stores or fifty.

3. Local Supply Chains for Growth and Resilience

Global supply chains are costly and fragile, and in 2025, ANZ QSRs are going local to save money and grow faster. Sourcing from nearby suppliers cuts transport costs, speeds up delivery, and reduces exposure to international disruptions. It also unlocks growth by tapping into the “buy local” trend that resonates with ANZ customers.

CEOs can leverage this for brand expansion—think new outlets in regional towns with local supply support. CFOs will appreciate the lower logistics bills, and CIOs can build data platforms to manage these tighter, more responsive networks.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We specialise in redesigning supply chains for cost efficiency and scalability. Trace Consultants will map your supplier ecosystem, shift you to cost-effective local options, and model scenarios to balance savings with growth potential. Your CEO gets a roadmap to new markets, your CFO gets a leaner cost base, and your CIO gets a system that’s ready to scale.

4. Digital Transformation for Revenue and Savings

The digital boom—online orders, delivery apps, and loyalty programs—is driving QSR growth in 2025, but it’s also a goldmine for cost reduction. By digitising supply chain and procurement processes, QSRs can eliminate manual inefficiencies, reduce errors, and optimise resource use.

For CEOs, digital tools open doors to new revenue streams, like ghost kitchens or subscription models. CFOs can slash operational costs with automated workflows, and CIOs are the linchpin, ensuring these systems integrate smoothly across the business.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants has a track record of digitising ANZ QSR operations. We’ll pinpoint where manual processes are costing you, implement solutions like cloud-based ERP systems, and tie it all together for your CIO. The result? A digital backbone that drives revenue growth and cuts operational fat—giving your QSR the best of both worlds.

5. Workforce Optimisation to Support Expansion

Labour costs are a huge chunk of QSR budgets, and shortages in ANZ are pushing wages higher in 2025. Smart leaders are using automation—like robotic fry stations—and predictive workforce planning to do more with less. This frees up capital for growth while keeping costs in check.

CEOs can redirect labour savings into hiring for new locations. CFOs will love the leaner payroll, and CIOs can deploy tech like workforce management software to make it happen.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We’ve helped ANZ businesses optimise their workforce for growth and efficiency. Trace Consultants will assess your staffing model, introduce automation where it counts, and build predictive tools to match labour to demand. Your CIO gets a tech rollout that works, your CFO gets cost savings, and your CEO gets a team ready to scale.

Challenges to Growth and Cost Reduction in 2025

While the potential is massive, 2025 won’t be a cakewalk. Here are the hurdles ANZ QSRs need to overcome:

  • Cost Pressures: Inflation and supply shortages could erode savings if not managed proactively.
  • Tech Investment Risks: Big bets on AI or digital tools need to pay off quickly to justify the spend.
  • Customer Retention: Growth depends on keeping price-sensitive diners happy amid rising costs.
  • Execution Complexity: Scaling while cutting costs requires flawless coordination across teams.

These challenges are real, but they’re not roadblocks—they’re opportunities for QSRs with the right strategy and partner.

Opportunities for QSR CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs in 2025

In 2025, ANZ QSR leaders can turn trends into triumphs. Here’s how each role can drive growth and cost efficiency:

  • CEOs: Expand boldly. Use lean supply chains and digital tools to enter new markets without bloating costs.
  • CFOs: Hunt for savings. Slash procurement and operational expenses to fund growth without borrowing.
  • CIOs: Build the future. Deploy tech that cuts waste and scales effortlessly as your QSR grows.

Together, you can create a QSR that’s leaner, stronger, and ready to dominate the ANZ market.

How Trace Consultants Can Help QSRs Grow and Save in 2025

At Trace Consultants, we’re not here to sell you a vision—we’re here to make it happen. With deep expertise in ANZ’s QSR and FMCG sectors, we deliver supply chain and procurement solutions that enable growth and drive cost out. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Cost-Out Procurement Strategies:
    We’ll dissect your spend, negotiate better deals, and streamline purchasing to save you millions. Your CFO gets a tighter budget; your CEO gets cash for expansion.
  2. AI and Digital Enablement:
    From demand forecasting to automated workflows, we’ll implement tech that cuts costs and scales with your growth. Your CIO gets a partner who speaks their language.
  3. Local Supply Chain Optimisation:
    We’ll shift you to cost-efficient local suppliers, reducing logistics spend and supporting new store rollouts. Your CEO and CFO will see the impact fast.
  4. S&OP for Growth and Efficiency:
    Our Sales & Operations Planning frameworks align supply with demand, minimising waste and maximising revenue potential. It’s a win-win for all C-suite roles.
  5. Workforce and Process Lean-Up:
    We’ll automate where it makes sense and optimise labour planning, freeing up funds for your next big move. Your CIO and CFO will thank us.

Our approach is practical, data-driven, and collaborative. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with your team to deliver results—not just recommendations. With Trace Consultants, you’re not just surviving 2025—you’re setting the pace for the industry.

The Road Ahead: Growth Without the Bloat

In 2025, ANZ QSRs don’t have to choose between growth and cost efficiency—they can have both. By leaning into smart procurement, local supply chains, and cutting-edge tech, you can expand your footprint while keeping costs razor-sharp. For CEOs, it’s about leading with ambition. For CFOs, it’s about protecting profitability. For CIOs, it’s about building systems that deliver.

Ready to make 2025 your year? Contact Trace Consultants today. Let’s drive cost out and growth up—together.

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