Empower Your Supply Chain with Next-Generation Technology Solutions

Abstract blue dotted patternAbstract blue dotted pattern

Let our experts help you harness technology to optimise your supply chain and operations.

Looking to build a solid foundation that’s both smart and cost-effective?

excelpower automatepower appspower bidataverse

Contact us today to discuss opportunities to uplift your Excel capability, and tap into the automation potential of the Microsoft Power Platform.

Ready to take the first steps into true scalability & platform agility?

DIFOTPlannerNetworkWorkforce

User Friendly Design - Built by Supply Chain Technology Experts. Click here to understand the possibilities offered through trace’s proprietary .Solutions suite

Looking to harness proven market solutions for unmatched capabilities?

kinaxisGAINSauto storeM2XLLamasoft logobestraneOrtecWindowssc analytixSAP logozycuscoupa

Contact us today to discuss opportunities to uplift your Excel capability, and tap into the automation potential of the Microsoft Power Platform.

Get in touch.

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).

tim
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.

What are the typical questions we help our clients answer?

Conversation

Advisory

What are the next steps for technology in our business?

Blue tick icon
Tech Strategy & Roadmap Development
Blue tick icon
Technology Diagnostics and Assessments
Blue tick icon
Solution Design
Blue tick icon
Solution Selection &
Go To Market Support
Gears

Delivery

How can we set our business up for success with new technology changes?

Blue tick icon
System Integration, Data Analysis & cleansing
Blue tick icon
Project Governance & Management
Blue tick icon
Business Process design, Op. Model Alignment
& Change management
Blue tick icon
Support Model Design & Execution
Server

Development & Configuration

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

Blue tick icon
Solution Optimisation & Refinement
Blue tick icon
Functional Requirements & Technical Design
Blue tick icon
Solution Testing & Tuning
Blue tick icon
Tactical solution Development
Binary

Data & Analytics

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

Blue tick icon
Performance Management
Blue tick icon
Supply Chain Modelling
& Analytics
Blue tick icon
Architecture & Data Quality Assessments
Blue tick icon
Data Governance Frameworks

Solutions we have implemented with our clients.

Checklist

Supplier DIFOT & Credit Tracking

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

Boxes

Inventory Planning Software

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

Network

Supplier Fulfilment Comms.

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

Graph

Reporting Dashboards

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

People

Demand Forecast & Workforce Planning

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

G

Best-of-Breed Inventory Planning System Implementation

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

Chef hat

Production Kitchen Planning & Recipe Management

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

Gear

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

Workforce Planning & Scheduling
March 1, 2025

Workforce Optimisation in Aged Care: Rostering and Scheduling Tools

From a workforce management perspective, Trace Consultants explains how to align staff resources with demand, spotlighting the distinct needs of assessments versus care delivery. Discover strategies to reduce costs, improve compliance, and boost staff satisfaction.

The Workforce Challenge in Aged Care

Australia and New Zealand’s aged care sector is under immense pressure—rising demand, staff shortages, and regulatory scrutiny are stretching resources thin. For ANZ CEOs and CFOs, workforce optimisation is no longer optional; it’s a strategic necessity. At Trace Consultants, we view workforce management as a supply chain of human resources, where rostering and scheduling tools are the linchpin to delivering quality care efficiently. This article explores how these tools can transform aged care operations, with a special focus on the distinct rostering and scheduling needs for assessments versus care.

From ensuring compliance with funding models to meeting resident needs, effective workforce planning drives both operational success and financial health. Let’s dive into why optimisation matters, how rostering tools fit into the aged care supply chain, and the steps to implement them effectively.

Why Workforce Optimisation Matters in Aged Care

Aged care is a labour-intensive industry. Staff costs can account for up to 70% of operational budgets in ANZ facilities, making workforce efficiency a top priority. Rostering and scheduling tools optimise this human supply chain by aligning staff availability with resident demand, much like inventory aligns with sales in retail. The stakes are high:

  • Quality Care: Understaffing risks resident wellbeing; overstaffing erodes margins.
  • Compliance: Strict regulations, like Australia’s Aged Care Quality Standards, demand precise staffing levels.
  • Staff Retention: Poor schedules lead to burnout, exacerbating shortages.

Tools designed for aged care rostering and scheduling address these challenges, offering data-driven precision to a sector where every shift counts.

The ANZ Aged Care Landscape: Workforce Supply Chain Dynamics

Aged care workforce management mirrors a supply chain—staff are the resources, schedules are the logistics, and care delivery is the end product. ANZ facilities face unique dynamics:

  • Geographic Spread: Urban centres like Melbourne and rural regions like Tasmania need tailored staffing.
  • Ageing Population: Demand for care is surging, with over 1.2 million Australians in aged care services by 2030 projected.
  • Staff Shortages: A shrinking pool of nurses and carers strains capacity.
  • Funding Constraints: Government models like AN-ACC (Australian National Aged Care Classification) tie revenue to documented care hours.

Optimising this workforce supply chain ensures resources flow where they’re needed most, balancing cost, compliance, and care quality.

The Strategic Role of CEOs and CFOs in Workforce Optimisation

For ANZ CEOs and CFOs, rostering and scheduling tools are strategic levers. CEOs set the vision—ensuring staffing supports resident outcomes and organisational growth. CFOs focus on financial viability, aligning labour costs with funding and revenue. Together, you turn workforce management into a competitive strength.

Your leadership drives adoption. A CEO’s push for real-time scheduling can prevent gaps, while a CFO’s cost analysis can justify tech investments. At Trace Consultants, we’ve crafted solutions to empower executives, blending operational efficiency with fiscal discipline.

Key Features of Rostering and Scheduling Tools

Effective tools streamline the aged care workforce supply chain. Here’s how they work:

1. Demand Forecasting

Predict staffing needs based on resident acuity, care plans, and seasonal trends—like flu season surges. Tools use data to match staff to workload.

2. Automated Rostering

Generate schedules that balance skills, availability, and compliance. Automation reduces manual errors and ensures fair shift distribution.

3. Real-Time Adjustments

Handle last-minute changes—sick leave or sudden resident needs—with dynamic rescheduling, keeping care uninterrupted.

4. Compliance Tracking

Log hours and qualifications against regulatory requirements, simplifying audits and funding claims.

5. Staff Communication

Integrate mobile apps for shift updates, reducing no-shows and boosting engagement.

6. Analytics and Reporting

Provide insights on labour costs, overtime, and staffing gaps—critical for CFO oversight.

Rostering and Scheduling: Assessments vs Care

Aged care involves two distinct workforce streams—assessments and care—each with unique rostering and scheduling needs. Here’s how they differ:

Assessments

  • Purpose: Evaluate resident needs (e.g., AN-ACC assessments) to determine care levels and funding.
  • Staffing: Requires specialised roles like registered nurses (RNs) or assessors with specific training.
  • Scheduling Needs:
    • Short, Focused Sessions: Assessments are time-bound (e.g., 1-2 hours per resident), needing precise slots.
    • Flexibility: Often scheduled around resident availability or external deadlines (e.g., funding reviews).
    • Low Volume, High Skill: Fewer staff, but with advanced expertise, making availability critical.
  • Rostering Priority: Assign RNs strategically, avoiding overlap with care duties.

Care

  • Purpose: Deliver ongoing support—personal care, medication, mobility assistance.
  • Staffing: Involves a broader mix—personal carers, enrolled nurses, and aides—often in higher numbers.
  • Scheduling Needs:
    • Continuous Coverage: 24/7 shifts, with peak loads at mornings and evenings (e.g., meal times).
    • Consistency: Residents benefit from familiar carers, requiring stable rotations.
    • High Volume, Varied Skill: More staff, with roles tiered by task complexity.
  • Rostering Priority: Ensure adequate headcount and skill mix across all shifts.

Key Differences

  • Duration: Assessments are episodic; care is ongoing.
  • Skill Level: Assessments demand higher qualifications; care needs a broader team.
  • Frequency: Assessments occur periodically; care is daily.
  • Tool Requirements: Assessments need precise allocation; care needs shift-pattern automation.

Rostering tools must differentiate these streams, allocating resources efficiently without compromising either function.

Benefits of Workforce Optimisation Tools in Aged Care

Optimising with rostering and scheduling tools delivers:

  • Improved Care Quality: Right staff at the right time enhances resident outcomes.
  • Cost Savings: Reduce overtime and agency staffing reliance.
  • Compliance Assurance: Meet regulatory and funding standards effortlessly.
  • Staff Satisfaction: Fair, predictable schedules lower turnover.
  • Operational Agility: Adapt to unexpected demand spikes or absences.

These gains strengthen both resident experience and financial performance—priorities for ANZ leaders.

Common Workforce Challenges and Solutions

Aged care workforce optimisation faces hurdles. Here’s how tools address them:

  • Staff Shortages: Gaps disrupt care. Solution: Predictive tools prioritise critical shifts.
  • Manual Rostering Errors: Missteps cause over- or understaffing. Solution: Automation ensures accuracy.
  • Compliance Risks: Missed standards threaten funding. Solution: Built-in tracking aligns with regulations.
  • Burnout: Poor schedules exhaust staff. Solution: Balanced rostering reduces strain.
  • Visibility Gaps: Lack of data hinders planning. Solution: Analytics provide actionable insights.

Trace Consultants designs tools to tackle these issues, tailored to ANZ aged care realities.

Steps to Implement Rostering and Scheduling Tools

Ready to optimise? Here’s a roadmap for ANZ CEOs and CFOs:

  1. Assess Current Practices: Review existing rostering—where are the inefficiencies?
  2. Set Goals: Aim for outcomes like 10% cost reduction or 100% compliance.
  3. Select a Tool: Choose software with aged care-specific features, like assessment vs care differentiation.
  4. Engage Teams: Train managers and staff on the system’s benefits.
  5. Pilot the Solution: Test in one facility, refining for assessments and care.
  6. Scale and Monitor: Roll out broadly, tracking KPIs like staff utilisation.

Trace Consultants guides you through implementation, ensuring seamless adoption.

The Future of Workforce Optimisation in Aged Care

Technology is reshaping aged care workforce management. AI will refine demand forecasts, wearable tech could track staff efficiency, and integration with resident care systems will tighten scheduling precision. ANZ facilities adopting these tools now will lead in efficiency and care quality.

Optimise Your Aged Care Workforce

Workforce optimisation in aged care—powered by rostering and scheduling tools—is a game-changer for ANZ CEOs and CFOs. By addressing the unique needs of assessments versus care, these tools align your human supply chain with resident and financial goals. At Trace Consultants, we’re here to help. Visit www.traceconsultants.com.au to explore how we can elevate your aged care operations.

Warehouse & Transport
March 1, 2025

.Store Solution WMS for Spare Parts Retail in ANZ

Discover Trace Consultants’ .Store Solution WMS, specialised for spare parts retail in ANZ. Optimise supply chains for CEOs & CFOs with precision and efficiency.

Mastering Spare Parts Retail with .Store Solution

Spare parts retail is a unique beast in the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) market—complex, fast-paced, and unforgiving. For CEOs and CFOs, ensuring supply chain efficiency amidst thousands of SKUs, fluctuating demand, and tight margins is a daily challenge. Enter Trace Consultants’ .Store Solution, a Warehouse Management System (WMS) meticulously designed for spare parts retailers. At Trace Consultants, we’ve leveraged our deep supply chain expertise to craft a tool that transforms how ANZ businesses manage warehouses, streamline operations, and drive profitability.

From a supply chain perspective, .Store Solution isn’t just software—it’s a strategic asset. Whether you’re supplying automotive parts, industrial components, or appliance spares, this WMS aligns inventory, logistics, and order fulfilment with your business goals. This article explores why spare parts retail demands a specialised WMS, how .Store Solution meets those needs, and the steps ANZ leaders can take to harness its power.

Why Spare Parts Retail Needs a Specialised WMS

Spare parts retail isn’t like traditional retail. The sheer diversity of products—from bolts to engines—creates unparalleled complexity. In ANZ, where retailers serve urban hubs like Brisbane and remote regions alike, the stakes are high. A generic WMS falls short here, unable to handle the nuances of spare parts supply chains:

  • High SKU Volumes: Thousands of unique items, each with specific compatibility and demand patterns.
  • Low Turnover Rates: Many parts sit dormant until a specific need arises, tying up capital.
  • Urgent Fulfilment Needs: Customers expect rapid delivery, especially for critical repairs.
  • Traceability Demands: Serial numbers and warranties require meticulous tracking.

Trace Consultants’ .Store Solution steps in where others falter. Built from the ground up for spare parts, it optimises every link in the supply chain—offering ANZ retailers the precision and agility needed to thrive.

The ANZ Spare Parts Retail Landscape: Supply Chain Challenges

Spare parts retail in Australia and New Zealand operates in a demanding environment:

  • Geographic Spread: Warehouses must support sprawling delivery networks, from Auckland to the Outback.
  • Import Reliance: Many parts are sourced globally, exposing supply chains to shipping delays.
  • Fragmented Demand: Sporadic orders mix with sudden surges, complicating inventory planning.
  • Cost Pressures: Thin margins mean efficiency is non-negotiable.

A robust supply chain is the backbone of success here. .Store Solution addresses these challenges head-on, providing tools to synchronise procurement, storage, and distribution—ensuring parts are available when and where they’re needed, without bloating costs.

The Strategic Role of CEOs and CFOs in Leveraging .Store Solution

For ANZ CEOs and CFOs, .Store Solution is a leadership enabler. CEOs use it to align supply chain operations with growth strategies—expanding product lines or entering new markets. CFOs rely on its data to optimise costs, from inventory carrying to logistics expenses. Together, you turn spare parts management into a competitive differentiator.

Your oversight ensures .Store Solution delivers. A CEO’s push for real-time insights can eliminate guesswork, while a CFO’s focus on ROI can justify the investment. At Trace Consultants, we’ve designed this WMS to empower executives, blending operational control with financial clarity.

Key Features of .Store Solution for Spare Parts Retail

.Store Solution stands out with features tailored to spare parts retail supply chains. Here’s how it works:

1. Advanced SKU Management

Spare parts mean vast catalogues. .Store Solution tracks thousands of SKUs with attributes like part number, compatibility, and shelf life. It segments inventory—fast-movers versus slow-movers—optimising stock placement and replenishment.

2. Serial and Lot Tracking

Traceability is critical. The WMS logs serial and lot numbers, linking them to orders and warranties. This ensures compliance and speeds up recalls, a must for ANZ retailers handling regulated sectors like automotive or machinery.

3. Dynamic Inventory Optimisation

Avoid overstocking or stockouts. .Store Solution uses predictive analytics to balance inventory levels, factoring in historical demand, seasonality, and lead times—perfect for managing spares with erratic sales patterns.

4. Warehouse Layout Efficiency

Spare parts vary in size and shape. The system designs layouts to maximise space—storing small bolts near picking zones and bulky engines in accessible racks—reducing travel time and boosting throughput.

5. Supplier Integration

Coordinate with vendors seamlessly. .Store Solution syncs with supplier systems, automating purchase orders and tracking inbound shipments—vital for ANZ retailers reliant on imports.

6. Rapid Order Fulfilment

Speed matters. The WMS prioritises urgent orders, optimises picking routes, and integrates with last-mile delivery partners—ensuring parts reach customers fast, whether in Perth or Wellington.

7. Real-Time Visibility

Monitor every move. Dashboards provide live updates on stock levels, order status, and logistics—empowering ANZ leaders to make informed decisions on the fly.

Benefits of .Store Solution for ANZ Spare Parts Retailers

Deploying .Store Solution delivers tangible supply chain advantages:

  • Precision Availability: Ensure parts are in stock for critical orders, reducing lost sales.
  • Cost Reduction: Minimise excess inventory and expedite shipping costs.
  • Faster Turnaround: Accelerate picking and packing, delighting customers.
  • Scalability: Handle growth—more SKUs, warehouses, or markets—with ease.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Leverage analytics to refine procurement and pricing.

These benefits translate into stronger margins and market share, key priorities for ANZ CEOs and CFOs.

Common Supply Chain Challenges and How .Store Solution Solves Them

Spare parts retail supply chains face hurdles. Here’s how .Store Solution overcomes them:

  • Inventory Mismatches: Overstocks or shortages plague generic systems. Solution: Dynamic forecasting adjusts stock proactively.
  • Picking Inefficiencies: Scattered parts slow fulfilment. Solution: Optimised layouts and guided picking cut delays.
  • Supplier Delays: Late shipments disrupt plans. Solution: Real-time tracking flags issues early.
  • Data Blind Spots: Lack of visibility hampers decisions. Solution: Comprehensive dashboards provide clarity.
  • Cost Overruns: Manual processes inflate expenses. Solution: Automation trims labour and logistics costs.

Trace Consultants built .Store Solution to tackle these pain points, tailored to ANZ’s unique retail context.

Steps to Implement .Store Solution in Your Spare Parts Business

Ready to transform your supply chain? Here’s how ANZ CEOs and CFOs can roll out .Store Solution:

  1. Assess Current Operations: Map your warehouse, inventory, and logistics—identify inefficiencies.
  2. Define Objectives: Set goals—e.g., 95% order accuracy or 20% cost savings.
  3. Engage Stakeholders: Align procurement, warehouse, and IT teams around the WMS.
  4. Customise the System: Configure .Store Solution to your SKU range and layout.
  5. Pilot and Train: Test in one facility, training staff on its features.
  6. Scale and Optimise: Expand across sites, refining based on performance data.

Trace Consultants supports you every step, ensuring a smooth transition and rapid ROI.

The Future of Spare Parts Retail with .Store Solution

The spare parts landscape is evolving. E-commerce is surging, customers demand faster service, and sustainability is climbing the agenda. .Store Solution is future-ready:

  • AI Integration: Enhance forecasting and picking with machine learning.
  • Green Logistics: Optimise routes and reduce packaging waste.
  • Omnichannel Support: Sync online and in-store orders seamlessly.

ANZ retailers adopting .Store Solution today will lead tomorrow’s market, blending efficiency with innovation.

Elevate Your Spare Parts Supply Chain

Trace Consultants’ .Store Solution redefines spare parts retail for ANZ businesses. This specialised WMS aligns your supply chain with the complexities of the sector, empowering CEOs and CFOs to boost efficiency, cut costs, and satisfy customers. At Trace Consultants, we’re committed to your success. Visit www.traceconsultants.com.au to explore how .Store Solution can revolutionise your spare parts operations.

Planning, Forecasting, S&OP and IBP
March 3, 2025

Demand Planning in Australian Retail: Scale, Transform, and Cut Costs

In this article, we’ll unpack why it’s a game-changer, the unique challenges Australian retailers face, and a practical playbook to turn forecasting into a competitive advantage. Whether you’re steering a supermarket chain, a fashion label, or a hardware giant, here’s how to make demand planning work for you in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re a CEO or CFO leading a retail business in Australia or New Zealand, you’re no stranger to the high-wire act of balancing customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability. The ANZ retail landscape is a complex tapestry—vast distances, omnichannel demands, and consumers who can swing from bargain-hunting to premium splurges in a heartbeat. In this environment, demand planning isn’t just a tactical exercise; it’s a strategic linchpin that can make or break your ambitions.

At its essence, demand planning is about predicting customer demand—what they’ll buy, when, and where—and aligning your supply chain to deliver it seamlessly. Get it right, and you unlock leaner operations, delighted customers, and stronger margins. Get it wrong, and you’re saddled with excess stock draining cash or empty shelves pushing shoppers elsewhere. For ANZ retail leaders aiming to scale, transform, or slash costs, demand planning is your ace in the hole.

In this article, we’ll unpack why it’s a game-changer, the unique challenges Australian retailers face, and a practical playbook to turn forecasting into a competitive advantage. Whether you’re steering a supermarket chain, a fashion label, or a hardware giant, here’s how to make demand planning work for you in 2025 and beyond.

Why Demand Planning Matters More Than Ever in ANZ Retail

ANZ retail is a $400 billion-plus powerhouse, blending the resilience of physical stores with e-commerce’s unstoppable growth—now over 15% of total sales. But it’s a turbulent ride. Economic uncertainty, shifting consumer habits, and sprawling logistics networks demand precision planning.

For CEOs, it’s about agility—scaling into new regions or pivoting with trends. For CFOs, it’s about the numbers—optimizing working capital, cutting waste, and safeguarding profits in a cost-squeezed market. The stakes are high: overstock ties up millions, while stockouts erode loyalty. In a region where goods might trek 3,000 kilometers from port to remote store, errors hit hard.

What’s fueling this urgency? Four key forces:

1. Consumer Volatility

Australians and Kiwis are pragmatic yet fickle. Post-pandemic, value players like Aldi soar, but younger shoppers crave sustainable, bespoke products. Seasonal surges—Christmas, EOFY—keep you on your toes.

2. Supply Chain Complexity

Australia’s geography means long lead times and steep transport costs. Ports like Melbourne and Auckland are pressure points, and global disruptions (think 2021 shipping chaos) amplify the pain. NZ’s island logistics add another twist.

3. Cost Pressures

Inflation, labor shortages, and rising fuel prices are relentless. Demand planning must deliver efficiency—avoiding overstock markdowns or costly last-minute restocks.

4. The Digital Shift

E-commerce brings returns (20-30% in some categories) and delivery demands—same-day, click-and-collect—that legacy forecasts struggle to match.

Demand planning is your C-suite lifeline. Let’s dive into how to master it.

The ANZ Demand Planning Playbook: Strategies for Success

Demand planning marries data, collaboration, and technology into a disciplined process. Here’s your roadmap, tailored to scaling, transforming, or cutting costs.

Step 1: Build a Data-Driven Foundation

Accurate forecasts demand robust data—sales histories, market signals, even weather quirks (a Sydney storm can tank BBQ sales). Too many ANZ retailers limp along with siloed spreadsheets or clunky systems.

For CEOs Aiming to Scale: Unify data across channels to spot growth pockets—like a fitness gear surge in Auckland.
For CFOs Cutting Costs: Identify high-flyers and prune flops—one retailer we know cut holding costs 15% this way.
Pro Tip: AI and machine learning chew through vast datasets, flagging trends—like a camping boom in WA—faster than any analyst.

Step 2: Embrace Cross-Functional Collaboration

Demand planning isn’t a solo gig. Supply chain runs the numbers, but sales, marketing, and finance must weigh in. In ANZ’s patchwork markets, misalignment is a killer.

For Transformation-Minded CEOs: Roll out Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)—monthly huddles that slash forecast errors by up to 30%, per global stats.
For Cost-Focused CFOs: Sync marketing’s promo plans with supply to dodge expensive fixes—like air freighting stock from China.
Case in Point: An ANZ grocer looped store managers into S&OP, cutting Christmas stockouts by 20%.

Step 3: Tailor Forecasts to ANZ’s Unique Market

Blanket forecasts don’t cut it here. You need granularity—seasonality, cultural quirks (Boxing Day blowouts), and urban-rural divides.

For Scaling Leaders: Segment by region and channel. A skincare brand might soar online in Melbourne but stall in-store in Christchurch.
For Transformation Seekers: Scenario-plan for disruptions—floods, port delays—and preposition stock to shrink lead times.
Cost-Saving Angle: Match supply to local demand—don’t flood Darwin’s wet season with outdoor gear.

Step 4: Leverage Technology for Agility

Data lays the groundwork; tech brings it to life. Advanced Planning Systems (APS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Transport Management Systems (TMS) are your arsenal. APS, in particular, is a game-changer—let’s dive deeper.

APS tools harness AI, real-time data, and algorithms to turbocharge demand planning. They shrink forecast windows, optimize inventory, and adapt to ANZ’s quirks—long hauls, seasonal spikes, and omnichannel chaos. Here’s a closer look at some standout options, including our own Trace Consultants .Planner Solution:

  • Trace Consultants .Planner Solution
    Our homegrown APS (https://www.traceconsultants.com.au/solutions#planner) is built for ANZ realities. It integrates demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and replenishment planning into a single platform, with a focus on pragmatic, actionable insights. A mid-tier ANZ retailer used .Planner to streamline S&OP, cutting forecast errors by 20% and boosting stock availability during EOFY sales. For CEOs scaling, it’s a local lens on growth; for CFOs, it’s a cost-saver that trims waste without compromise.
  • GAINS Systems
    GAINS is a cloud-based APS excelling in demand sensing and inventory optimization. Its AI crunches daily data to predict short-term shifts—like a sudden BBQ grill rush in Queensland—and adjusts plans on the fly. An ANZ hardware chain slashed overstock by 15% using GAINS, freeing up capital for expansion. It’s a scalability booster for CEOs and a lean-machine for CFOs.
  • RELEX Solutions
    RELEX is a retail-focused APS powerhouse, blending forecasting, replenishment, and supply chain planning. A major ANZ supermarket chain tapped RELEX to handle fresh goods volatility—think avocados in summer—cutting waste by 25% and lifting service levels. Transformation leaders love its end-to-end integration; cost-cutters bank on its precision to avoid markdowns.
  • O9 Solutions
    O9’s AI-driven platform shines in scenario planning and real-time collaboration. A fashion retailer used O9 to model a port strike’s impact, rerouting stock from Sydney to Brisbane preemptively, saving weeks in delays. For CEOs transforming supply chains, it’s a strategic Swiss Army knife; for CFOs, it minimizes costly surprises.
  • SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
    SAP IBP offers robust demand sensing and S&OP tools. An electronics retailer cut forecast errors by 25% with SAP, nailing a pre-Christmas console surge. It’s a growth enabler for CEOs and a cash-flow protector for CFOs.
  • Blue Yonder (formerly JDA)
    Blue Yonder’s APS tackles e-commerce chaos—like 30% apparel returns—with AI-driven accuracy. A fashion chain reduced overstock by 20%, a win for transformation and cost goals alike.
  • Oracle NetSuite Planning and Budgeting
    NetSuite’s lighter APS suits growing firms. An outdoor retailer optimized stock across 50 stores, cutting slow-movers by 18%. It’s scalable and budget-friendly.
  • For Growth-Driven CEOs: Tools like GAINS or O9 sense trends—like a TikTok-fueled gadget craze—letting you leapfrog rivals.
  • For Transformation Leaders: RELEX or .Planner unify your supply chain, enabling feats like same-day delivery—think a furniture chain dropping lead times from weeks to days.
  • For CFOs Eyeing Savings: SAP or NetSuite automate replenishment, slashing labor and inventory costs—one appliance retailer saved 25% on warehousing.
  • Implementation Tip: Start small—pilot RELEX in perishables or .Planner in one region. Prove the ROI, then scale. Pair with WMS and TMS for real-time agility, like rerouting stock mid-transit during a Black Friday surge.

APS isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for ANZ’s retail battlefield. The right tool turns forecasts into profits.

Step 5: Tackle the Returns Challenge

E-commerce returns—20-30% in some categories—sting hard with ANZ’s shipping costs.

For Scaling Businesses: Centralize returns hubs, like Cotton On, to speed restocking.
For Transformation Goals: Forecast returns by SKU—shirts outpace appliances—and tweak buffers.
For Cost Cutters: Optimize reverse logistics with bulk carriers or resell via platforms like Catch.

The Payoff: Scaling, Transforming, and Saving with Demand Planning

Scaling Your Business

Precise forecasts drive growth. A sporting goods chain scaled from 50 to 150 stores, using GAINS to target high-demand zones like NZ’s South Island.

Transforming Your Supply Chain

A responsive supply chain needs planning. A homewares retailer paired O9 with S&OP, cutting lead times 40% and launching next-day delivery.

Cutting Costs

Lean stock saves money. A fashion brand used RELEX to trim excess by 18%, boosting margins without discounts.

Overcoming ANZ-Specific Challenges

Challenge 1: Distance and Lead Times

Solution: Preposition stock in hubs (e.g., Perth for WA) and source from nearer hubs like Indonesia.

Challenge 2: Demand Volatility

Solution: Use APS like .Planner or GAINS for weekly demand tweaks.

Challenge 3: Tech Adoption Lag

Solution: Pilot O9 or NetSuite in one category—prove it, then expand.

The Future of Demand Planning in ANZ Retail

AI will sharpen forecasts—predicting styles, not just volumes. Sustainability will steer plans, tracking emissions and ethics. Omnichannel will demand seamless tech. Demand planning is your edge.

Your Next Move

Audit your demand planning—data holes, team silos, tech gaps. Are forecasts guesswork? Is your APS lagging?

At Trace Consultants, we’ve honed tools like .Planner and guided ANZ retailers—from grocers to fashion—to demand planning wins: growth, resilience, savings. Start with a pilot, scale with confidence, and make 2025 your breakout year.

What Makes a Management Consultant Great vs. Good: The Shift Towards Specialisation

The difference between good and great management consultants lies in their ability to offer specialised, tailored solutions. Discover how Trace Consultants helps businesses succeed with a specialised approach across supply chain strategy, forecasting, warehouse design, and more.
Learn more

Interview with Shanaka Jayasinghe: The Critical Role of BOH Logistics in Designing Sustainable Hospital Facilities

By considering these logistics principles, we can build hospital facilities that ensure consistency in patient care, clinical outcomes, and efficient operations for staff and patients.
Learn more

Sustainable Changes to Operating Models to Support Large Scale Cost Reduction Programs: An Interview with James Allt-Graham, Partner of Trace Consultants

Discover sustainable strategies for cost reduction with insights from James Allt-Graham, Partner at Trace Consultants.
Learn more

Navigating the Future of Planning: A Conversation with Mathew Tolley on Software Selection Excellence

Dive into an exclusive interview with Mathew Tolley, where we unravel the secrets to successfully selecting advanced planning software.
Learn more

Australia's Defence Supply Chains: Acqusition may win battles, but only Sustainment can win a war.

Dive into the critical role of Australia's defence supply chains in ensuring military readiness. This blog explores the importance of sustainment over acquisition, delving into heavy asset management, MRO logistics, and the key attributes that secure a competitive edge in uncertain times. Learn how demand planning, service delivery, and innovative logistics execution keep the ADF battle-ready.
Learn more

Interview with Tim Fagan: Navigating IT Transformation in Australian Businesses

Join us in a conversation with Tim Fagan on how Australian businesses are improving supply chain performance and reducing costs through tactical IT changes and best of breed systems.
Learn more

Interview with Emma Woodberry: Driving Sustainability Through Supply Chain Optimisation

Join Emma Woodberry in exploring how retailers and manufacturers can enhance sustainability and reduce transport costs through strategic supply chain optimisation.
Learn more