Marks & Spencer rolling out AI supply chain tech to all food stores
M&S is taking the next step in modernising its supply chain by using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve availability while cutting food waste.
The business is partnering with retail software specialist Relex, which has also worked with Morrisons, Waitrose, WH Smith and One Stop, to deploy the technology.
The retailer has begun deploying the AI tools across its 1,050 M&S Food stores and 13 distribution centres in the UK and Ireland, with the aim of improving forecasting, optimising fresh availability, smoothing delivery flow and cutting waste. The technology can automatically account for shelf space, promotions and adjustments based on weather forecasting, according to Relex.
“Relex’s ability to quickly deliver insight and accuracy across forecasting, ordering and allocation within a single platform will significantly increase the efficiency of our day-to-day business operation,” said M&S Food commercial director George Wright.
“Relex is an important part of our vision of modernising the end-to-end supply chain. We very much look forward to achieving exceptional results as a result of this project.”
Source: The Grocer