Stylo Barratt Cuts Cost and Complexity with Integrated Systems

Stylo Barratt to Make Accuracy and Efficiency Savings with RedPrairie's Warehouse and Duty Management Solutions

Leading British footwear retailer Stylo Barratt Shoes Limited is set to improve accuracy and efficiency by upgrading warehouse management processes at its 330,000 square feet distribution centre in Bradford using Warehouse Management from RedPrairie. Concurrently, the company will enhance cash flow by deferring duty and VAT paid on imported stock using Duty Management, RedPrairie's duty management solution.

Stylo's Barratt's, Shellys and PriceLess brands are sold at some 600 stores across the UK and Eire, in addition to on its web site which services customers directly. Almost 90% of footwear sold by the retailer is imported from the Far East, facilitating significant benefits from duty deferment through the introduction of the Duty Management solution. Integrating warehouse and duty management using RedPrairie's suite of automated, best-practice processes will streamline complex processes and deliver a rapid return on investment.

RedPrairie's warehouse and duty management solutions are due for implementation early in 2008 replacing Stylo Barratt's current warehouse management system with real-time operations, delivering improved order accuracy and enabling stores to better meet consumer demands. The retailer chose RedPrairie for its proven track record in retail and integrated WMS and duty management capabilities. "Reference visits to other high-street retailers who use RedPrairie confirmed that the solutions could fully meet our requirements; the provision of integrated duty management and WMS capability is viewed as a major benefit to our business," says Ian Unwin, operations director, Stylo Barratt.

Warehouse Management's automated applications are set to improve the efficiency of operational processes throughout Stylo Barratt's distribution centre whilst benefiting the extended supply chain. It enables stock that is received at each of the 600 stores to be scanned, replacing the existing time-consuming manual checking processes, generating significant savings in stores. Storage space will be optimised by Warehouse Management's ability to manage goods for the stores, the web site and bonded items as a single inventory set.

"Warehouse Management will optimise stock throughput and allocation and result in more accurate order fulfilment and a faster response to customer needs across all business areas," says Unwin.

Duty Management's process-driven workflow functionality will simplify and automate the handling of bonded goods and ensure efficient compliance with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) regulations. Eliminating the need for 'up-front' duty and VAT payment on imported stock will significantly improve cash flow for Stylo Barratt.

"Duty Management will ensure that we have accurate and timely HM Revenue and Customs documentation," says Unwin. "We will also reap significant financial benefits by maximising tax efficiency to the point of customer shipment." "Many companies are already enjoying significant business benefits by using RedPrairie's integrated warehouse and duty management solutions," comments RedPrairie International Managing Director and President, Martin Hiscox. "Duty Management has particular benefits for the footwear and apparel industry which source and imports a high percentage of stock from outside the European Union. We are delighted that Stylo Barratt has chosen RedPrairie and look forward to working with them as a strategic IT partner."