Capture the gains from an improved supply chain
"Makro has a complex fashion supply chain. We commenced operations with APL in April 04 and from the outset they proved to be innovative, flexible and reactive. Throughout the contract period, we have been provided with a totally visible and accurate service which has helped to improve the efficient running of our business."
Mr Andrew Snowden
Non food Buying Director
Makro
Advanced seeks to work in partnership with its retail customers in order to deliver continual improvement in business performance according to agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).
Retailers that use Advanced see an almost immediate improvement in supply chain performance, both in terms of cost and service levels.
Reduce costs and improve cash flow with Advanced
Advanced can manage the supply chain from the port of origin onwards. We will even instruct manufacturers on the correct way to package goods to ensure reduced processing costs and improved quality levels.
A partnership approach allows our retail customers to reduce their back-office headcount, providing an instant reduction in fixed and ongoing costs.
We can also improve our customers’ cash flow. Using Advanced as your nominated supplier allows retailers to schedule supplier payments according to the arrival of good in-store. We have already developed such a scheme for one of our customers and developed the IT systems required to make it work. Now all of our customers can benefit.
In addition, we can also improve your suppliers’ cash flow thanks to a new IT system developed in conjunction with HM Customs, which allows companies to pay duty charges and VAT when the goods leave our site.
Gain economies of scale
Advanced believe that working in partnership is the best way to do business and that the gains should be shared - that’s why we have developed our new service plan for retailers.
The way it works is that retailers nominate Advanced as their preferred logistics provider for their suppliers. Work undertaken for these suppliers is then recorded and a cash discount dependent on scale will be returned to the retailer at the next period review meeting.
An assurance of quality
Advanced are the ready-for-sale specialists amongst logistical service providers and we pride ourselves on knowing our business and our customers’ business. We know the quality levels expected by all the major high street retailers and have extensive experience in ensuring goods meet and exceed them.
In addition, strict monitoring of our customers’ products, from receipt through to delivery, ensures that the final presentation of the goods is to the highest quality standards.
When we identify quality issues, we advise of the problem, suggest a solution and work together with the customer to provide the best possible answer. We have a dedicated QC team and experienced personnel that you can rely on to make the right judgement calls on borderline items.
Our people, your goods
Advanced understands that its greatest asset is its people and that, ultimately, they are the guarantor of quality for our customers. No item entrusted to us will ever be worked upon by someone without sufficient knowledge to do the job. A trainer is present in every shop-floor team and we ensure that all our staff know that high productivity can never be at the expense of the required quality.
Storage and order fulfilment
Advanced has prepared for the new world of the just-in-time supply chain by increasing its storage capacity to more than two million hanging garments and 200,000 cartons.
We have EDI links with all the major retail chains that enable us to provide daily and weekly order fulfilment to around 2,000 stores and distribution centres in the UK.
In addition, we have invested heavily in our IT department in order to design and implement software that is compatible with our customers’ legacy systems. Firms that choose to work with Advanced gain enhanced visibility through the supply chain without paying a price – either in cash terms or in disruption to the business.
Handling and processing
Advanced processes in excess of 50 million garments a year and our wide range of pre-retail services allows us to cater for the requirements of any customer.
We have the capacity to steam press 6,000 garments per hour thanks to our three new Veit nine-chamber steam tunnels and we maintain the skilled staff and equipment needed for more difficult operations, such as sewing, hand pressing and remedial work.
Take advantage of our expertise
Advanced believes its niche within the fashion industry is as ready-for-sale specialists able to create shared growth by providing added value for our customers. We are also willing to share our expertise by offering personal consultations to all existing and potential customers.
No other logistics operation has the same depth of experience in the garment industry. Members of Advanced’s senior management team have worked in overseas manufacturing, import/export, garment processing, transport and distribution, as well as mail order and high street retailing.
This wealth of experience could benefit your business – all you have to do is choose to speak to Advanced.
