Last updated on June 26th, 2023
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has partnered with RELEX Solutions, a provider of unified supply chain and retail optimization solutions, to implement its cloud-based procurement solution.
When delivered, the system will consolidate and replace multiple UNFI buying systems and drive efficiencies in demand planning and replenishment. The platform is expected to become operational over the next 12-18 months.
The partnership with RELEX, which aligns with the transformation of UNFI’s supply chain capabilities, is intended to deliver an enhanced customer experience and growth.
RELEX will provide demand planning, ordering and inventory management capabilities, giving UNFI a holistic view of operations, including future capacity and supply constraints, and streamlining its planning processes.
The improved platform will help optimize inventory across all categories, including UNFI Fresh, reducing spoilage, improving service levels and increasing data visibility between UNFI’s suppliers and customers.
Driven by AI and machine learning, RELEX will also consolidate multiple buying systems into one enhanced process.
“As part of UNFI’s multifaceted transformation agenda, we’re continuing to implement cutting-edge technology to improve the customer and supplier experience, while increasing operating efficiency,” Erin Horvath, chief operating officer at UNFI, said in a statement.
“RELEX offers a robust, reliable solution that maximizes UNFI’s capabilities, helps automate our network and optimizes our procurement processes, ensuring the freshness of our products and quality of service to our customers.”
Frank Lord, chief revenue officer at RELEX Solutions, said “[We are] thrilled to be working with UNFI, as ensuring high service levels across all products, including fresh, is close to both of our hearts. We look forward to helping UNFI boost visibility across their supply chain so that they can hone the processes that work for them, their suppliers and their customers.”
RELEX Solutions has also partnered with C&S Wholesalers for forecasting solutions and with FreshDirect to improve its optimization.
