Concept: Maple Lake, a software and services provider for specialty retailers worldwide, recently launched the latest version of its QuickAssortment merchandise planning solution. The new software was developed in response to increased demand among retailers for specialized IT systems that identify the best-selling lines across store operations, but also provide planning profit ranges for other channels, including online, wholesale and international operations.
A new pricing model and additional features are being included in the newest version of the software, which is scheduled for release this month.
Team: The new QuickAssortment software was developed following Maple Lake’s 100% growth in sales from 2010 to 2011, and the signing of several large international contracts. The planning solution was designed to be comprehensive for larger retailers while maintaining the “ease-of-use” necessary for smaller businesses.
Maple Lake’s suite of applications includes QuickAssortment, QuickAllocation and the QuickAnalytics product, which helps retailers refine product and channel planning. All include Open-to-Buy efforts for maximum sales and profitability.
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Formed in July 2000, Maple Lake is a privately held company based in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It is a certified Microsoft partner with additional offices in Australia and the U.K.
Market Relevance: Due to the economic downturn, as well as an extremely competitive industry, retailers increasingly are looking to develop their assortment planning capabilities across channels. There also is an increased emphasis on maintaining profitability with tight cost controls, efficient inventory management and a growing need for efficient financial analysis.
Delivery: The newest version of the QuickAssortment solution is designed to provide retailers with purchasing and buying processes that are easier to conduct by integrating planned purchases into existing Purchase Order requirements. A range of visualization tools is included to provide improved visibility and consistency of information at an individual or chain-wide level approximately six months before orders are made by retailers. With the solution, retailers can create more localized, channel-focused assortments, with ‘store clustering’ extended to include ‘channel clustering.’ This allows merchants to determine accurately what products should be allocated to individual sales outlets regionally, internationally and/or online. Merchandise also can be allocated according to weather patterns and local preferences for increased purchase likelihood.
The system integrates with any client’s host system and is highly configurable to the individual needs of the customer.
Proof Points: Many executives, buyers, merchandisers and other key players use Excel spreadsheets for merchandise planning, indicating that they value solutions such as QuickAssortment that are flexible, easy-to-use and visually led while focusing on sales numbers and bottom-line results.
