How a web-based demand forecast system reduced waste at Ukrop’s

Ukrop’s Super Markets, a 28-store chain based in Richmond, VA, reduced perishables waste in its kitchen area by 32% in a test of the web-based e-demand product from DCM Solutions Inc. As a result, it will adopt the e-demand system throughout its chain, the company said today.

The e-demand product is an ordering, replenishment, merchandising and product assortment system that forecasts near-term demand based on POS, historical data and other influencing factors such as weather, events and promotions.

“While we were cautiously optimistic about the benefits that a demand chain management and computer-assisted ordering system could bring to our operation, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the measured results exceeded our expectations,” said Roger Williams, Ukrop’s director of demand chain management and loss prevention. “Although we are just beginning the plans for a chain-wide rollout, we are enthusiastic about what e-demand can mean to the bottom line of our business.”

DCM developed the system in Japan for Ito Yokado and 7-Eleven Japan. It is running in over 9,000 stores worldwide in grocery, C-store, mass merchandise, discount and food service outlets.