ToolsGroup Helps Fechheimer Plan Their Supply Chain with Military Precision as Operations Continue to Scale

BOSTON, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ToolsGroup, a global provider of market-driven demand analytics and supply chain optimization software, announced today that Fechheimer has rolled out ToolsGroup's SO99+ and Demand Collaboration Hub (DCH) software to address its growing SKU portfolio and business complexity. Fechheimer, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is an award-winning manufacturer of high-performance uniforms for military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, postal and transit personnel. New items in Fechheimer's Vertx brand are also popular with hobbyists looking for high-performance, high-tech apparel.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140708/125299

In 2012, following 12 years of continued growth and product line diversification, Fechheimer accepted that it had finally outgrown its existing planning tools. Collaboration amongst sales reps, customers and planners had become increasingly difficult and inventory levels unacceptably high. At the same time, the company needed to address these issues without compromising its outstanding service levels and reputation built up over 170 years in business.

After evaluating several alternatives, Fechheimer chose to implement ToolsGroup's "Powerfully Simple" software for its ease of use and robust functionality suitable to the apparel industry. ToolsGroup's ability to easily integrate into its planned Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP platform was also a major consideration. Finally, Fechheimer recognised ToolsGroup's ability to support its recently introduced Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.

Fechheimer's new system is comprised of ToolsGroup's SO99+ for inventory optimization and demand forecasting, enhanced with DCH for team collaboration. The company's Areas Sales Managers use DCH to communicate and collaborate at their desks or in the field. They can view sales data, communicate with their network of 500 dealers about sales history and trends and make projections based on market intelligence.

According to Fechheimer's President & CEO, Bob Getto, "ToolsGroup's software has delivered the power and sophistication to handle the volume and variety of our 40,000+ SKUs. At the same time it's easy to learn and use so our salespeople can operate more effectively and our S&OP Committee has the actionable information it needs to make data-driven decisions."

ToolsGroup General Manager of North America Pat Smith said: "Fechheimer has built a solid business based on quality products and great relationships with dealers and public safety agencies. The next frontier for improvement is to optimize its supply chain and we are delighted to be working with the team to get them on the path to achieve inventory savings and more accurate forecasts, while maintaining high service levels."

About Fechheimer
Fechheimer, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a leading authority in uniform systems, performance-wear, and fine uniform garments. We have been manufacturing quality uniforms to serve working men and women for more than 170 years. Our brands include Flying Cross, Vertx, and Precision Uniforms. Fechheimer is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

About ToolsGroup
ToolsGroup is a global provider of "Powerfully Simple" market-driven demand analytics and supply chain optimization software. Reliable behind-the-screen technology and scalable statistical models supported with machine learning technology, enables highly intelligent data-driven decision making, combined with ease of use. Our customers overcome volatile demand and challenging supply chains through a proprietary demand model that generates accurate forecasts and outstanding customer service levels with less global inventory. ToolsGroup's capabilities span key supply chain planning areas such as Demand Forecasting and Collaboration, S&OP, Demand Sensing, Promotion Forecasting and Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization.

SOURCE ToolsGroup