Manhattan Associates Powers Asda's New 'Game Changing' Omni-channel Offering

Manhattan Associates, today announced its pivotal involvement in Asda's recently launched toyou service, a 'game changing' order collection and return service for consumers that puts Asda at the forefront of innovation in global retailing.

Manhattan has worked alongside Asda to provide Walmart's UK subsidiary with the technology and services that power this first-of-its-kind fulfillment and service capability. Consumers can now collect and return online orders of specific Asda goods as well as online orders placed with third parties. This is a key component of Asda's growth strategy that opens a new channel for major online retailers. They can now tap into Asda's delivery network and have a brand presence in Asda's physical locations versus just online.

The game-changing service lets shoppers pick up and return online orders of George clothing and non-Asda brands, including online fashion retailers such as Missguided, at any of Asda's 614 locations. Asda believes toyou could lead to 40 million extra customer visits a year to its stores by 2019.

Manhattan Associates first partnered with Asda in 2011 and has since worked closely with the company to deliver the innovative solution platform that is the engine behind toyou. Manhattan solution components deployed to support Asda's new service include its Distributed Order Management (DOM), Warehouse Management (WMS), Supply Chain Convergence and Supply Chain Intelligence solutions, all of which are seamlessly integrated with Asda's other enterprise systems.

In addition to orchestrating the complex fulfillment and return processes behind toyou, the Manhattan technology deployment is delivering other distinctive capabilities. The science and algorithms behind the Manhattan technologies optimize Asda's parcel delivery, allowing orders to be fulfilled via the most optimal route - to balance service and profitability goals - as opposed to assigning to pre-determined routes used by other delivery service providers. The technology is accelerating Asda's order to delivery cycle times and means the retailer can push back order cut-off times for next day delivery of George.com orders from 7pm to 9pm. Manhattan also provides the platform that allows Asda's George.com customers and Asda's online retailer partners and their customers to track deliveries in real time; something no other supermarket currently offers.

Phil Tenney, vice president and chief information officer ISD at ASDA, comments, "We are excited to champion an industry first with our new toyou service: giving online retailers an opportunity to expand their physical footprint, allowing our customers to shop more conveniently and giving shoppers even more reasons to visit ASDA stores. The Manhattan technology is a key component of the solution, enabling us to drive revenue growth for the business through a more fully utilized distribution network. Manhattan has worked with us collaboratively to deliver the unique technological capability that underpins this ground-breaking service; the benefits for both ASDA and the consumer are going to be huge."

Craig Sears-Black, managing director, Manhattan Associates, comments, "We are proud to work alongside one of the world's most forward-thinking retailers and are delighted to see their vision come to life. Consumer expectations in the UK and the world over are skyrocketing."