L.L.Bean, Inc. Partners with Fortna to Prepare for Holiday 2008

By Increasing Throughput Capacity & Maximizing Existing Distribution Investment

Fortna has completed an in-depth analysis of L.L.Bean’s complex multi-channel order fulfillment environment, allowing them to increase throughput capacity and forego investment in a new distribution center or use outside storage this holiday season.

In depth data analysis was performed by cross profiling SKUs against order types and other variables to identify high correlations. FortnaDCModeler®, Fortna’s proprietary operations analysis tool, was used to analyze a huge amount of data representing over 200,000 SKU’s and over 40 million order lines which represented a year’s worth of sales for online, retail stores and business to business transactions.

For example, SKU’s that often shipped together were analyzed to specific locations within a catalog. Insights gained from the study will lead to improved throughput by providing the ability to forecast SKUs that are picked together and will optimize L.L.Bean’s operations for Holiday 2008 and beyond.

Value: Fortna’s analysis detected relationships in customer orders and SKU correlations that provide real tangible insights and recommendations,” stated Mike Perkins, Vice President, Distribution & Returns Operations for L.L.Bean. “Their approach, tools and capabilities drove value into the results of this analysis and we are confident of the savings we will achieve from these recommendations while improving customer service.”

“We are proud to provide value to L.L.Bean and allow them to improve their direct channel throughput in the busiest 8 week period of the year,” John White, Fortna EVP stated. “Our team’s focus on balancing processes, systems, people and assets will deliver immediate results for L.L.Bean’s 2008 holiday season, as well as provide a strong foundation for future savings and efficiencies.”