Retail Chain IKI Replenishes with SAF Software
Tägerwilen (euro adhoc) -
Investment in sophisticated forecasting and replenishment software to serve customers in the best possible way
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companies/SAF - New customer direct sales
- SAF systems tap significant sales and profit potentials - Precise knowledge of retail processes persuaded customer - Automated replenishment for stores and warehouses
Tägerwilen/Switzerland, July 1, 2008. The SAF AG, which is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN CH0024848738), and is one of the worldwide leading suppliers of automated forecasting and ordering systems for retailers, has signed a license agreement with Retail Chain IKI, which is one of the leading grocers in the Baltic countries.
The grocer focuses on the optimization of its profitability and the increase of customer´s satisfaction. Therefore it was decided to install SAF SuperStore and SAF SuperWarehouse to convert from manual to automated replenishment. The systems will optimize the replenishment process, reduce costs and increase profit both in the more than 220 stores and in the two warehouses in the Baltic countries. The SAF forecasting and ordering systems are able to forecast with great accuracy the future demand. In doing so, it considers seasonal influences, holidays, advertising promotions, school vacations and other effects which might influence the sales. The SAF systems produce on basis of these forecasts optimized orders with a high degree of automation.
The grocer - which belongs to a European Alliance of Independent Trading Companies (Coopernic) - has ambitious growth targets. Today Retail Chain IKI (www.iki.eu) is the second largest retail chain in Lithuania by turnover, and one of the ten largest companies in the Baltic States. It has been engaged in commercial business for 15 years. Retail Chain IKI operates more than 220 stores in Lithuania and Latvia and is currently one of the largest employers in the Baltic countries - at present employing over 9,000 people. Retail Chain IKI is managing three retail chains (supermarkets, convenient and discount stores) which reached a turnover of LTL 1.7 billion in 2006, LTL 2.2 billion in 2007 and is planning to achieve a turnover of LTL 2.8 billion in 2008. Its expansion in the Baltic countries will be supported by SAF technology.
Increasing Profit and Decreasing Costs due to High Automation, Significant Reduction of Out of Stocks and Less Inventory
The project will start immediately with the parallel implementation of SAF´s core products for store and warehouse replenishment - SAF SuperStore and SAF SuperWarehouse. "IKI is convinced of our deep knowledge and understanding of retailer´s ordering processes and by the references confirming the fast ROI of SAF´s products" reports Dr. Andreas von Beringe, CEO of SAF. "The automation of the inventory replenishment represents a clear competitive advantage and helps to improve their margins. It significantly cuts warehouse inventory, reduces the out of stock rate and increases product turnover," adds von Beringe. The signed agreement will contribute to SAF sales from direct business in 2008 by 2010 and confirms the expansion of SAF´s direct business in Eastern Europe.
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About SAF AG SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting AG specializes in the development of automated ordering and forecasting software for retailers and industrial manufacturers. SAF deploys the demand chain management approach, which controls replenishment planning based on consumer demand patterns. SAF software assists users to realize substantial cost savings and optimizes general logistics conditions through its simulation capabilities. As a result, significant competitive advantages are achieved along the entire value chain: lower inventories, improved product availability, and last, but not least, a higher level of customer satisfaction.
SAF AG was established in 1996 by Dr. Andreas von Beringe and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Arminger. SAF shares are listed at the official market (Prime Standard) at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB). Today, the company employs approx 100 people. Consolidated sales revenues for fiscal year 2007, were approx. 13.2 million EUR with consolidated profit of 3.0 million EUR according to IFRS statements. SAF´s products are distributed in many European countries as well as in the United States. The company is headquartered in Tägerwilen, Switzerland. SAF also has a subsidiary in the United States: SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting U.S.A., Inc., Grapevine, Texas and in Slovakia, Bratislava: SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting Slovakia s.r.o. with the focus on Nearshore-Development.
Forward Looking Statements and Estimates This information contains forward looking statements based on assumptions and estimates of SAF's Management Board. Although we assume the expectations in these forward looking statements are realistic, we cannot guarantee they will prove to be correct. The assumptions may harbor risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual figures to differ considerably from the forward looking statements. Factors that may cause such discrepancies include, among other things, risks that are mentioned in the annual report 2007. SAF does not plan to update the forward looking statements, nor does it assume the obligation to do so.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Astrid Strömer
+41 (0)71 666 79 48
astrid.stroemer@saf-ag.com
Branche: Software
ISIN: CH0024848738
WKN: A0JD78
Index: Prime All Share, Technologie All Share
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
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