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A D V E R T O R I A L HOW���D THEY DO THAT ? Giant Eagle reduces costs and increases customer value with supply chain solutions MULTIPLE, OUTDATED SYSTEMS CREATED BARRIERS TO GREATER EFFICIENCY AND COST REDUCTION One of the largest food retailers and distributors in the U.S., Giant Eagle is the number one supermarket retailer in its region with 221 supermarkets and 140 fuel and convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. Each store carries between 20,000 and 60,000 items, more than 7,000 of which are offered under the company���s own brands program. Giant Eagle operates ���ve distribution centers located throughout its service area ���ranging from 90,000 to 800,000 square feet���and was using outdated, batch technology with multiple systems in several locations to run its supply chain operations. Basically Giant Eagle had maximized its capabilities and the cost-ef���ciency that could be achieved with its current systems. The company wanted to ���nd a single vendor that could meet all of its supply chain requirements and accommodate advanced functionality, including ���owthrough order processing, put-to-store picking, and expanded RF and voice functions. GIANT EAGLE CHOOSES MANHATTAN FOR SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF GROCERY INDUSTRY Giant Eagle initially interviewed more than 10 companies in its quest for the best solution. Four vendors made the ���nal list and Giant Eagle required a detailed demonstration from each ���nalist. Hilzendeger explained, ���We wanted to work with a supply chain company that had a solid understanding of our industry and could grow with us. We needed to feel comfortable that they could come in and partner with us to develop the grocery-speci���c functionality we needed.��� According to James Hilzendeger, Director of Giant Eagle, ���Bottom line, we needed to continue to reduce costs and improve our customer value proposition. We use the Toyota Production System methodology, which considers customers, quality and people in an effort to increase overall operational ef���ciencies. Manhattan���s warehouse and labor management solutions are a big component of this strategy.��� 48 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 ��� FOOD LOGISTICS www.foodlogistics.com