Ingka Group boosts Ikea omnichannel credentials as it snaps up supply chain technology provider Made4net
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group (the largest owner and operator of Ikea stores in 31 countries) has acquired Made4net, a US-based supply chain software solution provider.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
It says that the move will increase the capacity needed for a successful end-to-end customer offering, making it “likely the largest implementation of a warehouse management solution (WMS) in the world”.
Ingka Group will integrate Made4net’s fulfilment operations system as it looks to improve the omnichannel experience for customers and co-workers in stores.
Tolga Öncu, Head of Retail, Ingka Group, says: “Our business currently requires a better fulfilment operations system with more accurate data that better supports order handling for our customers.”
“Our goal is to become leaders of life at home, serving more people in an omnichannel reality, whenever and however customers choose to meet us.”
"We are constantly looking to improve our business to better meet the needs of our customers. As part of that, we are implementing a variety of digital solutions that will secure the speed and agility required to support the new omnichannel reality we operate in,” says Wim Blaauw, Chief Digital Officer at Ingka Group.
"By incorporating our state-of-the-art solution, we will strengthen the fulfilment operations system across all Ikea’s stores. We expect to deliver faster, more accurate order fulfilment solutions and improved supply chain efficiencies, meeting both the needs of Ikea customers and co-workers,” comments Duff Davidson, CEO at Made4net.
Ingka Investments has acquired 100% of Made4net, which will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary, based in New Jersey, USA, and serve its existing customer base.
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