The parent company of Ikea, Ingka Group, has acquired US-based supply chain software solution provider Made4net to improve its order fulfilment landscape. Ingka is the largest owner and operator of IKEA stores in 31 countries and says it will probably be the largest implementation of a Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) in the world.
Made4net provides cloud-based supply chain execution and warehouse management solutions. Ingka Group will integrate Made4net’s fulfilment operations system to improve the omnichannel experience for customers and staff in stores.
Wim Blaauw, chief digital officer, Ingka Group, comments: “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.”
Tolga Öncu, head of retail, Ingka Group, adds: “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.”
Duff Davidson, CEO, Made4net, concludes: “By incorporating Made4net’s 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.”
Made4net, will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary, based in New Jersey, US.