Client Overview:
A national retail chain with over 200 stores, known for affordable home goods, operating with a legacy inventory management system that was failing to keep pace with modern e-commerce demands.
The Challenge:
The retailer had initiated a $15 million upgrade to a cloud-based inventory management system to improve stock visibility and support online sales. Nine months into the project, it was stalled—software integrations were incomplete, warehouse staff were unprepared, and the holiday shopping season was three months away. Costs had ballooned by 30%, and stockouts were costing $500,000 weekly in lost sales. Leadership needed urgent help to rescue the project and protect the peak season.
Our Solution:
Acute PMC deployed a project manager with retail technology expertise as the Interim Inventory System Lead. Our targeted approach included:
- Integration Acceleration: Partnered with the software vendor to resolve API conflicts and streamline data migration, completing integrations in six weeks.
- Staff Enablement: Rolled out a rapid training program for warehouse and store teams, using simulations to boost system proficiency.
- Deadline Focus: Established a 90-day roadmap with daily progress checks to align all stakeholders and prioritize holiday readiness.
- Performance Tracking: Leveraged Acute PMC’s proprietary platform to monitor system uptime, stock accuracy, and team adoption in real time.
Our leader worked on-site, embedding solutions into the retailer’s operations without disrupting daily sales.
The Results:
- Launched the new inventory system on time, just before the holiday rush.
- Cut stockouts by 70%, recovering $1.5 million in potential lost sales.
- Reduced project costs by 20%, saving $3 million from the overrun.
Why Acute PMC:
Unlike firms that might offer a high-level strategy and exit, Acute PMC provided a dedicated leader who executed the turnaround from within. Our retail project recovery expertise ensured the chain didn’t just get a new system—it gained a competitive edge for the busiest season.
Client Perspective:
The retailer had been facing a make-or-break moment, but Acute PMC’s intervention saved the day. A senior manager noted, “We were drowning in delays and costs, but Acute PMC pulled us through and made the holidays a success.”
Karen T., Director of Operations.