Go live with Slim4

Lekolar is the Nordic region’s leading supplier of educational materials, furniture and furnishings for schools and preschools. With a wide range of products, numerous items and high availability requirements, there are significant demands on planning, forecasting and maintaining a well-functioning supply chain flow.

When Lekolar recently started using Slimstock’s supply chain platform, Slim4, it marked an important step in strengthening analysis, decision support and working methods within the supply chain.

Before this transformation, Lekolar’s supply chain efforts required several parallel systems and manual steps to manage the operations, which made it more difficult to get an overview and work proactively.

To enhance their processes and improve the customer experience, the goal was clear: to gather all information in a single system, create greater transparency and obtain support in prioritising the right things at the right time.

The need for more analysis and a better overview

The reason for choosing Slimstock emerged after identifying the limitations of the previous solution. The possibilities for analysis and simulation were insufficient, and a lot of time was spent producing data rather than analysing and acting on it.

Slim4 was seen early on as a natural next step – an all-in-one system that combines functionality with a visual and user-friendly interface, where all relevant information is gathered in one place.

“Slim4 is an all-in-one system. It is very visual, clear and user-friendly. All information is gathered in one system,” said Joakim Wallin, Supply Chain Manager & Project Manager.

An implementation characterised by collaboration

As the company describes, the implementation project was well structured and executed. The challenges that arose were dealt with on an ongoing basis, and the collaboration between Lekolar and Slimstock was highlighted as an important success factor.

For Lekolar the project was not just about introducing a new system, but also about changing the way they work. Whereas the team previously had to look for deviations and build their own overview, the system now helps them prioritise what needs to be reviewed. “Previously, we were looking for all the trees in the forest. Now Slim4 points out what we need to look at,” highlights Joakim.

Slimstock’s support has been present throughout the project – both during implementation and after go-live. Quick responses, clear guidance and a dedicated team have created security in the change journey.

“They have not only delivered a system, but a solution that is tailored to us. They have really acted as a partner,” comments Emelie Hansson, Supply Chain Manager.

Training is also described as an important part of the project, with a clear structure and a good balance between theory and practical application, which helped users feel confident at go-live.

A system that supports everyday decisions

After go-live, Slim4 has quickly become a central tool in everyday work. The system’s fast response time, flexibility and ability to simulate different scenarios have created better conditions for analysis and planning.

The deviation-based logic is perceived as particularly valuable. Instead of looking for problems, they are presented directly, making it easier to prioritise and make informed decisions.

For planning and purchasing, Slim4 also provides improved opportunities to work more consistently and in a data-driven manner. The optimisation functions make it possible to consider, for example, order values, container filling and other order requirements, creating benefits both internally and in collaboration with suppliers.

A new level of transparency and overview

Several users describe how Slim4 has contributed to a whole new overview. Previously, multiple systems were required to analyse and make decision. Today, everything is gathered in one place.

The system’s visual structure and intuitive interface make it easier to quickly understand the current situation and act accordingly.

‘The more I learn about the system, the more possibilities I see,’  emphasised Jessica Stjernqvist, Planning Manager.

Looking ahead

Immediately after going live with Slim4, Lekolar has not yet been able to fully measure its impact across all KPIs, but expectations are high and clear. Slim4 has already created better conditions for managing variations in demand and building a more stable, proactive way of working going forward.

“I am convinced that our customers will be the biggest winners through our collaboration with Slimstock,” concludes, Jessica Stjernqvist.