Evia

Grupo Evia, based in Spain, is a company with more than 75 years of history, specialising in the distribution of outdoor sports equipment for fishing, hunting and airsoft. In recent years, the company has undergone solid international expansion, which now allows it to operate in more than 70 countries.

With a live catalogue of more than 20,000 items, Evia maintains a predominantly Asia-based supplier network with delivery times that can extend up to six months. To maintain 75% of its assortment permanently in stock for its highly diverse customer base, from small gun shops to large retailers, effective inventory planning is a strategic pillar for the company.

The challenge: Staying ahead in a complex environment

With a wide customer base, seasonal demand patterns and long lead times, Evia found it challenging to accurately anticipate business needs using manual planning methods. ‘Our ERP did not cover purchasing or stock management very well. And with thousands of items, errors were inevitable,’ recalls Iñaki Odriozola, Managing Director of Evia.

This situation was worsened by the pandemic. The initial disruption caused by COVID-19 was followed by an surge in demand in 2021, which led to excess stock in 2023. This situation prompted Evia to look for a technological solution that would provide visibility, agility and control across its supply chain.

The solution: A platform for data-driven decision-making

Since implementing Slim4 in 2021, Evia has managed to automate processes and optimise order generation, better aligning with logistical constraints and reducing human error. ‘Before, we reacted when there was a problem; now we are able to anticipate them. And that, in an environment with long delivery times and such a wide range of products, gives us a lot of peace of mind,’ explains Iñaki.

Among the most significant operational improvements since the implementation of Slim4, Evia’s CEO highlights:

• A 15% to 20% reduction in stock.
• A 5% improvement in service levels.
• A drastic reduction in repetitive tasks carried out by the purchasing team, who can now focus on higher-value activities such as product development.
• Better demand forecasting, especially for seasonal demand.

A commitment that has exceeded expectations

Although there were initial doubts about whether a tool such as Slim4 was suitable for an SME with infrequent orders, time has proven Evia’s decision to invest in Slimstock to be the right one. ‘Slim4 gives us a great sense of control in a quick and easy way. Our assessment of the platform is very positive,’ concludes Iñaki.