Case Study: Allen Edmonds achieves 10% better forecasting and 50% faster reporting with IBM Planning Analytics (IBM Hybrid Cloud)

Finding the perfect fit between inventory levels and customer demand with IBM Planning Analytics

Allen Edmonds, a premium shoemaker operating 70 stores and e-commerce channels, faced a complex planning challenge: stocking around 100 size/width combinations per style across regions to ensure the right product is in the right store at the right time. Relying on spreadsheets made reporting slow and inconsistent, so Allen Edmonds turned to IBM and deployed IBM Planning Analytics (cloud/IBM Hybrid Cloud) to modernize assortment, inventory and pricing planning.

IBM implemented IBM Planning Analytics as a cloud service (delivered with support from IBM and partner eCapital), giving Allen Edmonds a single source of truth, automated reports and multidimensional planning by store, style, size and color. The result: a 10% lift in forecasting accuracy, reporting 50% faster (saving about one day per week), forecasts within 3% for a major event, and improved inventory optimization that supports rapid retail and e‑commerce growth while boosting sales and customer satisfaction.

Allen Edmonds

Connie Walsh

Director of Retail Inventory, Planning and Analysis