Saudi Arabian beauty products distributor AlMalki has deployed the latest version of New York-based Infor’s WMS warehouse management system.

Industry cloud company Infor worked with partner SNS, a provider of supply chain consultancy and software implementation, to support warehouse operations for the distribution of perfume, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, and fashion and accessory brands, including Bvlgari, Hermes, Mont Blanc, Rimowa, Versace, Tom Ford and Cartier.

The WMS should increase efficiency, space use and order reliability, while ensuring traceability from receipt of goods through to shipping.

Founded in 1952, AlMalki Group is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the region’s largest distributors and retailers of luxury goods. The company employs over 1600 people and represents more than 105 luxury brands. It relies on efficient and dynamic warehouse operations to support large numbers of outbound orders generated via ecommerce channels. Having used Infor WMS for many years, the group has now upgraded and expanded this to support a more digitalised operation and underpin future growth.

Infor WMS version 11.4.1 was selected based on its ability to deliver entirely paperless picking and packing methods to boost productivity, and capture all data, both inbound and outbound, to instil visibility and expedite decision-making and customer service. Put-away strategy, cluster picking, labels, catch data, wave processing and billing functionality were also key to the upgrade. Delivered entirely remotely as a result of Covid restrictions, the project was managed by SNS with integration supported by the AlMalki team.

“Luxury brands demand the very highest standards across the entire customer experience, and it’s imperative that we not only adhere to such standards, but that we do so in the most efficient way possible in line with our ambitious growth plans,” said Khaled ElDamouri, AlMalki supply chain and logistics director. “With more than 105 brands, we operate high numbers of SKUs and, as such, require seamless warehouse processes and technology from which to maximise efficiency, space utilisation and order reliability. SNS is a true partner, providing in-depth expertise and a wealth of experience of similar deployments, allowing us to pursue our digitalisation plans and achieve our warehouse management goals.”

SNS provides supply chain services with customers and partners across the globe. It has offices in Dubai, New York, Singapore, Paris, Lyon, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Riyadh and Beirut. Services range from consulting and training to development, implementation, systems integration and support.

“Warehouse efficiency, reliability and capacity are the cornerstones of any distributor operating today and, in the field of luxury goods, consistency and the very highest service standards are paramount,” said Mario Ghosn, SNS general manager. “We’re delighted to be working with AlMalki Group, delivering the best warehouse platform via Infor WMS, and helping the group to embrace growing ecommerce demand in the coming years across the region.” 

AlMalki is solely focused on luxury, distributing brands in the beauty, watches, jewellery and fashion accessories segments. Headquartered in the Saudi Arabia, the group is now managed by the third generation of the family and has been trading for 65 years.

Infor provides enterprise applications to 65,000 customers in more than 175 countries. It has 17,000 employees.

• Saco, a retailer and wholesaler in Saudi Arabia, has deployed Infor WMS with Infor Ion, and third-party application Loftware Labelling. The WMS, which is integrated with Saco’s SAP ERP platform using Infor Ion, is set to optimise order processing and picking, enhance put-away, and expedite the loading and validation processes. The project was also managed by SNS.