HIMPACT

The HIMPACT solution and the Herlitz team really impressed us. Not only was their expediency with loading our data impressive, but also their openness to listen to our requirements and adapt their solution, even while in the demo phase. These and other considerations were essential to our decision. Another key point was that HIMPACT has a full PO Management module; whereas other solutions do not.format_quote

As AGNE has grown over the years, it’s important we upgrade our technology to match the needs we have from our independent retailers. We oversee a large distribution center with thousands of SKUs, so it’s critical we have the efficiencies in a buying and inventory management system that can satisfy the dynamic needs of our business. On the tailwinds of COVID-19, we needed additional support to maintain our growing and evolving supply chain. We are confident that HIMPACT will provide the assistance our team needs to perform at the next level.format_quote

As everyone has discovered through the trials and tribulations of a global pandemic, independent retailers, although smaller in size and scope, have been tremendously responsive to the needs of their customers in the marketplace. Our partnership with Herlitz has been correspondingly similar: Herlitz has been very responsive and attentive to the needs of Associated Grocers, Inc. in our HIMPACT implementation project. We fully expect that this level of service will continue after we’ve gone live; just as our independent retailers will continue to excel at customer service post-pandemic.format_quote

I worked on quite a few truck split vendors yesterday. I had one vendor consisted of 4 PO’s. All went well with no issues. I must say, this is my favorite feature!format_quote

The Herlitz team demonstrated their value during the initial phase of the pandemic in 2020. Our team of buyers was only about halfway through training when the crisis arose, causing us to put the training on hold while we focused on our customers. The Herlitz team supported us the whole time.format_quote

Since we started buying on HIMPACT, inventory has dropped by 30 percent and fill rates have increased by 6 points. HIMPACT recommended better brackets that gave us more competitive pricing. Overall, our costs are lower and business is up 10 percent.format_quote

During our reference call phase, we discovered two different references were already using features that we requested. We were pleased to learn the popular features were already added to the base system for all customers. Carl impressed us with how quickly his team was able to implement system enhancements.format_quote

HIMPACT includes many of the standard functions of our existing purchasing system but also offers a more robust set of features specific to perishable purchasing. While these features are exciting, it would be a moot point if our current IT infrastructure was not able to support the software. With HIMPACT, we expect integration to be swift and require very little internal IT intervention. We are confident that the features available to our fresh procurement team will be a considerable asset in the areas of inventory and margin management, freeing up time for our procurement team to laser focus on category management.format_quote

Carl Herlitz, his team, and their solution showed that they not only understand the grocery industry, but also that they are eager to listen to our needs and deliver a service that empowers us to overcome our unique challenges.format_quote

If you had told me that the only time we would be involved in this project would be to sign the contract and to celebrate the successful rollout only six months later, we wouldn’t have believed you.format_quote