Backhaus Lüning relies on AI to optimally control ordering processes and goods usage for Aldi
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"The dashboard gives you a clear overview in just a few seconds and you can quickly see whether everything has been calculated well or whether you might be on the wrong track."
"Purely as an analytics tool, the Delicious Data dashboard is the best of the three options we have - checkout, inventory management and the Delicious Data BI dashboard. The great thing is that anyone can use it. Our colleagues are not IT specialists, they want to see what's going well and what's going wrong very quickly before entering the store - and it works really well."
"Before Delicious Data, we had to enter orders from Aldi manually on a fax form. This took up to an hour and a half to transfer and check all orders"
For Backhaus Lüning, the previously time-consuming and error-prone process was an absolute challenge. The manual entry of orders at Aldi repeatedly led to delays and meant that orders could not be processed and checked quickly enough. The whole process took a lot of time, as a crosstab had to be read in manually. The process changeover to independent ordering then presented the challenge that this type of ordering had not previously been carried out by anyone in the company. This became a challenge, especially when there were seasonal fluctuations and unpredictable demand situations. In addition, the existing systems did not allow order accounting to be carried out quickly and easily and the credit note process to be monitored.
Since September 2024, Backhaus Lüning has been using Delicious Data's solution to optimize its internal processes and respond flexibly to Aldi's requirements. The aim is to gradually improve processes, in particular by increasing efficiency and automation in order to minimize manual intervention and reduce errors. The software optimizes logistics, from order planning to delivery, and enables precise, needs-based planning that avoids overstocking and ensures product availability, thus guaranteeing product pressure and availability without sacrificing returns. Seasonal fluctuations and historical sales data are incorporated into the demand forecast and improve cooperation with Aldi.
"The system worked wonderfully on our side and we were able to deliver directly."
With the BI dashboard from Delicious Data, a solution was found that not only convinces as an analysis tool, but also improves transparency and decision-making.
By optimizing the ordering process and improving forecasting accuracy, the company was able to better match the availability of goods to actual demand, which led to an increase in sales of +7.1%. Product availability improved by +31.1% as orders could now be matched precisely to the needs of the stores on a daily basis. Order factors were successively optimized in order to reduce the returns rate, which led to a reduction in the returns rate of over -5.1% in January, and the previously manual process was replaced by an automated solution that now processes orders much faster and more efficiently.
Markus Kauer was also particularly positive about Delicious Data's support: "I really have to praise you. I have always found support from you very quickly. Your colleagues are on the ball and very keen to help us. High praise, everything has worked wonderfully so far."
The successes at ALDI and the added value of the BI dashboard are so positive that the decision was made to use the order suggestions as soon as possible for all 50 of its own specialist stores.
Learn from best practice examples how AI and digitalisation contribute to process optimisation, sustainability, food waste reduction and returns optimisation in the food sector.
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The history of Backhaus Lüning began in 1905, when Peter Benkart founded the first bakery in Bingen. His grandson, Ludger Lüning, took over the company in 1971 and put it on the road to success with his passion for traditional craftsmanship. In the 1990s, Lüning took a visionary step with the opening of the first "Bäckerants", combining bakery with gastronomy. Today, Backhaus Lüning stands for a successful blend of tradition and innovation - not least thanks to its partnership with Aldi. Fresh Lüning baked goods can regularly be found in many of the discounter's stores, underlining the company's move into the modern food world.
