Supply Chain

In order to create a fluid and seamless process from purchase to delivery Net-A-Porter must have a diligent network consisting of tracking inventory, via SKU’s and style numbers, between the two distribution centers. Through inventory management systems, the buyers and planners must adequately do their buys to make sure the right product is available for the Net-A-Porter customer at the right time. This includes strict lead time requirements with vendors as well as sufficient correspondence between inventory warehouses and shipping departments.

Not until a couple of years ago did Net-A-Porter even have a big enough warehouse for the size of merchandise they were bringing in when they moved into their first warehouse in Charlton, O2 London.

“We have a huge operations department and we are seeking to achieve service levels that are very testing indeed,” Sebba say. “99% of deliveries are dispatched within 24 hours of the order being received.”

“At the time it seemed like the O2 centre to us,” recalls Sebba. “We were not sophisticated in those days about space planning. We have got much better and have been able to expand in Charlton, embarking on significant automation for it.”

Another, key decision made by Net-A-Porter was having in-house inventory in order to make same day deliveries in the Net-A-Porter vans throughout London and New York. This project has proven to be very successful!