Ecco walks better on streamlined supply chain

Shoe manufacturer and distributor Ecco says it’s been able to streamline its supply chain by getting a real-time view of the status of goods throughout its demand and delivery cycles world-wide using Mercator integration software on top of its existing SAP enterprise management (ERP) IT system. The Mercator Integration Broker is handling information from its systems across the supply chain notably in Denmark, the USA and Germany which together handles global distribution of some 10 million units annually. Keld Moestrup, CIO at Ecco in Denmark, says, “We chose Mercator for its deep expertise in SAP integration, the full support to our EDI challenges and the speed of its deployment.” Ecco uses the system as a ‘hub’ integrating high volumes of multiple EDI and other message formats with SAP. The hub ensures that data held in the US warehouse management system, which does not operate on SAP, is in synch with the global SAP warehouse management system. Ecco’s global manufacturing and distribution operations, including raw materials procurement, production, warehousing and final distribution to retail outlets, employ more than 8,500 people. 90% of its products are sold abroad across the US, Canada, Asia, Australia, and Europe.