Alliance Boots gets awarded for supply chain, logistics processes

LONDON Great Britain's health and beauty retailer Alliance Boots recently was recognized for its supply chain and logistics processes.

Alliance Boots received the European Supply Chain Distinction award for operational excellence provided by the European Supply Chain Council and the Supply Chain Excellence award presented by the British magazine Retail Week Technology. Additionally, the retailer was recognized by U.K. magazine The Grocer, being awarded the Grocer Gold award in the Business Initiative of the Year category. 

Alliance Boots re-organized its entire supply chain network by combining a total of four national distribution centers and 17 regional warehouses into one central distribution center in Nottingham, England, the company said. The overhaul was made possible by integrated logistics company Witron.

“In 2006, we began to optimize our entire supply chain and logistics processes. Our goal was to offer the best supply chain in pharmacy retail, as well as in the health and cosmetics section. The corporate design and the organization of the stores were to exceed all Boots customers' expectations,” said Craig Farina, director of logistics at Alliance Boots. “It is a great honor to receive all these awards as tribute to our efforts."

“The logistics concept designed by Witron is an optimal fit for our business,” Farina said. “Together with Witron, we have managed the realization of a successful key project that helps us generate sustainable competitive advantages.”