FORTE Helps Keen Develop a New 3PL Relationship that Dramatically Improves On-Time Shipments

The Challenge
Their shoes are found in over a thousand retail locations in the United States, and are distributed worldwide.

Keen has been on the fast track since its inception in 2003. With 30% annual growth, their multi-channel distribution requirements had outgrown the capabilities of their existing 3PL and service levels were suffering.

The Solution
FORTE worked with Keen to identify key business drivers and success factors, peer distribution approach in their vertical and to develop a cost and risk assessment. Potential 3PL’s were identified and evaluated relative to Keen’s key business drivers and success factors.

FORTE negotiated a Service Level Agreement (SLA) based on capabilities and expectations, and developed a detailed transition plan to the chosen 3PL.

The Result
The new 3PL relationship dramatically improved on-time shipments, fill rates, inventory accuracy and the overall risk profile. A better alignment of business cultures created a “better way of doing business.”

Keen now had a SLA agreement that detailed both soft and hard expectations, and with the help of FORTE, the transition to the new 3PL was seamless.