The Challenge
The Mad Group originally moved away from AGR during a transition to Microsoft Business Central, when a lack of a standard connector made integration costly compared to other options. The decision wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction with the platform, but by practical constraints at the time.
When AGR later introduced a standard Business Central connector, the team revisited the system. After running a side-by-side comparison with their existing solution, key differences stood out—particularly AGR’s ability to bring sales history, stock levels, and forecasts into a single view, along with more transparent forecast accuracy and flexible reporting.
These advantages ultimately led Aimi and her team to return.
“It wasn’t because there was an issue… it came down to money at the time. But when we compared them again, the way AGR brings everything together in one view and shows true forecast accuracy is what made the decision.”
Coordinating vendors around the globe
Many suppliers are grouped by region, not just for convenience, but to enable container consolidation, meaning ordering decisions must be aligned across multiple vendors at once
Evolving business needs
Aimi Beasley, Retail Supply Chain Planning Manager, oversees this operation, managing hundreds of SKUs and coordinating supply across multiple vendors worldwide.
Shipping disruptions
Changes in shipping routes have added weeks to lead times, requiring constant adjustments to planning assumptions.
The result
The Mad Group returned to AGR after a standard connector for Business Central became available, allowing for a seamless and fast integration.
- Seamless integration
“The integration… was seamless, very quick and easy and all set up within a day.”
Aimi Beasley, Retail Supply Chain Planning Manager
- Clear item information
On a single item view, Aimi can see sales history, stock levels, and forward forecasts without switching between screens. This makes it easier to interpret trends and significantly simplifies onboarding for new team members.
- Flexibility to adapt to changes
AGR also provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing requirements. Whether adjusting forecasts, adding promotions, or managing new product lines, changes can be made easily—while still retaining visibility of the original system suggestions.
- Precise system configuration
Aimi can create and manage stock locations, adjust flows, and tailor setups independently, without needing developer support.
“With other systems, I’d have to send that to support… here I can make those changes myself.”
“In general, I love it. It makes life a lot easier.”
- The Mad Group
- Aimi Beasley, Retail Supply Chain Planning Manager
AGR's solution
The Mad Group returned to AGR after a standard connector for Business Central became available, allowing for a seamless and fast integration.
“The integration… was seamless, very quick and easy and all set up within a day.”
Once implemented, AGR became central to Aimi’s day-to-day workflow.
Each day is structured around reviewing order proposals in AGR. Products are grouped by vendor—often by country—so orders can be planned together and aligned for container consolidation. From there, Aimi reviews suggested order lines, adjusts quantities where needed, and places orders.
“It gives a really good base… I’ll look at what’s suggested, adjust if needed, and then place my orders.”
AGR’s ability to show volume and weight at a glance, along with order constraints that split large orders into container-sized purchase orders, makes this process more efficient and easier to manage.
At the same time, reporting plays a key role. Aimi uses AGR’s built-in reports and Power BI integration to analyse stock movements and performance at a detailed level. Forecast accuracy, in particular, stands out.
“I like that I can see if AGR was accurate by itself… most systems adjust the past so it looks like it was always accurate.”
Future plans
With AGR in place, The Mad Group has improved both efficiency and visibility across its supply chain.
Planning is faster and more structured, with clear workflows for reviewing and placing orders. Forecasting provides a reliable baseline, while still allowing for adjustments when demand shifts—particularly during periods of rapid growth in categories like Pilates and yoga.
At the same time, the business is better equipped to respond to disruption. Lead times can be adjusted directly within AGR, reducing reliance on ERP changes and making it easier to adapt to global shipping challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, the system supports the team as it grows. With all key data in one place and processes easier to follow, new team members can get up to speed more quickly.
As The Mad Group continues to expand globally, having a system that balances automation with flexibility remains essential.
AGR provides that foundation by combining clear insights, efficient workflows, and the ability to adapt as the business evolves.