Evolving systems to support a growing, increasingly complex business
Templespa had successfully operated with its previous system for close to two decades. It wasn’t broken, but the business had evolved. As the organisation expanded into new channels and markets, the planning environment needed to keep pace.
Here are the needs.
Modern reporting and visibility
Much of the analysis had to be done outside the system, pulling data into spreadsheets and SQL reports. As the business grew, having faster, more integrated reporting became increasingly important.
More refined safety stock control
The previous approach applied a broad four-week cover rule across all items. While workable, it didn’t differentiate between fast- and slow-moving products or account for variability.
Greater ability to manage by exception
Identifying risk or opportunity required manual review. A more proactive, system-driven approach would allow the team to focus attention where it mattered most.
Complex supply chain
Multiple competing channels including ecommerce, spas, hotels, corporate customers, a US operation, China partner, and approximately 4,000–5,000 independent consultants.
Small team
Up to 2,500 items managed by a team of three.
Success was clearly defined
100% service level — zero out-of-stocks — while keeping inventory lean and cash flowing efficiently.
- Exception-based planning
- AGR’s built-in and configurable reports allow the team to immediately see where inventory needs to be brought forward or pushed back to optimise availability.
- Instead of building reports externally, the team can now access planning insights directly within the system.
- Smarter inventory control
- ABC profiling to focus attention where it matters most
- AGR now calculates more tailored safety stock levels. Compared to the previous four-week rule, this results in leaner stock without compromising service.
- The system supports more accurate ordering decisions across long lead times and varying demand patterns.
- 18-month planning horizon
- With some items requiring up to six months’ lead time, being able to plan over an 18-month horizon is essential for version control and turn management.
- The Item Card chart function enables planners to move fluidly between time buckets while reviewing historical and future demand.
- Smooth integration and support
- AGR worked closely with Templespa to configure multiple locations, contract manufacturing flows, and assembly processes correctly.
- With a named Customer Success contact, support has been timely and practical — even across time zones.
- Leaner safety stock, maintained service
- AGR runs significantly leaner safety stock while still targeting a 100% service level across demanding channels.
- Inventory flows more efficiently, helping the team balance service and working capital.
- Templespa
- Steve Fisher, Head of Operations
Supply Chain Challenge
Templespa is a global skincare and spa brand operating across multiple channels and markets. From ecommerce and independent consultants to spas, hotels, corporate customers, and international partners, the business manages a highly dynamic supply chain with long lead times and evolving product requirements.
At the centre of this operation is a three-person supply chain team responsible for long-range demand planning, purchasing, logistics, supplier coordination, and inventory optimisation.
After nearly 20 years on its previous back-office and planning system, Templespa modernised its ERP and moved to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. As part of that transformation, they implemented AGR to strengthen forecasting, reporting, and inventory control.
Within 10 months of going live, the team was already seeing clear improvements.
The Impact
Within 10 months of go-live, Templespa was already seeing tangible benefits.
Greater confidence in planning
- High trust in system recommendations
While human judgement still plays a role, particularly around complex promotions and unexpected events — AGR provides a stable, data-driven baseline. - Improved handling of complexity
The team now manages version changes, promotions, and multi-channel demand within a single planning environment.
Embedded in cross-functional processes
- Weekly 30-week purchase plan reviews with the Product team
- Ongoing alignment with Sales and Marketing
- Cash flow discussions with Finance
- Regular supplier scheduling conversations
What once required manual reporting is now integrated into daily workflows.
Scale without additional headcount
- Two primary AGR users managing up to 2,500 items
- Three-person team supporting global operations
AGR enables the team to operate with precision and control without increasing resources.
