GT Nexus Selected by TOMS to Provide Cloud-based Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Control Platform
Feb. 27, 2013 – GT Nexus today announced that it has been selected by TOMS to provide the cloud supply chain technology platform to support global sourcing and import operations at the rapidly growing footwear and eyewear company. TOMS will use the technology platform to manage multiple distribution channels, including retail customers, online and the company’s giving partner program that supports its One for One model, which ensures a child in need receives a new pair of shoes for every pair purchased.
TOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, inspired by a trip to Argentina where he saw extreme poverty and health conditions, as well as children walking without shoes. That’s when he recognized the traditional Argentine alpargata shoe as a simple, yet revolutionary solution. Mycoskie quickly set out to reinvent the alpargata for the U.S. market with a simple goal: to show how together, we can create a better tomorrow by taking compassionate action today. Since then, over two million shoes have been given to needy children in over 50 countries.
“We are big fans of what TOMS is doing to create a better life for children in need,” said Greg Johnsen, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-founder of GT Nexus. “The UN World Food Program uses the GT Nexus platform to manage food distribution to those in need and TOMs will do the same with shoes. We welcome the opportunity to help TOMS prove that companies can be successful and charitable at the same time.”
“We are thrilled by the response to TOMS and our One for One movement, but such growth adds complexity in our supply chain,” said Chris Bonner, VP Global Supply Chain at TOMS shoes. “In addition to a vibrant growing commercial business, we have a large global giving program that ensures donated shoes reach the right people. GT Nexus will help us improve how we collaborate with suppliers and allow us to control inventory flows around the world.”
The platform will automate what is currently a manual set of processes that TOMS uses with suppliers, including order management, invoicing and payment. Carton label generation will automate the receiving process at global distribution centers, supporting a supply chain that delivers to over 50 countries. GT Nexus will serve as a key supply chain information repository that all partners operate against, which will drive efficiency and cost effectiveness across the TOMS supply and distribution networks.