[ Case Study ] Otto International : Enhancing supply chain efficiency with TradeBeyond
With an annual buying volume exceeding €1 billion, Otto International has been a leading sourcing services provider for nearly 60 years.
With a presence in over 20 countries, the company plays a crucial role in connecting retailers, brands, and suppliers. Their vision is to revolutionize supply chain solutions for a better world. To achieve this, they partnered with TradeBeyond to streamline operations, enhance supplier collaboration, and ensure compliance with evolving ESG regulations.
The Challenge
Before TradeBeyond, Otto International relied on multiple disconnected systems to manage sourcing and compliance, leading to inefficiencies across its global operations. Merchandisers faced challenges in tracking supplier certifications, inspection reports, and compliance data, making it difficult to maintain full transparency across supply chains. The lack of a streamlined system created operational inefficiencies and posed challenges in maintaining transparency across the supply chain.
The Solution
Otto International conducted an internal evaluation of TradeBeyond’s industry-leading supply chain platform, comparing it with their previous system. The results highlighted key advantages:
- Enhanced efficiency and accuracy: TradeBeyond significantly improved daily operations by centralizing data collection, reducing manual effort, and minimizing errors.
- Multi-enterprise alignment: The platform bridged the gap between Otto International and all stakeholders including retailers, brands, and suppliers to bring them into a single digital ecosystem.
- Comprehensive compliance and transparency: TradeBeyond’s solution provided greater visibility into shipping inspections, social compliance, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) regulations, ensuring that Otto International could meet evolving sustainability requirements.
- Open communication and collaboration: A strong working relationship between Otto International’s project team and TradeBeyond’s implementation team fostered effective communication, rapid adaptation to new challenges, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to Otto’s needs.
The Results
Since implementing TradeBeyond’s platform, Otto International has successfully rolled out the system across multiple countries and cultures, enabling streamlined operations worldwide. Key benefits include:
- Improved supplier collaboration: The platform has strengthened partnerships with suppliers, enhancing coordination and reducing inefficiencies.
- Cost-effectiveness: By consolidating operations within TradeBeyond’s system, Otto International has driven cost savings while improving quality.
- ESG compliance and sustainability: The system has empowered Otto International to navigate new ESG regulations efficiently while creating greater sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Conclusion
TradeBeyond has been instrumental in modernizing Otto International’s sourcing operations, helping them create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable global supply chain. By replacing fragmented systems with a single, connected platform, Otto has enhanced supplier collaboration, streamlined compliance, and reduced operational costs. As they continue innovating, TradeBeyond remains a strategic partner in their mission to revolutionize global sourcing.