Collaboration creates value

Today, the toy market is no longer limited to children, but has increasingly become a form of entertainment for adults to relieve their stress. ANIMES-PRO was established in 1997 and has been engaged in the retail and wholesale of toys, models, character figurines and anime merchandise. It is particularly renowned for its sales of Japanese anime merchandise. ANIMES-PRO currently operates 14 retail stores, with its business primarily divided into pre-orders, in-stock retail and wholesale sales. To manage these diverse business processes, the collaboration of information systems plays a crucial role.

Automatic pre-ordering enhances customer experience

ANIMES-PRO currently uses TecE ERP and POS systems, which are integrated with its online shop. Customers can place pre-orders or purchase in-stock items through the online shop or physical store. Corporate customers can also place wholesale orders directly at physical stores. System data from the online shop and POS systems synchronises with TecE ERP system, enabling an omni-channel (OMO) sales strategy.

To meet the needs of both in-stock and pre-order processes, the system supports setting in-stock price, deposit and full pre-order price. When a product is out of stock, the online shop and POS system can be set to allow pre-order with a deposit or full payment. The ERP system can process the pre-order and in-stock orders separately. When pre-ordered products arrive, the system will notify customers via SMS for goods collection. Additionally, ANIMES-PRO will launch a membership Apps, offering the latest product information, discounts, and member-exclusive products to enhance the customer shopping experience and encourage repeat purchases.

Systematic supply chain management

In addition to assisting with front-end sales processes, TecE ERP system also streamlines the store replenishment process. After each day-end, the sales staffs of stores can generate the replenishment requests based on the system's daily sales data automatically and submit to the warehouse.

For pre-ordered goods, the procurement department can use the ERP system's PO tool to centralize the retail and wholesale customer requests and place PO. Once the purchased goods are received and stock in to warehouse, they are distributed to the corresponding retail stores and wholesale customers through the system's distribution centre. With the assistant of mobile apps and barcode, staffs can do the verification before delivery which significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy.

Sales analysis to support marketing decision

ANIMES-PRO has different market strategies for different customer segments, including anime goods targeting general public, Animes-Pro targeting adult males, and outlet stores offering discounted products. Although there are numerous stores, TecE ERP system centralises sales data from all stores, providing cross-store sales analysis reports. This allows management to understand the sales performance of different product lines across regional stores, enabling them to develop targeting market strategies.

Information systems serves as a strong backbone, enabling ANIMES-PRO to bring in more trendy products and expand the market to all age groups.