Customer Success

How Continental Battery Systems Reduced Inventory by 40% While Improving Service Levels

case study images_LContinental Battery

40%

Inventory reduction

Improved fill rates

10%

Operational cost reduction

5-6%

Increase in vendor-direct shipments

As Continental Battery Systems rapidly expanded through acquisitions, its supply chain became increasingly complex. With over 150 locations across North America, fragmented purchasing processes and inconsistent forecasting led to excess inventory, tied-up capital, and unreliable service levels. The company needed a smarter, unified approach to planning. That’s where GAINS came in.

Key Takeaways
  • 40% Inventory Reduction
    GAINS helped CBS reduce inventory levels substantially—freeing up working capital and lowering carrying costs—all without compromising service levels.

  • Improved Fill Rates
    Service levels for A and B items jumped from a baseline of 65–70% to the high 80s and low 90s, ensuring products were available when customers needed them.

  • Greater Operational Efficiency
    Centralized forecasting and inventory management eliminated redundancies, streamlined replenishment, and brought consistency across 150+ branches and DCs.

  • Lower Operational Costs
    By rethinking the network design, GAINS enabled a projected 10% operational cost reduction (up to 14% with new sites factored in).

  • Optimized Working Capital
    GAINS’ data-driven approach led to a projected 10–13% working capital reduction, helping CBS deploy capital more effectively.

  • Smarter Logistics
    • 5–6% increase in vendor-direct shipments streamlined distribution.

    • Shifting labeling to vendors reduced internal workloads and boosted throughput.

Want proof in action? See the full case study to find out how GAINS helped optimize costs, inventory, and service.

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