Transforming Global Retail Supply Chains: Lessons from Leading Change at Accenture
- Richard Keenlyside
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
TL;DR
Richard Keenlyside, a globally recognised CIO and transformation expert, led the retail supply chain transformation at Accenture, delivering ERP and WMS modernisation across a £86M portfolio. This article explores how strategic leadership reshaped global retail operations.
Retail Supply Chain Transformation: The Accenture Blueprint
Retail supply chain transformation is no longer a luxury—it's a survival imperative. From consumer expectations to omnichannel complexity, the pressure to optimise and digitise is immense. At Accenture, I led this mission globally as the Retail, Supply Chain, and WMS Transformation Practice Lead, focusing on redefining ERP and warehouse operations across industry-leading clients.
With over 34 years in transformation, I brought to Accenture a clear vision: to align technology with business needs while driving operational excellence at scale. This meant deep engagement across a global team of 120 professionals, managing an annual budget of £86 million, and delivering tangible results for major clients in the retail, automotive, telecom, and FMCG sectors.
Why Retail Supply Chain Transformation Matters
The retail sector continues to battle inventory volatility, cost pressures, and demanding customer fulfilment requirements. Effective retail supply chain transformation must be grounded in data, process integration, and real-time visibility.
At Accenture, we deployed solutions that combined ERP modernisation and WMS optimisation, tailored to each client's operational footprint. Technologies like SAP, Oracle, JDA, and Infor Cloud Suite were not simply implemented—they were embedded within a strategic framework of process reengineering and talent upskilling.
ERP Modernisation: From Legacy to Agile
Legacy systems often bottleneck growth. In multiple client engagements, we replaced outdated ERP platforms with scalable, cloud-first systems such as SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Fusion. The goal? Enable real-time analytics, improve stock management, and align finance with logistics.
Each deployment required careful change management. Our method involved:
Business-case validation with ROI benchmarks.
Workforce capability mapping and training.
Agile rollouts across multi-national retail networks.
This ERP modernisation empowered clients to support omnichannel growth, reduce working capital, and unlock data-driven decision-making.
WMS Optimisation: The Fulfilment Backbone
A modern warehouse management system is critical for fast, accurate fulfilment. We integrated cutting-edge WMS platforms like Manhattan Associates and Red Prairie, creating smarter fulfilment ecosystems.
Key WMS transformation outcomes included:
Automated replenishment processes.
Real-time inventory visibility across warehouses.
Reduced waste and increased order accuracy.
With each deployment, we standardised global processes while allowing local adaptations—a model that proved both scalable and resilient.
Leadership That Drives Change
Transformation succeeds when leadership aligns vision, people, and technology. I led this practice with a focus on:
Strategic clarity: Presented a five-year supply chain strategy to the global board.
Talent development: Defined competency frameworks and career roadmaps.
Thought leadership: Delivered insights at European retail supply chain conferences.
Our approach wasn’t just about technology—it was about cultural change, agility, and unlocking human capital in the supply chain.
What Retailers Can Learn Today
In an era where agility trumps size, retailers must reimagine supply chains not as cost centres, but as growth engines. Lessons from the Accenture engagement include:
Start with strategy: Align IT investments with business value.
Prioritise change management: Technology without adoption is just shelfware.
Choose flexible platforms: Modular ERP and WMS systems deliver resilience.
Empower your people: Invest in skills, not just systems.
The future of retail supply chain transformation is dynamic, AI-infused, and insight-led. Leaders must act with intent and urgency.
FAQs
Q1: What are the biggest challenges in retail supply chain transformation?
A: Legacy systems, fragmented data, lack of visibility, and change resistance.
Q2: How long does a typical ERP modernisation project take?
A: Between 12 to 24 months depending on business size, legacy complexity, and geographical scope.
Q3: Is WMS transformation relevant for small retailers?
A: Yes, especially with rising e-commerce demand and the need for scalable fulfilment operations.
Q4: Which industries benefit most from ERP and WMS upgrades?
A: Retail, logistics, manufacturing, and FMCG benefit most from integrated platforms and real-time data.
Q5: What’s the ROI from a typical supply chain transformation programme?
A: It varies but can deliver up to 30% cost reduction, 20% inventory efficiency, and faster fulfilment cycles.
Closing Thoughts
The supply chain is no longer backstage—it's centre stage in retail success. Leading transformation at Accenture showed me that vision, technology, and execution must converge. For businesses ready to thrive, the time to transform is now.
Richard Keenlyside is a Global CIO, PE&MA Advisor, Endava TAC and a former IT Director for J Sainsbury’s PLC.
Please call me at +44 (0) 1642 040 268 or email me at richard@rjk.info.
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