Publications
Publications
- September 2020
- HBS Case Collection
JOANN: Joannalytics Inventory Allocation Tool
By: Kris Ferreira and Srikanth Jagabathula
Abstract
Michael Joyce, Vice President of Inventory Management at JOANN, championed an effort to develop and implement an inventory allocation analytics tool that used advanced analytics to predict in-season demand of seasonal items for each of JOANN’s nearly 900 stores and optimize store-specific inventory allocation decisions guided by these predictions. After the analytics tool had been in use for a full season of products, Joyce was surprised to hear that not everyone was pleased with its outcomes. With all of the concerns raised, should Joyce halt the use of the analytics tool for the next season?
Keywords
Analytics; Machine Learning; Optimization; Inventory Management; Mathematical Methods; Decision Making; Operations; Supply Chain Management; Resource Allocation; Distribution; Technology Adoption; Software; Change Management; Fashion Industry; Consumer Products Industry; Retail Industry; United States; Ohio
Citation
Ferreira, Kris, and Srikanth Jagabathula. "JOANN: Joannalytics Inventory Allocation Tool." Harvard Business School Case 621-055, September 2020.
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