Cutting Merch Build Time in Half with Intelligent Integration
When Merch Build was a Race against Time
A globally recognised confectionery manufacturer, trusted by millions for its iconic chocolate brands, operated across more than 80 countries with a vast network of retail and distribution partners. To support seasonal launches, promotional displays, and customer-specific assortments, the company relied heavily on a manual, Excel-driven process to build merchandise units. But as demand for agility and store-level customization grew, these outdated methods often taking up to 26 weeks, began to strain operations. The business needed a smarter, faster way to keep pace.
>50%
Reduction in Time-to-market
%
Visibility of Planograms to Customers
Delay in Merchandising Units Reaching Stores
Challenge:
Why Spreadsheets couldn’t Keep UpÂ
The customer’s merchandise unit build process was heavily reliant on Excel-based tools, scattered communications, and manual tracking. Each build required coordination between product design, supply chain, and store operations yet there was no centralized system to streamline workflows or reduce delays. The lack of integration meant that stakeholders had to navigate time-consuming steps, resulting in slow turnaround and limited operational oversight.
With growing demand for build-to-order alongside build-to-stock, the pressure mounted. The absence of real-time data exchange and end-to-end tracking meant teams couldn’t easily adapt to urgent requests or meet store-level customization needs. Long lead times often exceeding six months were no longer acceptable in a business driven by seasonal demand and market agility.
Solution:
How the Merchandise units Builder Rewired the Process Â
Incture stepped in with a fully digitized Merchandise Units Builder designed to eliminate manual bottlenecks and reduce turnaround time. Built on a responsive UI and accessible across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices, the solution enabled users to collaborate seamlessly across functions and geographies. By moving away from static Excel files, the team gained real-time access to the latest data, with all merchandising activities consolidated into a single, intuitive platform.Â
The application integrated tightly with the customer’s existing Azure Data Store, optimization engine, and APO systems ensuring the right data flowed into every merch build decision. Incture’s deep expertise in SAP BTP and enterprise integration allowed for scalable architecture and automated workflows, supporting both build-to-order and build-to-stock models. This modern foundation empowered the business to respond faster to urgent requests, reduce delays, and improve visibility across the merchandising lifecycle.Â
Results:
Efficient Merch builds backed by better Data and Control
The implementation of Incture’s Merchandise Units Builder resulted in a more than 50% reduction in time to market, cutting the merch build cycle from 26 weeks to just around 12 weeks. By digitizing workflows and enabling real-time data synchronization with backend systems, the solution eliminated delays caused by manual processes and data mismatches. This efficiency ensured zero delays in merch units reaching stores, allowing the business to meet urgent customer demands promptly without sacrificing accuracy or control.Â
In addition to speeding up operations, the platform provided 100% visibility of planograms to customers, offering end-to-end transparency throughout the merch build lifecycle. Users could track progress, identify discrepancies early, and make data-driven decisions with ease. This enhanced oversight strengthened collaboration across teams, improved responsiveness, and ultimately boosted customer satisfaction by delivering timely, accurate merchandising solutions across all locations.Â