Mothercare has implemented an order management system to help support its ambitious international growth plans.

The web-based order management system from Kewill Trade has enabled the development of a scalable supply chain trading platform.

Mothercare enterprise architect James Blackburn said: “Kewill effectively provides the glue and string behind our supply chain operation, a combination of vital components that work together to form a sound foundation to trading.”

The retailer issues around 5,000 purchase orders each week through the system and receives around 1,900 electronic invoices each day from suppliers. Kewill’s system provides access to supply chain data including supplier inventory, purchase orders, advanced shipping notices and invoices.

Mothercare already has 717 international stores across 51 countries and is planning an aggressive roll-out this year, including 200 shops in India.

Blackburn added that the system supported the trading of the retailer’s entire franchise network. He said: “None of the franchisees are aware of the involvement of a third-party system. Suppliers find the system simple to use and the integration with Mothercare’s own systems takes place seamlessly, behind the scenes.”