Trinks Selects RELEX to Optimize Supply Chain Planning

Beverage logistics company Trinks Group improves demand forecasting and replenishment processes for a more efficient supply chain

The Trinks Group, one of Germany’s leading beverage logistics service providers, has chosen RELEX Solutions for integrated retail and supply chain planning. The aim of the partnership is to comprehensively optimize operational processes, particularly through accurate demand forecasting and inventory planning across the entire network of 16 distribution centers. The implementation will be carried out in cooperation with RELEX partner, Wysupp.

Trinks specializes in the logistics of beverages in returnable bottles and crates and, in addition to delivery, also manages the return and sorting of empty bottles. In doing so, Trinks makes a key contribution to the functionality of the German deposit system and reducing packaging waste. With an assortment of around 2,000 products, Trinks operates in a dynamic market where efficiency, sustainability, and security of supply are critical.

To further increase product availability and manage inventories more efficiently, Trinks decided to select RELEX. A key factor in the decision was the performance of the AI-driven platform, which enables integrated forecasting, channel-specific planning, and flexible, rules-based control. The RELEX solution allows Trinks to better anticipate seasonal demand fluctuations and incorporate external factors such as weather or regional events into planning. This improves forecast accuracy, reduces excess inventory, and increases flexibility across the supply chain.

“We were looking for a solution that could map our complex requirements, particularly with regard to our returnable-driven business model while also delivering real added value,” explains Sebastian Markl, Head of IT at Trinks. “With RELEX, we are creating the foundation for data-driven, cross-site decisions to optimize inventory.”

By using RELEX, Trinks is able to optimize inventory across the entire network, efficiently manage the circulation of returnable beverages, and deliberately account for seasonal demand fluctuations in the beverage market. The AI-driven forecasts integrate, among other things, weather data and local events, decisive factors in the industry. Channel-specific planning also ensures a tailored allocation of inventory for customers. Thanks to flexibly configurable business rules, Trinks can respond quickly to market changes, increase agility, and at the same time minimize resource waste.

“Trinks face the challenge of efficiently managing a complex distribution network specialized in returnable beverages,” said Jörg Kriekhaus, Managing Director at Wysupp. “Together with RELEX, we are creating the conditions to sustainably increase operational efficiency and planning accuracy.”

RELEX also sees significant potential in the collaboration: “As a key service provider in the returnable beverage market, Trinks plays a central role in the retail ecosystem,” says Jason Berry, Senior Vice President, RELEX Solutions. “Our solution will help improve product availability, reduce inventory, and consistently support the company’s sustainability goals at the same time.”