Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
- Wearables - Smart Clothing
Applicable Industries
- E-Commerce
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Last Mile Delivery
- Supply Chain Visibility
About The Customer
Bombas is a New York City-based premium basics brand with a mission to help those in need. The company, which started by making comfortable socks, now offers a line of items including socks, underwear, and t-shirts. These items are the top three most requested clothing items at homeless shelters, and Bombas donates an item for every item they sell to organizations that support a wide range of unhoused and under-resourced communities. Founded in 2013, Bombas has faced supply chain hurdles from the start as the brand sought to scale its operations to meet quickly-growing demand. From launching new products to managing distribution for its e-commerce, wholesale, and donation business, Bombas has continuously sought to optimize their supply chain operations for growth.
The Challenge
Bombas, a New York City-based premium basics brand, faced significant supply chain challenges as it sought to scale its operations to meet rapidly growing demand. The company, which donates an item for every item sold to organizations supporting under-resourced communities, was using manual strategies and spreadsheets to manage their operations. This system was neither strategic nor scalable. The growth of their business precipitated a surge in shipments, and Bombas needed technology to support the volume and diversity of their inbound freight. Additionally, the company was looking to optimize their supply chain operations for growth, and needed a logistics partner who could provide a total supply chain solution.
The Solution
Bombas turned to Flexport in 2017 for a comprehensive supply chain solution. Flexport's digital platform provided visibility into shipment status and a consultative account team advised on operational strategy. This allowed Bombas to save time and money as they hit critical milestones. Flexport's web-based reporting tools enabled Bombas' small team to manage the growing volume more efficiently. The real-time notifications and transparency provided by the Flexport platform were game changers for Bombas, as they no longer had to guess what was happening with their shipments. Flexport's platform also exposed the fluctuations and seasonality within the freight shipping market, enabling Bombas’ operations team to target certain months to meet demand in a cost-conscious way. Flexport also provided strategic consulting, advising Bombas on logistics strategy as they grew, launched new products, and scaled their impact.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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