
IDS Services LLC Partners with Under Armour to Streamline Bag Distribution & Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency
Arlington, VA – October 26, 2023 – IDS Services LLC, a leading provider of comprehensive logistics and supply chain solutions, today announced a successful partnership with Under Armour, the globally recognized innovator in athletic apparel and footwear. This collaboration focuses on optimizing the distribution of Under Armour bags, ensuring faster, more reliable delivery to retailers and, ultimately, to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. For those who don’t know, IDS Services LLC (based right here in Arlington, VA – you can reach us at 2500 Wilson Blvd Ste 200, or give us a call at 910-272-1983) isn’t just about moving boxes. We're about understanding how stuff needs to move – from the factory floor to the customer’s hands – and making it happen smoothly. We handle everything from warehousing and order fulfillment to transportation and even dealing with any hiccups that come up along the way. Think of us as the guys making sure everything runs like clockwork behind the scenes. Under Armour, of course, needs no introduction. Everyone knows the name. They’re famous for pushing boundaries in athletic wear, constantly creating gear that helps athletes perform at their best. And that commitment to quality and performance extends to their bag selection. We’re talking about everything from sleek backpacks for daily commutes and gym sessions, to durable duffel bags for travel, and specialized sports bags built for specific activities like basketball, football, or running. But getting those high-quality Under Armour bags to everyone who wants them? That's where things get complicated. That’s where IDS Services LLC stepped in. The Challenge: A Complex Supply Chain Under Armour's success means they’re dealing with a lot of bags moving around. A complex network of manufacturers, distribution centers, retailers, and direct-to-consumer orders created some real challenges. Keeping track of everything, making sure bags arrived on time, and minimizing costs – it wasn’t easy. There were issues with forecasting demand, managing inventory levels across multiple locations, and dealing with potential delays in transportation. Basically, a lot of moving parts that needed to be perfectly synchronized. “Under Armour is a fantastic company with a really dedicated team,” explains John Smith, VP of Operations at IDS Services LLC. “But even the best companies can benefit from a fresh look at their supply chain. They were looking for a partner who could provide the expertise and technology to streamline their bag distribution and improve overall efficiency.” IDS Services LLC: A Tailored Solution IDS Services LLC didn't just offer a one-size-fits-all solution. They took the time to really understand Under Armour’s specific needs and challenges. After a thorough assessment, IDS Services LLC implemented a customized solution that included: Strategic Warehousing: IDS Services LLC established strategically located warehousing facilities near key distribution hubs. This reduced transit times and allowed for faster order fulfillment. They’re not just storage spaces either, they're set up for efficient storage and order picking. Advanced Inventory Management: Using cutting-edge inventory management software, IDS Services LLC provided real-time visibility into bag inventory levels across the entire supply chain. This allowed Under Armour to optimize stock levels, reduce waste, and prevent stockouts. They can see exactly where every bag is, every step of the way. Transportation Optimization: IDS Services LLC leveraged its network of trusted carriers to negotiate competitive rates and ensure reliable transportation. They also implemented route optimization algorithms to minimize shipping costs and delivery times. It’s about getting the bags where they need to be, fast and cheap. Order Fulfillment Expertise: IDS Services LLC took full responsibility for order fulfillment, from receiving orders to picking, packing, and shipping. This freed up Under Armour to focus on its core business of designing and marketing high-performance athletic gear. They handle the whole process, so Under Armour doesn't have to. Data Analytics & Reporting: IDS Services LLC provided Under Armour with detailed data analytics and reporting, giving them valuable insights into supply chain performance. This enabled them to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. It’s not just about moving bags, it’s about understanding how they’re moving. The Under Armour Bag Advantage: From Backpacks to Duffels, Delivered Faster This partnership isn’t just about making the process better, it’s about improving the experience for the end customer. Here’s how it translates to better Under Armour bags reaching consumers: Faster Delivery: Reduced transit times mean customers receive their bags faster, whether it’s a new training backpack for a weekend getaway or a durable duffel for their next sports tournament. Increased Availability: Optimized inventory management ensures that popular bag styles are always in stock, so customers don’t have to wait. Reduced Shipping Costs: Efficient transportation and route optimization help keep shipping costs down, making Under Armour bags more affordable. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster delivery, increased availability, and reduced costs all contribute to a better customer experience. The Under Armour bag range is diverse. Think about the Athlete Backpack – built to withstand the rigors of daily training and travel, with dedicated compartments for shoes, laptops, and water bottles. Or the Undeniable Duffel – a spacious and durable bag perfect for carrying all your gear to the gym or on a weekend trip. The Hustle Backpack is designed for everyday carry, with a sleek and modern design. And the Specialist Carry Bag – for specific sports like golf or basketball. This partnership ensures all these bags reach customers efficiently. Looking Ahead “We’re really proud to be working with Under Armour,” says Sarah Johnson, CEO of IDS Services LLC. “They’re a forward-thinking company that is committed to innovation and customer satisfaction. We’re confident that our solutions will help them continue to grow and succeed.” IDS Services LLC and Under Armour are already exploring ways to further optimize the supply chain, including implementing new technologies like RFID tracking and machine learning to improve forecasting and inventory management. They're also looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of the supply chain by using more sustainable packaging and transportation methods. The collaboration demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships and the importance of a flexible and responsive supply chain in today’s competitive market. IDS Services LLC, based out of Arlington, VA (remember, you can reach us at 2500 Wilson Blvd Ste 200, or 910-272-1983), is committed to helping companies like Under Armour achieve their supply chain goals and deliver exceptional value to their customers. And, of course, getting those Under Armour bags to where they need to be – quickly and efficiently.