Pentel of America has implemented a vendor managed inventory system from supply chain solutions provider Prescient.

Pentel is using the system to gain greater visibility into inventory movement; compare forecasts from multiple sources; generate more accurate orders; ship product more efficiently; and reduce returns. The VMI suite includes Prescient's demand, inventory, and replenishment planning modules.

"Because we have so much more visibility into overstocks, we ended this year's back to school season with half the returns," said Steve Koch, supply chain manager for Pentel. "Prescient also allows us to compare our forecasts to current inventory levels, while giving us the ability to view, plan for, and fulfill future orders."