Korea Exchanges receive extra shipments to overcome shortages

  • Published
  • By Army and Air Force Exchange Service Pacific Region Public Affairs
  • Army and Air Force Exchange Service Pacific Region Public Affairs
YONGSAN, Republic of Korea --  Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities in Korea are receiving large shipments of merchandise after a software program issue in May caused a disruption of the Exchange supply chain on the West Coast and throughout the Pacific Region.

A new software package used at the Exchange's West Coast Distribution Center failed to fully integrate into the Exchange's world-wide automated reordering system causing shortages of certain items such as cleaning supplies, paper, food, health and beauty items and other consumables.

After the installation of software program fixes and receipt of several out of cycle deliveries, Exchange associates are seeing stock levels returning to normal and they will continue re-stocking shelves to meet the needs of their customers.

"Some stores have been affected more than others. We know many of our customers have seen temporary out of stock conditions on some products," said Col. Mark K. White, Exchange Pacific Region. "Our Exchange teams are closely monitoring the situation and, where possible, cross-balancing any excesses between stores to make products available for our valued patrons."

In order to help resolve some of the immediate issues, the Exchange mobilized implementation teams and a supplemental staff to assist the West Coast Distribution Center with operational and shipping issues.

Over the past few months, thousands of items in emergency shipments from the West Coast Distribution Center were airlifted to relieve some of the effects that the temporary shortages had on Exchange customers.

" We apologize for any inconvenience this caused for our patrons and we appreciate their patience as we work diligently to resolve this temporary situation," added White. "We've already gotten back to 85 percent in stock at most of our locations and over the next few weeks, our customers will continue to see a big improvement as we begin to get back to normal stock levels."

The Exchange has been in communication with garrison and wing commanders at installations throughout the Pacific to ensure they are kept abreast of the situation.