When a leading UK supermarket chain faced an unexpected breakdown in its logistics supply chain, the stakes were high. Mobile devices critical to store operations needed to be managed without delay or disruption. The retailer’s trusted technology partner sought an immediate solution to maintain operational continuity and protect customer experience. This urgent scenario required them to source a technology logistics provider with proven expertise, speed, and reliability – one capable of stepping in seamlessly and delivering under pressure.

The Challenge

The retailer’s existing logistics supplier relationship ended abruptly, leaving hundreds of mobile devices in limbo. These devices were essential for day-to-day store operations, meaning any delay could impact customer service and revenue generation. The technology Solutions Provider needed to rapidly identify a channel partner who could support them to:

  • Mobilise rapidly and stabilise the situation
  • Provide secure warehousing and full inventory capture
  • Deliver nationwide fulfilment within strict SLAs (4HR & Next Business Day)
  • Offer transparent reporting and optional onsite engineering support
  • Operate discreetly behind the scenes without affecting the end customer experience

The challenge was clear: restore control and continuity immediately, with zero tolerance for errors or delays.

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The Solution

Nebula Global Services responded with a fully managed interim logistics and field-service solution, designed to restore stability and scale as required. The approach combined speed, precision, and transparency across every stage:

✔ Rapid Transition & Secure Warehousing

Nebula orchestrated the swift recovery of all mobile devices and transferred them into a secure UK facility. Each item was catalogued, verified, and integrated into Nebula’s inventory management system with complete serial/MAC data capture – ensuring full accountability from day one.

✔ Nationwide 4HR & NBD Fulfilment

To maintain operational continuity, Nebula implemented a structured fulfilment service that guaranteed 4HR and Next Business Day delivery. This included:

  • Tracked and insured outbound shipments
  • Pick/pack preparation for urgent call-offs
  • Real-time coordination with the partner’s service desk
  • Full visibility of device status and movement

✔ Comprehensive Inventory Management & Reporting

Nebula introduced monthly reporting that provided their partner with unprecedented transparency, including:

  • Device identifiers (serial, MAC)
  • Delivery addresses and proof of delivery (PODs)
  • Stock position and reconciliation

This level of insight enabled confident governance and eliminated operational blind spots.

✔ Optional Onsite Engineering Support

To complement logistics, Nebula offered its voucher-based Smart Hands consumption model for rapid onsite assistance. This flexible approach ensured engineering support was available whenever needed, aligning with Nebula’s broader capabilities in warehousing, despatch SLAs, and field services.

✔ Simple, Predictable Commercials

A fixed-term, upfront commercial model delivered cost clarity, strong partner margins, and simplified service governance – removing complexity and enabling focus on operational excellence.

The Outcome

Nebula’s intervention delivered immediate stability and long-term value for both the partner and their retailer end client:

  • Zero disruption to the end customer
    Fulfilment performance remained consistent, with all 4HR and NBD shipments meeting SLA and store operations unaffected.
  • Total transparency & control
    The partner gained full visibility through accurate reporting, serial/MAC verification, PODs, and regular stock reconciliations.
  • Strong partner margin & cost predictability
    Nebula’s channel-only model ensured commercial simplicity and profitability whilst meeting the end clients’ budgetary requirements.
  • A scalable foundation for growth
    The success of this engagement positioned Nebula as a preferred logistics and field-service partner for future UK and global opportunities, paving the way for an expanded solution now being offered to new partners.

The Outlook

Following the success of this deployment, the partner is actively exploring additional projects with Nebula to extend the partnership. These include broader logistics initiatives, enhanced engineering support, and global fulfilment capabilities. Nebula’s proven ability to deliver under pressure has established confidence and trust, making it the go-to partner for future strategic engagements.

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Customer Success Experience

Nationwide 4HR & NBD Fulfilment

Tracked and insured outbound shipments with full visibility of device status and movement.

Rapid Transition & Secure Warehousing

All devices were catalogued, verified, and integrated into Nebula’s inventory management system.

Seamless Project Management

Coordinated relocation with skilled logistics & technical teams.

Simple, Predictable Commercials

A fixed-term, upfront commercial model delivered cost clarity and strong partner margins.

Zero disruption to the end customer

All 4HR and NBD shipments meeting SLA and store operations unaffected.

Positive Sustainable Impact

Minimised Scope 3 emissions through expert planning of stock and local execution.

Accreditations - Quality at the core

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