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4 min read • Oct 09, 2026
BE-terna's cooperation with PONDS Group began in 2018 through MASS, the group's Slovenian footwear retailer, with the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. As MASS expanded across markets, stores, and sales channels, BE-terna introduced ALISA AI to improve inventory planning. The cooperation has now expanded to the wider PONDS Group, where BE-terna is supporting the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to establish more consistent core processes across brands and countries.
PONDS Group is a European footwear retailer with more than 280 stores across nine markets. Its portfolio includes MASS, HUMANIC and SHOE4YOU, alongside SKECHERS mono brand stores operated under franchise agreements. The group also operates eight online stores, extending its footwear offering across digital sales channels.
Following the acquisition of Leder & Schuh (operator of the HUMANIC and SHOE4YOU brands) in 2026 the group faced the challenge of bringing together brands, countries and systems that had developed independently.
At this scale, product data, inventory, purchasing, finance and logistics must support a growing number of brands, legal entities, channels and countries.
“Technology is almost never the hardest part. The biggest challenge is the organisation, the people and the legacy systems.”
The initial scope covers MASS in Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria, as well as the migration of HUMANIC Austria from its existing SAP environment.
While the Business Central implementation continues, ALISA AI is already delivering measurable results in MASS operations.
MASS uses ALISA to forecast sales and optimize inventory. The solution supports replenishment from the central warehouse, transfers between stores and initial stock allocation.
See how BE-terna can help you connect ERP, retail processes and AI to improve inventory planning and support growth across markets.
The improvement has exposed the next constraint. Capuder says the system can now generate more useful stock movement recommendations than employees can physically process, leading PONDS to consider further automation in warehouse operations.
PONDS is building Business Central as part of a connected architecture rather than expecting one system to manage every process. Core business processes sit in ERP, while specialist solutions for retail, logistics, e-commerce, payments and analytics remain integrated through clearly defined interfaces and shared data.
The initial rollout covers Slovenia, Croatia and Austria and combines a reusable core solution with country-specific requirements. This gives PONDS a common foundation that can be extended to additional markets, brands and applications without treating every rollout as a separate implementation.
PONDS' ambition goes beyond a new ERP.
Capuder describes a shift where retail, logistics and technology have become increasingly intertwined. PONDS wants to move further in this direction, with technology becoming part of how the business operates rather than remaining only a supporting function.
The group's commercial ambitions reinforce the need for that flexibility. PONDS plans to open around 60 additional stores over the next five years and has set a target of €500 million in annual sales by 2029. Its stated ambition is to become the leading omnichannel retailer of footwear and fashion accessories in Central and Eastern Europe.
“We don't know exactly where we want to be in five years. What we are working on is making sure that whatever surprises us in six months, we can react quickly and effectively.”
- Gašper Capuder, head of IT Operations, PONDS Group
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