The new system is designed for merchandise and warehouse customers and aims to synchronise all functions within the merchandising cycle from buying, distribution, replenishment, pricing, through to sales reporting.
According to the company, the system will enable Dobbies to increase its speed of response to shifts in customer demand, improving stock availability and enabling the head office to have a clear picture of operations across the entire organisation.
The system will be implemented by BT Expedite, BT’s retail specialist division. It is hoped the new system will enable Dobbies to keep category and store plans aligned and enable automatic stock replenishment.
The company will also use BT Expedite’s Business Objects offering to improve reporting within the organisation, providing the head office with up to date information about all 23 outlets.
Susan Macdonald, director of buying and merchandising for Dobbies, said: “Dobbies has ambitious plans for growth and we needed a technology infrastructure that matches our ambitions. BT’s solution will make all of our business processes more efficient and flexible, enabling us to adapt quickly to any changes in the market.”
Helen Slaven, CEO of BT Expedite, said: “Dobbies is one of the biggest garden centre groups in the UK and we now supply bespoke technology solutions to all of the top three. We are seeing a clear trend emerging with customers in this sector as they realise the necessity of implementing tighter product control, efficient processes and detailed and accurate reporting, in order to remain competitive. Our solution will help Dobbies improve efficiencies and enable it to respond quickly to changes in demand.”
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