|
 |
 |
 |
| The Karstadt project launched officially on January
22nd 2003. Work started immediately, tackling the challenge
of delivering a major project to timescales. After several
intensive training sessions in February with Karstadt
the full development cycle started with iterations throughout
summer catering to the many and varied requirements
of Europe's largest department store retailer. |
|
The key benefits that Karstadt was looking
for were:
- Redefinition of business processes for
higher
efficiency
- Simplified support of new business areas
- Reduction of cashier effort at point
of sale
- Delivery of a higher cost benefit by
using recognized industry standards
- Faster production of new requirements
- Creation of a solid foundation for further
store
applications
The objectives were beneficial for both
teams in
delivering a system which has a solid foundation
applications and highly flexible. Karstadt
received a working tool to maximize speed
and strength of response to the ever-changing
needs of the retail market. |
|
 |
Another significant outcome was the
decision to implement IBM's
new Retail Environment for SuSE
Linux or IRES technology.
This is the first customer installed for IBM and
PCMS.
PCMS feels honored to be able to deliver this type
of leading edge advantage to its customers.
The partnership approach was successful in ironing
out obstacles like, understanding the best communication
routes, duplication of work, ensuring product requirements
were met and validating business requirements for
highest payback. This positive approach enabled
faster problem solving, more effective ideas and
encouragement to put ideas into action quickly.
Once the rollout is complete, there will be over
8000 tills in operation in the department stores,
driven by thin client and resilient server technology.
As part of this implementation, Karstadt will have
an extremely strong IT foundation from which to
operate and has achieved what most people said was
not possible in just over twelve months.
For an extremely demanding project, PCMS once again
found that the same values can always be counted
on to move forward; flexibility, conscientiousness
and commitment. The team persevered despite complex
and varied challenges such as multi-site, multi-language
but also working within the framework of different
cultures. The commitment levels have been phenomenal
with the team investing effort far beyond the call
of duty. A true affirmation of PCMS values has been
visible throughout the project to meet the customer's
expectation resulting in a win-win relationship. |
|
|
 |
|
|
