Retail group Foschini has outsourced its central warehouse software development project to Cape-based software development house, Global Vision.
The new solution will enhance the retailer`s ability to monitor the movement of the over 400 000 items of merchandise which are returned to a central warehouse each year.
"Returned merchandise is sent from our stores to a central warehouse on an ongoing basis," says Lynda Heydra, divisional director of Foschini`s IT division, Foschinidata. "At the warehouse, an existing in-house-developed application supports the electronic tracking, monitoring and disposal of the items, which range from clothing to shoes and homeware."
Foschinidata says it has been clear for some time that its technology has become dated and the system was unable to accommodate more recent growth areas in the business. Enhancements introduced over the years have also left the system cumbersome and difficult to maintain.
"Given the fact that this is largely a standalone system with simple interfaces into other applications, this project was a good candidate for outsourcing. Our request for proposal (RFP) document outlined a number of criteria, including specific requirements with regards to the development language and system architecture," Heydra says.
She says four suppliers responded to the RFP - all with solid proposals - but Global Vision rated the highest overall. Some of the categories evaluated were the proposed solution, cost and existing customers.
"Global Vision`s solution will involve a phased implementation process commencing in November, with support being provided until March 2005. Once live, Foschini`s ability to track, monitor and control the movement of its returned and recalled merchandise will be significantly streamlined to eliminate inefficiencies and improve managerial control," Heydra says.
"Foschini`s new system will be implemented on its current technology to ensure optimal use of its past IT investment," says Jon Jacobson, director of Global Vision. "Among other benefits, the new solution will dramatically reduce costly and time-consuming system maintenance.
"We have a proven international track record of designing and implementing cost-effective software systems which address complex business issues to deliver time and cost savings as well as a clear competitive advantage. This experience stood us in excellent stead as we pitched for the Foschini business."
Recent installations by Global Vision include a relationship marketing solution for Diageo in South America and a proprietary point-of-sale IT system at leading retail foreign exchange company, Master Currency.
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