A major IT upgrade at Western Province Cellars is transforming this stalwart of the South African liquor trade into a nimble player with a distinct competitive advantage
IT distributor, Light Edge Technology and Virtual Systems Technologies (VST), recently closed a multi-million rand IT deal with leading SA liquor retailer, Western Province Cellars (WPC). With thirty five outlets nationwide processing over 1 million transactions per month, WPC has tasked VST with an IT infrastructure upgrade designed to sweat its IT asset in a margin-driven industry.
Hans Pelser, financial director of WPC, says: "The local liquor industry must be one of the most competitive in the country with over 7 000 new players entering the market in the past ten years. Of course, the size of the market has remained more or less unchanged, forcing us to become smarter in our efforts to engage our customers and protect our bottom line.
"VST`s strategic council - underpinned by Light Edge`s hardware solutions - has seen the introduction of a centralised merchandising system that is already delivering major speed and accuracy benefits. At the same time, customers are enjoying higher convenience levels and a distinct financial advantage. Discounts and special offers received from our suppliers can now be passed onto customers with immediate effect. And we can respond to competitors` promotions by pressing a button. Our new-found agility is delivering a distinct competitive advantage and is allowing us to raise our game significantly - a rare occurrence in an industry as competitive as ours."
Darryl Buckby, technical director of VST, says: "In December 2002, we proposed a comprehensive retail IT solution to WPC which we are currently in the process of rolling out. It entails the integration of existing infrastructure and replacement of obsolete hardware and software as we establish a centralised merchandise management system serving 204 points-of-sale (POS) in 35 stores around the country.
"With the majority of stores still running on cash registers, the upgrade includes the introduction of PCs and all other peripherals at store level. All POS will eventually feed into the centralized merchandise system which is already up and running on VST`s retail software, Retailman. To date, nine WPC stores have been fully migrated and by end-August, this project will be complete.
"From the outset we were decided that we would work only with Light Edge Technology on this project", Buckby continues. "They`re extremely cost effective, but more importantly, their proven ability to deliver on time and make problems go away was what we needed for this contract which spans such a large geographic area. We`ve come to depend upon Light Edge`s quality and service and are only using their Emerald PCs in the stores, while all peripherals including keyboards, scanners, printers, UPSs and even cash boxes are sourced exclusively from them.
"There is no doubt that WPC is an extremely important deal for both Light Edge and VST. Both companies have a singular, strategic focus on South Africa`s retail sector and together we make a formidable team," Buckby concludes.
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Established in 1993, Light Edge Technology is a national IT distributor, which provides a wide range of leading brand hardware and software products and peripherals. Headquartered in Cape Town, the company has a national footprint with regional offices and showrooms in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Through this national network is offers clients superior products and systems from recognised names such as Intel, Rextron, Canon, Surecom, MSI, QCA, Aten, Transcend, Mircrosoft, Datafab and others. For more information on Light Edge Technologies and its products please visit www.lightedge.co.za.
VST
Virtual Systems Technologies (VST) provides total outsourcing IT solutions within the retail environment. VST`s outsourcing function consists of the systems integration of retail information technologies including a wide variety of operating systems, databases, network topologies and software systems. VST provides an extensive range of associated professional IT services such as systems analysis and design, project management, programming development, Internet and electronic commerce services. The company leverages off the UCS Group`s own leading-edge proprietary retail technology, developed locally and internationally, from point of sale right through to host merchandising software systems. VST`s extensive nation-wide wide area network ensures that any retail chain drawing on its resources has the necessary tools, software solutions and required service levels to efficiently control their business. Key clients include the CNA, Hi-Fi Corporation, Pep Stores, and MoreSport Groups, which comprises of Logans Sportsmans Warehouse, Sports Shoe World and Outdoor Warehouse.
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