Unisys Africa`s Global Network Services division has signed a three-year contract to manage the desktop systems of food and textile retail specialist Woolworths. Unisys has undertaken to assist Woolworths to reduce maintenance costs during this period.
In terms of the deal, Unisys will maintain and support desktop workstations and associated peripherals at Woolworths` head office, its two regional offices, and 160 stores and distribution centres in SA, Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.
The managed services contract takes care of all desktop hardware and software, including moves and installations. Key requirements for Woolworths are the delivery of continuous improvement of service through the use of technology-based tools and the standardisation of equipment and software to ensure streamlined maintenance, saving time and cutting costs.
"Over the last 12 months Woolworths has developed an IT sourcing strategy part of which includes a decision not to outsource the whole IT structure," says Richard Inskip, IT and supply chain director at Woolworths.
"We take a very selective route that gives us access to skills, improves service levels and brings down the cost of running a particular operation," says Inskip. He says Woolworths outsources only to service providers with a proven track record, commitment to service excellence and market competitiveness. Unisys has assigned an onsite team of 20 technical and operational staff, including a programme manager, to oversee the project, while another 200 engineers are on call to ensure service level delivery.
"Woolworths sought quicker turnaround time, continuous improvements and cost reduction," says Reg Jemmett, customer relationship executive at Unisys. "To succeed, the project must deliver value to the business. We expect to deliver benefits within the next 12 months," adds Jemmett.
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