Expert integrates operations with IBS Virtual Enterprise
Press Release Mar 21, 2002
The Expert stores, one of Sweden's largest home electronics chains, has signed a contract for IBS' new Virtual Enterprise software. Virtual Enterprise will enable the Expert chain stores to integrate operations and make them more efficient, while allowing for the coordination of the sales, procurement and logistics processes. Expert is already using IBS' ASW software centrally, for their distribution, Financials and customer loyalty operations. An ASW upgrade, combined with the new Virtual Enterprise software, will provide Expert with full control of their supply chain, from suppliers to customers.
With IBS' solution, we will be able to meet the demands for rapid change that our industry is constantly subject to, says Perc Brodén, CEO of Expert Invest. Virtual Enterprise will speed up all our processes, reduce costs and further improve our customer service. It is a new and very interesting concept for coordinating and improving efficiency in retail stores, enabling us to centrally handle a lot of the stores' routines for Inventory Management, procurement follow-up, and item structure, using Virtual Enterprise, says Perc Brodén.
With these new systems, central inventory functions can become more efficient, as can financial flows and profitability follow-up. Furthermore, we will be able to reduce stock, both in stores and in the central warehouse. To assist our stores in answering customer questions, we are also opening a call center, where different databases will be linked together using Virtual Enterprise, says Perc Brodén,.
Expert, with its 236 stores in Sweden, all focused on home electronics, photography and multimedia, has an annual revenue of approximately Euro 310 million. IBM's consultancy operations – IBM Global Services – will jointly with IBS install Virtual Enterprise for Expert. The systems will start to be rolled out during October.
The Expert contract is the first within the framework of our extended co-operation around IBS' Virtual Enterprise software. We have great hopes for this co-operation, both in Sweden and globally. We see a large demand in many companies for this kind of solutions, says Urban Nordström, head of IBM Global Services in Sweden.
About International Business Systems
IBS is a leading provider of business software and consulting services for Wholesale Distributors and Manufacturers worldwide. Customers rely on IBS' suite of software applications to automate demand-driven, supply-chain processes and gain a competitive advantage through improved operational efficiencies. IBS is an IBM Global Strategic Alliance Partner. Corporate revenues exceed $300 Million, and a network of almost 2,000 employees that span over 44 countries. IBS headquarters in the Americas is located in Folsom, California.
For further information, please contact:
Dan J. Wells
Vice-President of Marketing, IBS Americas
Tel: 1 (800) 886-3900
dan.wells@ibsus.com
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