Jaeger tackles internal loss

British fashion retailer Jaeger has chosen to implement the LossManager data mining solution from IDM Software, to help drive down internal loss caused by fraud, error and process failure.

After conducting a comprehensive review of the available solutions, Steve Hearn, head of safety and security for Jaeger, concluded that only a train of thought based data mining solution, which enables the user to follow their instincts and expert knowledge to explore loss would be suitable.

Hearn said: "We chose ORIS and IDM because they have brought a powerful data mining solution within reach of most retailers and with their unparalleled experience and expertise they offer more than just technology. LossManager will be a key component in our programme of cultural change to make shrink management a priority throughout Jaeger."

LossManager provides full visibility of all EPOS transaction data which, when combined with data from internal audit and other systems such as close circuit television (CCTV), radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic article surveillance (EAS), provides a bigger picture of internal loss.

With direct access from the user's desktop, LossManager can be hosted and accessed via the web or installed in-house, and allows an entire retail estate to be monitored from a single location. LossManager allows the loss prevention team to use their expertise and first-hand knowledge of their business to quickly pinpoint the most damaging losses.

IDM have been able to integrate ORIS' CaseManager with LossManager to provide an end-to-end solution that is quick to implement and undemanding of internal IT resources.

Steve Hearn, of Jaeger, added: "Initially we will focus our use of LossManager on identifying internal fraud issues but we will quickly extend that to internal audit and process failure in order to deliver higher returns and maximise the deterrent value."

www.orisgroup.co.uk

Thorntons upgrades instore music

PEL Music and Media, has supplied, installed and commissioned 48 MusicStore hard disc units for UK chocolatier Thorntons within three weeks.

Thorntons has over 370 stores including 32 Café Thorntons. As part of its branding strategy, the company decided to upgrade the music storage and output in 48 of its existing stores with PEL's MusicStore, to enable a flow of music changing throughout the day.

MusicStore is a hard disc unit that is compact, reliable, simple to use & can be fitted almost anywhere. MusicStore is loaded with an extensive library of tracks that are selected by PEL programmers.

PEL Music & Media worked closely with Thorntons to understand their precise sound requirements and the type of environment they wanted to create. From here PEL created a suitable play list based on acoustic and easy listening music to reflect the image of the company. These were loaded on to the units, with monthly updates supplied on CD; updates are also available via Broadband for total automation. When loaded into the hard drive unit, the CD contents are automatically transferred and stored on to the MusicStore hard drive.

The simplicity of the system was a key element in Thornton's choice of supplier, as Damian Austin, head of retail & café operations explains: "from an operations point of view, I wanted to take away as many tasks as possible from the staff that interferes with them spending time with our customers. Changing the music might not take a long time, but it is distracting them for their main role. Furthermore, not all staff are very technically minded, so we needed a system that was easy to use. PEL ticked all the boxes. The hard drives are incredibly simple to use - they even switch themselves on and off - and the monthly updates are very easy to load. PEL also got the playlist closest to our requirement than the competitors; they understood our target audience. Now we have unified music throughout these stores which is important for our branding."

Up to 750 tracks can be store on MusicStore, compared to 16 on a standard cassette player, which the hard drive units were used to replace. PEL modified the combined cassette player / amplifier to take the MusicStore hard drive units and use the existing sound system in place, providing Thorntons with some considerable cost savings.

www.pelmusic.co.uk

Scotts of Stow selects "searchandising" solution

eCommerce search & merchandising solution provider Mercado Software is celebrating a new win as mail order specialists Scotts of Stow employ their "searchandising" tools to strengthen their online retail business.

Wendy Derbyshire, the eBusiness & IT director for Scotts, is building an e-business operation which will utilise the Commerce Merchandising Console, which lies at the heart of the Mercado solution - allowing her team to implement merchandising techniques and changes immediately, without the need to utilise IT resource.

According to Ms Derbyshire, "by using leading-edge technology, we can make the online operation faster and more profitable. The team can fully concentrate on the customer, thereby improving customer retention while, at the same time, the sites will now have a better flow - much more dynamic and intuitive - which will lead to an increase in online conversion rates."

Scotts' CEO, Nigel Swabey, began investing online in 2000 to provide his customers with a choice of channels. A true multi-channel operation, Scotts enables its customers to place orders through post, phone, through their retail shops and online via their branded websites and its eBay operation.

www.mercado.com

DigiPoS launch environmentally friendly PoS solution

DigiPoS have launched the DigiTouch, an all-in-one environmentally friendly touch solution available from PC-PoS UK Ltd.

When upgrading in-house technology, companies now consider the environment and energy efficiency to be a major factor in their decision-making process. In response to this DigiPoS have developed the low voltage design of the DigiTouch which offers reduced power consumption and more energy-efficient operation.

The DigiTouch has been designed specifically for hospitality and retail and can be optimised to suit different business needs with a variety of peripheral devices including; magnetic strip reader, programmable PoS keyboard, dallas key and secondary LCD display. The compact size of the DigiTouch increases counter space and its sleek design means it looks neat and stylish at the point of service.

In development, DigiPoS have also addressed some common issues experienced by end users. A common source of system failure is the system overheating. The DigiTouch is powered by an external power supply which means that a major heat source is removed from the system itself - reducing the risk of down-time and maximising sales and operation. The DigiTouch is also available as a fan-less unit - this again removes a common point of failure in EPoS systems and is suitable for noise-intolerant environments such as libraries, pharmacies and spa's.

The DigiPoS DigiTouch is available now to purchase or lease.

www.pc-pos.co.uk