Microsoft-based technology provider inks franchise supply chain software contract with Nordics retailer

Microsoft-based technology provider inks franchise supply chain software contract with Nordics retailer

IKEA, the home furnishings business, has named K3 Retail, a provider of retail solutions based on Microsoft technology, as its sole outsourced provider of retail enterprise retail planning (ERP) software packages for its franchisee network on a global basis.

After a comprehensive review of its global IT requirements, IKEA has decided that all its franchisees must adopt an IKEA standard IT platform. K3’s retail software operation based in Holland is already IKEA’s software partner of choice for 10 of its franchisees, with K3 having developed the IKEA master version of Microsoft Dynamics for these countries.

Major, global roll out

IKEA’s decision to move all remaining franchisees to a standard ERP system means the likely extension of K3’s retail software solution into new territories over the next 36 months.

The standardisation of IKEA franchisees’ IT platforms is expected to deliver phased revenues to K3 over the course of the next 36 months and will help to underpin the performance of K3’s Retail software division over this time.

Andy Makeham, chief executive of K3, said: “Through our Dutch operations, K3 has a long standing relationship with IKEA, having developed, and owning the IP for, the IKEA Master Version of Microsoft Dynamics. Over the years, this relationship has deepened as our ERP software has been implemented across Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.”