SAP retail solutions include an integrated suite of applications, intelligent technologies, and a digital platform for retailers to pursue innovative business models and deliver relevant personalised customer experiences.
Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives based in UK, has announced the deployment of SAP Retail ECC Suite on HANA to propel the first stage of its Retail Business Transformation programme (RBT). It will be the biggest transformation programme the convenience store retailer has ever undertaken, supporting the company’s ambitious growth strategy. Co-op Connect, a new cloud-based Supplier Collaboration portal will also be utilized in the programme.
The RBT system pilot aims to improve ranging, stock holding, availability, and more accurate forecasting information with the implementation of the new SAP Technology.
SAP’s Retail ECC Suite on HANA, an integrated business process, and data management platform can deliver a single, real-time, consistent process-centric view across retail operations. The SAP retail solution meets the objective of Co-op to improve ranging, stock visibility and optimise stock levels to ensure availability of products that customers demand. Understanding customer demand leads to better pricing and promotional decisions that benefit both the customer and the enterprise.
“The RBT programme is an integral part of Co-op’s on-going success, as we look to ensure that the technology we are using will future proof the business for many years to come. This pilot will allow us to work with suppliers to ensure that it is working perfectly before we roll it out elsewhere, and we are already getting positive feedback that the new portal is faster and easier to navigate,” explained Michael Fletcher, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op.
Fletcher said that the company’s investment in new technology not only would allow business growth but also help deliver a stronger Co-op that will result in stronger communities.
Jens Amail, Managing Director of SAP UK and Ireland said:
“With a vision to outpace the competition and streamline supply chain efficiencies, we will deliver a real-time, integrated retail and finance business platform to support the Co-op’s successful growth into the future.”
Currently, the systems are being tested in 24 stores across five categories with 15 suppliers and c300 SKUs. Soft drinks, salads, paper, pizza, and beer are the categories being trialed. Co-op is working with several suppliers such as Coca Cola, Heineken, Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd, Bakkavor Pizza & Bread, and Kimberly Clark for the trial period.
