April 2008

Itim launches Mobile Computing at RBS 2008

Itim announced the launch of its Mobile Computing module for Merchandise Management at the Retail Business Show in February. The solution, which runs on any handheld device with Windows CE, promises to save retailers time and money by driving operational efficiency.

Designed to integrate tightly with Itim's own MMS solutions, the new technology was also architecturally developed to work alongside other merchandising systems as well. Functions currently supported by Itim's Mobile Computing solution include price checking, label requests, goods received, stock checking and suggested ordering, with further developments underway.

The benefit to retailers is that all of these tasks can now be completed using a hand held terminal rather than printing lists, marking them up and later keying the information into back-office computers. When a job is complete, store staff simply dock the device and all information stored on it is updated all the way through to the retailer's central systems.

Managers are able to assign tasks to specific staff members and handheld devices from the store's central computer, eliminating paperwork and time spent in the back office away from the shop floor.

The solution was developed in response to requests from a major UK retailer, which began piloting the solution last month and will soon be rolling it out across its estate. Using Microsoft's latest SQL Server replication technology and WAN with an ADSL connection, Itim's Mobile Computing provides retailers with a single version of the truth in terms of stock levels and tasks completed. This is a massive improvement compared to other mobile technologies that are linked to tills alone where data is only synchronised and reconciled once each day when stores close.

Simon Curtis, Managing Director of ITIM believes this new offering is just one more example of ITIM striving to develop the solutions that today's retailers truly want and need. "Itim's strategy is to develop products alongside early adopting retailers, allowing us to combine the latest ideas from industry leaders with our years of consultancy experience," Curtis said. "We've found that this leads to the most practical solutions being developed as quickly as possible."

Back to Profimetrics News