Press release 3.3.2011
Software solutions and services company Digia has introduced an end to end solution for retail trade, covering all the main information system needs for business management. Digia Smart Store helps the trade field of business to renew it self and enables business development based on customer needs. The customer experience is managed effectively by paying attention to the business possibilities in multi-channel solutions.
Digia unveiled its new Digia Smart Store concept at the Myymälä 2011 fair, Finland's largest retailing fair, held from 2–3 March at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre. The Digia stand showed how smart information system solutions will be used to do business in the future. Concrete examples were given of the benefits of modern information systems. These included price tags that update in real time, store balances visible throughout chain-store businesses and mobile shift notifications for personnel. Digia Smart Store improves the efficiency of all retail processes: chain management, in-store functions, multi-channel services, information-based management and ERP.
"Retail-sector information systems face pressure for change," comments Digia's Petri Anttila, in charge of business management consulting for the retail sector. "Based on experience and surveys, we know that this pressure is down to certain factors. These include intensifying competition, the role played by electronic channels in consumer behaviour, and the co-ordination of online with physical points of sale. To systematically manage the customer experience, you need integrated information system solutions. These must take account of the individual at every step of the customer relationship."
In the retail sector, integrated information system solutions are a cornerstone of business activity. They can be used to provide customers with the products and services they want, when and how they want them. Using such systems, staff can be directed to best serve the customer by acting at the right time; in-store personnel can be freed up to provide better customer service, for instance.
The goal – a satisfied customer
At best, integrated systems could mean brand new operating models for Finland's highly competitive retail sector. Digia's innovations take account of shoppers' real expectations and needs.
"Using Digia Smart Store, retailers can connect more efficiently to every phase of the modern shopping process – from awareness to purchase, use and recommendation," explains Digia Sales Director, Trade, Tapio Niinikoski. "Smart Store enables retail to plan in-store selection, price goods and optimise their order-delivery chain based on customer demand in dynamic, agile manner. The goal is to harmonise transactions between online stores, mobile services and the physical points of sale. This leads to a controlled, multi-channel customer experience, which can be effectively managed."
Retail customers appreciate ease of shopping, a customer-oriented selection at the right price, and timely availability of goods and services. With an effective information system, retailers can deliver on these customer promises. Digia Smart Store gives staff more time to focus on customer encounters. This is done by helping them to act in the right place, at the right time.
Further details:
Tapio NiinikoskiSales director, Digia Plc
Tel. +358 50 531 9409
Email: tapio.niinikoski@digia.com
Petri Anttila
Leading consultant, Digia Plc
Tel. +358 50 560 0223
Email: petri.anttila@digia.com
Digia Smart Store web pages: http://www.digia.com/smartstore/
Digia in brief
Digia's driver is the desire to succeed. It offers its customers success, through inventive solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve user experiences and increase sales. Digia helps its customers become forerunners. With almost 1,600 top experts, Digia enables its customers to benefit from changes in the market, making the future a mutual success. Digia is known for swiftly embracing new technologies, to its customers' benefit.
Digia's offering includes ERP systems, and mobile and user experience services and solutions. The company's customers are businesses and organisations from various industries, with an emphasis on public administration, industry, mobile industry, retail, services, banking and insurance. Digia operates in Finland, Russia, China and Sweden. The company is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki exchange (DIG1V). www.digia.com