Episys stock management tool lies in its flexibility and simplicity
The attraction of the Episys stock management tool lies in its flexibility and simplicity
The same mobile device may be used by the shopper, the stock checker and elsewhere in the store. The system operates from a single, fully integrated base, which dispenses with the consequences of data duplication, inconsistencies and pricing errors, and allows for ease of use, cost effectiveness and seamless management.
The other, probably inestimable, advantage of mobile shelf labelling is the service it renders as an analytical tool. The stock checker provides information on what customers are looking for and how well the retailer performs in meeting those requirements. This assists the retailer to optimise its on-line offering, fine-tune its range and improve its forecasting and replenishment capacity.
Measuring Success
The success of the application is demonstrated through increased sales and reduced costs. The greater the perceived benefit to the customer, the more time he will spend in-store. And, if the signage is attractive and compelling, customers are more likely to purchase additional items to what appeared on their shopping lists. Then there is the saving in the cost of paper, which amounts to thousands and sometimes millions of dollars for large retailers. There is also a time-saving implication for store employees – because they no longer have to put up and take down signage, they can involve themselves more directly in customer service.
Episys and Woolworths
Woolworths, Britain’s leading general merchandise retailer, is the most recent store to enjoy the fruits of the Episys application. Within a fortnight, self-service checks introduced in 98 of its stores had overtaken stock checker services implemented in another 720 stores. 1 800 shoppers served themselves within the first ten days, and usage continues to grow rapidly.
Woolworths was particularly impressed with Episys’ cost-saving focus. Rather than introducing a completely new technological support structure, Episys proposed an economically viable upgrade solution. And the very nature of the system – comprising single in-store connection platforms – necessarily keeps costs down. Ultimately, it is the doubling-up of the system’s component parts that enables it to render a single version of the truth.
The Future
Episys predicts an ultimate replacement of paper with electronic signs. As technological advancement drives down the cost of LCD screens, it will become more affordable and more attractive for retailers to dispense with the “hard copy”.
South Africa
Episys has plans to expand into the South African market. They are on the look-out for a partner who has experience of the local market to become their distributor in South Africa.