StORES Magazine - August 2007 - (Page 64)

DATA MANAGEMENT Suite Remedy Canadian supermarket chain takes modular approach to workflow management BY D. GAIL FLEENOR nformation technology departments and store operations are often at odds because organizational barriers interfere with effective communication. Retail.net, a multi-faceted online application from retail solution provider Tomax, solves this dilemma by connecting people with information and systems with people. I Applications from planning through store execution are all provided within the Retail.net suite, connected through portal workflow activity management and driven by a single forecast, says Eric Olafson, CEO of Salt Lake City-based Tomax. Retail.net modules are used in a variety of retail segments. “For example, we’re one of the largest solution providers in the hair salon industry,” Olafson says. “We’re also working in the quick-serve automotive industry with a large company called Easy Lube.” Supermarkets and CPG-related companies are some of Tomax’s biggest clients. “We recognize that there are hundreds of things that have to happen for supermarkets to run at store level, from managing produce and other perishables to the center store,” Olafson says. “All are crucial, but little is being done to merge supermarket data for all departments effectively.” Longo Brothers Fruit Markets, a Canadian supermarket chain headquartered in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga, chose to use Tomax as its item-information core about three years ago. The family-owned chain is currently in a period of growth, with five new stores slated to soon join the 15 already in operation. Long known for its fresh produce, Longo’s also has a full range of grocery items, including dairy and frozen sections and bakery, meat, fish and cheese departments. Longo’s may have recently celebrated a half-century in business, but the company has its eye very much on the future. Like many supermarket chains, Longo’s data solution prior to the move to Retail.net included servers located at each store. “It was a challenge to keep data in sync at all locations,” says John Charleson, IT and supply chain management director 64 STORES / AUGUST 2007 http://Retail.net http://Retail.net http://Retail.net http://Retail.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of StORES Magazine - August 2007

Contents Executive Editor's Page President's Page Upfront NRF News Retail People Concept2Watch Supermarkets Cover Story Online Marketing In-Store Marketing RFID Data Management Payment Systems Software Loss Prevention E-Commerce Risk Management Communications Loyalty Marketing Human Resources Mobile Commerce Loeb Retail Letter Arts Update Point of View Advertising Index Retail Industry Calendar

StORES Magazine - August 2007

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