Peacocks IT overhaul improves retail flexibility

Clothing retailer Peacocks has completed a five-year overhaul of its IT infrastructure, replacing tills, head-office software, desktop computers and network.

The overhaul has modernised systems and improved back-office functions. Peacocks business systems analyst Jonathan Davies says the introduction of Portfolio Merchandise Management software at Peacock’s Cardiff head office will allow it to offer more advanced promotions.

‘This was a key driver because previously we could not offer deals such as two-for-one,’ he said. ‘Price and promotion details are sent to shops overnight and financial and transaction data is sent back to head office. It is integrated with our till systems and gives the financial department a clearer view of sales and stock information.’

Davies says the decision to replace till systems was prompted by chip-and-PIN compliance and an increase in card transactions.

Peacocks rolled out the WIN/DSS software from JDA Software on its tills in 442 shops.

‘After some initial problems, including integration and chip-and-PIN accreditation, the rollout went ahead very smoothly,’ said Davies.

Peacocks has also replaced back-office PCs in each shop to provide visibility of live transactions and reduce paperwork. It has also moved its till system to a broadband network.

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Further reading

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