SAP helps firm to save the planet and thwart terrorism

New bomb-proof recycling bins that broadcast breaking news, financial bulletins and entertainment via built-in HD screens are set to be deployed across London's streets next year, and the company behind them will use SAP's technology to help grow its business internationally.

There are currently no recycling bins on London streets, due to a perceived threat of terrorism, but startup firm Renew plans to change that when it introduces its bomb-proof bins next year. Robustly built, the bins also incorporate various blast-mitigating technologies, allowing them to be used as recycling bins in crowded locations.

They also provide real-time news and entertainment via built-in screens, and can even be used as an emergency broadcast channel helping improve communication lines between emergency services and pedestrians on the street; a need identified after the July 7 bombings in London in 2005.

Renew claims that SAP's Business ByDesign solution will help it become a more coherently functioning business. The product will allow it to migrate data from a series of disparate spreadsheets to an integrated system incorporating sales, operations, CRM, SRM, financials and HR.

"The SAP Business ByDesign offering is a perfect solution for us because it is on-demand, which means there are lower up-front costs, we don't need to worry about recruiting additional IT staff in-house to manage the solution and as it is fully integrated we will get a full view of our business," said Kaveh Memari, CEO of Renew.

He added that another benefit is that the solution is relatively quick to deploy.