Server cut-off forces retailer to revamp IT

Home furnishing retailer Rosebys has revamped its warehouse management system as part of an IT refresh project.

The infrastructure upgrade became necessary when HP announced the end of support for the HPe3000 mainframe server, which the company was using to run its supply chain applications.

'The system had been the backbone of our business for many years,' Tony Mannix, Rosebys logistics director, told Computing. 'Its expiration created an opportunity to re-evaluate the ongoing IT architecture.'

The company has moved its financial, payroll and HR systems to a Microsoft-based environment, and is using web-based software from supply chain specialist High Jump Software to run automated merchandise and warehousing systems.

Rosebys worked with consulting firm Kurt Salmon Associates to install the software, and is the first UK customer to use it.

'Within three days of going live the volumes the new software handled were greater than the previous system handled, and there was no break in service to the stores,' said Mannix.

'Now we can measure what we're shipping with much greater accuracy.'