EAT transforms business with QlikView

Tablets given to managers to get real-time BI

Café chain EAT recently implemented business intelligence provider QlikTech's QlikView Business Discovery platform to monitor and replenish its stock more efficiently.

The Qlik View platform and bespoke software created for EAT has formed the basis of a system called the Real Time Simulator.

The system uses an algorithm which provides information for retail managers on the sales history of their store.

It provides key performance indicators on stock sales and wastage that will allow managers to make better decisions on product development and replenishing stock.

The platform can also monitor store and staff performance, and predict future sales.

The system was trialled in one store last week, and EAT hopes to roll the product out to 100 retail stores by December. Rollout to the entire organisation, including the headquarters, should be complete by March 2012.

"The key is using the algorithm along with a manager's expertise to make better business decisions. The software can use the historical evidence that it collects and estimate sales for the next two weeks," said Ramesh Bukka, ICT development manager at EAT.

Bukka argued that the tool is not just relevant in stores, but can be used for merchandising and branding as it shows the sales figures and margins for individual products.

EAT will use QlikView's in-memory data storage for remote access to in-store information via any browser or device. It will also equip its area and regional managers with Windows tablets by April 2012 so they can use the system to access business information.

Rene Batsford, head of IT at EAT, said EAT decided to use Windows Tablets due to the added functionality of Google Apps and to the opportunities afforded by Windows 8 when it is released. He claimed tablets will allow for quicker decision making.

"Laptops are good but tablets allow for greater flexibility, and having the information to hand will mean quicker decisions are made," said Batsford.

Batsford also emphasised the importance of keeping IT in-house.

"This was an in-house development, which shows that IT shouldn't be replaced. There should be more inward investment in IT in order to bring IT closer to the business," he said.