Every day, Interdiscount’s headquarters exchanges information such as price updates, master data, and cash-register reports with 185 stores. Until recently, the company used IBM’s SAP Retail Interchanger for these communications. But there was no way to automatically transfer data between the POS (point-of-sales) systems and the SAP environment at Interdiscount headquarters. As a result, generating reports and financial statements entailed collating and entering data manually – a time-consuming and error-prone process. Interdiscount therefore needed to find a fast, flexible, and cost-effective way of integrating its POS systems with its SAP systems.
The Project
Interdiscount chose the IM/3 InterfaceManager developed by software specialist REALTECH. Based on SAP technology, this tried-and-trusted solution was far more powerful and robust than the tool it replaced, and an ROI simulation indicated a return within 18 months. But the crucial factor for Interdiscount was the ability to manage and monitor all interfaces from a central point of control. Interdiscount wanted a simple, cost-effective solution that did not require additional hardware, and that would integrate seamlessly with SAP’s transport management system. REALTECH’s close partnership with SAP added further weight to Interdiscount’s decision.
About Interdiscount
Interdiscount, a Coop Group company, is Switzerland’s leading home electronics chain, with a market share of 18 percent. With some 185 outlets and 1,700 employees, Interdiscount generates annual revenues of more than 800 million Swiss francs. Its stores offer a wide range of consumer electronics, such as TVs, hi-fi systems, cameras, computers and household appliances.