Dutch Retailer Raises Stock Availability and Customer Services With Mobile Solution

Overview

Retailer HEMA, based in the Netherlands and running more than 280 stores, wanted a mobile stock control solution. With such a system staff could re-order stock at the moment they saw a shelf low on items, and remain on the shop floor to help customers. HEMA rolled out a personal digital assistant device, running Microsoft Windows CE as the operating system, across all stores. The devices connect to an in-store server solution that automates the re-ordering process and includes a point-of-sale system that runs on Microsoft Windows XP Embedded. Using Windows CE, the devices have helped HEMA ensure that shelves consistently achieve the company's target of holding at least 20 of each item. As staff can manage stock without leaving the shop floor, customers gain assistance quicker.