January 2003

Department store chain operator Allders has embrarked on a programme to improve the efficiency of processing customer orders taken in-store that involve home delivery.

It has chosen Yantra to provide the software, and is implementing three modules from the company's 5X range - Distributed Order Management, Inventory Synchronization and Supply Collaboration.

Allders says the new system will allow it to fulfil orders for different products in different ways; to collaborate efficiently with third-party suppliers; and to provide customers with up-to-the-minute updates on the progress of their orders.

According to John Tangaa, Allders' director of IT: "Yantra will allow us to improve the efficiency of the order quotation and fulfilment process, reduce order cycle times and increase the volume of orders captured in-store." He adds: "We performed a thorough evaluation of the marketplace, and Yantra emerged as the clear winner."

Allders has 46 UK department stores and annual revenue of £600 million. It has currently aims to add 1 million sq ft of new retailing space and double operating margins within five years.