Argos system improves store activities

The Reflexis system was adopted earlier this year to improve business processes in Argos’s 700 stores. The retailer implemented the system in just 15 weeks in an attempt to improve promotional and merchandising activities at store level.

The web-based system is now used by more than 4,700 store staff, 100 field staff and 26 corporate users. The number using the system at head office is expected to rise over time.

Previously Argos used a mixture of email and its intranet to communicate both its strategy and specific operational activities to stores. The retailer had no real-time visibility of task execution or compliance levels, and it was difficult for corporate planners to co-ordinate their efforts and monitor store workloads.

Home Retail Group sister retailer Homebase was already using a task management system from Reflexis, as was its rival B&Q, and Argos had seen the difference it had made.

Argos information systems manager Doug Duffin said: “We worked with Homebase when it was originally doing its task management implementation to gain group synergy. We were also very aware of the B&Q implementation.”

Now Argos is using the system to manage store projects such as confirming correct signage is displayed, product recalls and to communicate health and safety issues.

Project compliance rates have improved significantly since the system went live and the two-way feedback is leading to continuous improvement in how projects and tasks are executed.