DLF Retail Implements SAP To Streamline Operations

DLF retail recently implemented SAP’s solution to streamline its processes and achieve improved efficiency. Amit Mandhar CIO, DLF Retail, spoke to Biztech2.com in a one-on-one on the intricacies of the implementation, and what he hopes to achieve from it.

Could you talk about the infrastructure that forms a part of DLF retail, specifically IT?

Infrastructure is the backbone for any information system to support business processes. Also, it should provide increased efficiency and flexibility to leverage future IT investments. We have opted for IBM Power 570 servers, which I feel is one of the best in the breed .The key features offered by these servers includes PowerVM virtualisation capability, mainframe inspired availability and lower energy costs without compromise on the performance. We have hosted these servers in the best possible environment at the IBM Data Center, Banglore with high security being a focus area. These are connected to our offices through very reliable MPLS connections, which offer very good QoS and have an uptime of more than 99 percent.
Specifically, which modules of SAP retail were implemented?

SAP IS – Retail, Modules Implemented were MM, SD, FICO, WHM, Triversity for Point of Sale.

When did the implementation process begin and how long did it take? Was there a 3rd party integrator involved in the equation?

The implementation process began in October ‘08. IBM was our partner for the implementation. It was with the joint efforts of core team members, our implementation partners and users that we could achieve the go-live date of 1st Feb ‘09.

What kind of benefits have you seen as a function of this implementation?

SAP has enabled us to have better control over the business. It is a platform for our enterprise that supports all core business processes and integration of all the operations. Information relevant to every user is now readily available enabling them to efficiently handle their key areas and take quick decisions. It supports Merchandise & Assortment Planning, forecasting which helps in replenishment of right products in order to maximise products delivery at stores & DC.

What kind of evaluations did you perform before deciding to adopt SAP? Could you detail on the evaluation process?

Our objective was to choose an enterprise application capable of handling our business needs like Merchandising Planning, material management, sales and distribution, supply chain management, financials and business ware housing. We had reviewed many applications like Microsoft Dynamics, JDA, Oracle Retail and Ramco being the primary ones available. Our criteria were based on finding a proven end-to-end solution which would be specific to fashion retail domain. SAP IS Retail scored more over these applications on our selection criteria. It is scalable, easy and required minimum customisation as it follows the best practices in the industry. It could provide us such a platform where all the processes were integrated and which could support our business needs well.