JANUARY 2015 £35.00 Retail and Distribution Global Outlook TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES VIEWPOINTS, PROFILES, SOLUTIONS PARTNER DIRECTORY EDITOR: SEAN DUDLEY AD Microsoft4.pdf 04/12/2014 14:40:53 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K WELCOME Meeting the needs of modern consumers EDITOR: SEAN DUDLEY elcome to the Retail and Distribution Global Outlook. With its new CEO firmly in place and a ‘mobile-first, cloud-first’ philosophy underpinning its solution strategy, Wit is an exciting time for Microsoft, its partners and the customers they serve. Thanks to the rise of trends around mobile, cloud, social and big data technologies, customers today expect a shopping experience that is omni-channel, experience-centric, personalised, always-on, and offers a variety of ways to make and collect purchases, and consume services. They want flexibility, convenience and the opportunity to interact with a brand in the way that they want, when they want. As outlined by CEO Satya Nadella during 2014, Microsoft’s mobile-first, cloud-first approach is helping businesses to identify and meet the needs of the modern consumer. “In this cloud-first, mobile-first world, Microsoft is absolutely focused on empowering people to get more done wherever they need to and on any device,” Nadella said in a press briefing, and nowhere is this more relevant than the retail and distribution industries. In this definitive guide, we provide an insight into the latest Microsoft technologies that are making waves across the retail, consumer services, distribution and hospitality industries, helping businesses to improve the customer experience and enhance engagement and loyalty. Over the following pages, we take a look at how the innovations being made by Microsoft and its partner ecosystem are helping businesses to stay agile in this competitive industry and continue to exceed their customers’ expectations. In our viewpoint section, find out about the latest industry trends and the impact they’re having on businesses across the industry. You can also read some of the best examples of how retail and distribution companies are benefiting from cutting-edge technology implementations, and learn about the many enterprise technology offerings currently available on the market. Finally, our comprehensive partner directory provides detailed business information about some of the most innovative IT solutions and services providers in the industry across the globe, helping you to make positive and informed technology investment decisions for your own company. I hope you find this guide a valuable and informative resource. 1 Retail and Distribution Subscribe! Global Outlook Make sure you never miss a copy of Retail and Distribution Global Outlook is published by Tudor Rose. 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PUBLISHING PARTNERS SPONSORS Bleu C 100 / M 56 / J 0 / N 38 Dégradé 3 CONTENTS TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP 08 CLOUD FIRST, MOBILE FIRST We take a look at how Microsoft’s cloud first, mobile first strategy is driving change in the retail and distribution industry 10 OPERATING SYSTEMS With the upcoming release of Windows 10, Microsoft is furthering its efforts to help improve productivity and mobility 08 for workers 12 DEVICES AND STUDIOS Microsoft’s range of dedicated workstations, tablets, smartphones and convertible laptops are helping 10 to empower employees 14 APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES Business-focused social tools are helping unlock knowledge and unite workforces 16 CLOUD AND ENTERPRISE Microsoft is using Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics to provide a complete cloud environment for customers 17 MICROSOFT DYNAMICS CRM Companies are realising significant business benefits thanks to the rich industry capabilities and deployment options of the Microsoft Dynamics platform 12 REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES 18 NON-STOP RETAILING Retailers across the planet are striving to deliver rich customer experiences across all platforms 20 NORTH AMERICA The demand for a seamless online and in- store experience is driving innovation among retailers in North America 22 EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA With mobile use driving the European market, increasingly modern retail infrastructures are also enabling growth in the Middle East and Africa 24 ASIA-PACIFIC Growing mobile ecosystems and smartphone adoption is set to boost online sales and e-commerce in Asia-Pacific 25 LATIN AMERICA Several retailers are expanding their presence and establishing a dynamic network across the Latin America region 5 CONTENTS VIEWPOINTS 53 EFFECTIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT: Business Connexion helps company centralise hardware and software asset visibility 55 CLARION INTERPRETING: Cambridge Online Systems helps company reduce booking times for interpreting services providers 57 ALCAR GROUP: Entelion’s Teamshare e-commerce platform powers company’s online shops 27 HENRIK FUCHS: Concare IT’s CEO on 59 LULU GUINNESS: Futura helps British collaboration in the digital era designer label drive international growth 31 GORDON GRANT: How retailers can match 61 PVH: Infodepth enables fashion company to the in-store and online experience gain better insights across its brands 35 VRAJASHREE R: How to harness the five 63 GRAHAM & BROWN: Blueleaf uses Kentico’s digital forces to transform the customer experience platform to build home decoration brand’s website 39 JULIO MORENO: Prodware’s director on 65 BUSTER BOATS: Kompozure helps catering to the hyper-connected customer boating brand optimise its dealer network with Microsoft Azure 43 WAYNE TOMS: How retailers in South Africa can adapt to market changes 67 THE MASTERS GOLF COMPANY: M-hance helps golf accessories supplier provide 47 ROBERT HAWLEY: How resistance to pricing and promotional flexibility change is preventing retailers from gaining the most from investments 69 NECO TOYS: Netas implements a customised enterprise resource planning system for Turkish toy and costume retailer PROFILED 70 COVIRAN: Prodware helps food retailer cooperative