Thresher Group

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Thresher Group

“The solution from Fujitsu Services was selected as it was able to meet our very challenging combination of cost, service and functionality requirements.” Simon Thomas, IT Director, Thresher Group

Customer's Challenge

The Thresher Group is the UK’s leading independent specialist drinks retailer. The company operates around 2,000 stores employing over 12,000 people under the brands Thresher, Wine Rack, The Local and Haddows in Scotland.

In early 2005, in response to competitive pressures, the retailer decided to launch a new franchising model, ‘The Thresher Group Franchise’ – a radical move for a well established retailer.

A critical element of the franchise model would be an IT infrastructure, provided at minimal cost to the franchisee, but that offered the necessary functionality for franchisees to manage their businesses effectively.

Fujitsu’s Solution

The Fujitsu solution is based on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. A shared, hosted service with only one copy of the application software, it includes a thin-client PoS, stock management, customer relationship management, web management and pre-accredited Chip and PIN payment solution.

The solution is provided to Thresher Group franchisees for a single monthly fee per EPoS, with no upfront capital investment required.

A broadband connection links the store systems with Fujitsu’s data centre. Data is available in real-time instore and at head office, and mobile access is also provided for the franchisee or store manager. The traditional architecture of front-office, back-office and head office is replaced with a single office, that could be accessed anywhere in the world.

Data back-ups and software updates are carried out centrally, leaving franchisees to concentrate on managing their businesses. Central and network infrastructure is robust and scaleable to support more than 3,500 PoS.

“The unique ASP model offered by Fujitsu was integral to the expedient launch of the franchise programme, as well as providing a scaleable solution that can readily respond to the uptake of the Thresher Group franchises.” Simon Thomas, IT Director, Thresher Group

Benefits to our Customer

Both the Thresher Group and its franchisees are realising a number of benefits from the solution delivered:

• Speedy implementation - the Software as a Service model developed by Fujitsu enabled the Thresher Group to launch its franchise operation within a short timeframe
• Differentiation in a competitive environment – the franchise system has allowed the Thresher Group to streamline costs whilst offering a localised, customer-focused service
• Variable and scaleable – the commercial model lets the Thresher Group and its franchisees pay for what they actually install and use
• Responsive – the solution is rolled out by Fujitsu as and when the franchises are sold
• Cost-effective – franchisees are provided with a proven, highly functional store system for a minimal monthly outlay
• Real-time data – accessible anytime, anywhere ensuring franchisees have an up-to-the-minute view of store performance
• Remote management – back-ups and updates to the software are carried out by Fujitsu at the centre, leaving franchisees free to focus on managing their businesses

Our Approach

Fujitsu worked closely with the Thresher Group to design and implement an IT solution that fitted the needs of the retailer. A partnership approach was required as the Fujitsu IT solution would become an integral part of Thresher’s franchise system and impact on the future strategic direction of the retailer.

This project was particularly challenging owing to the tight timescales in which the Thresher Group wanted to launch its franchise business - this was achieved in less than 12 months.

Furthermore, the size and scale of the franchise business was unknown, so the solution offered needed to be suitable for a large-scale retail enterprise as well as a sole trader. It would also need to be flexible to grow in-line with Thresher’s franchise business.

Finally, the solution provided needed to offer a high degree of functionality to franchisees without the requirement for up-front capital investment. The commercial model adopted offers predictability of costs, with a fixed rate monthly fee that includes roll-out and on-going support.

A complete service offering, including project services, deployment, training, installation and on-going 24 x 7 support and maintenance is provided to the Thresher Group.

Our Expertise

Fujitsu has over 30 years’ experience supporting in-store systems, integrating supply chains and optimising IT infrastructures.