Debenhams has announced a contract with BT to supply an Internet Protocol (IP) broadband network to link its 104 stores and distribution centres.
The network, which is based on the same technology as the Internet, will provide faster delivery of information via BT's ADSL service. This will enable the retailer's supply chain and merchandising team to react more swiftly to changes in customers' buying trends.
Called Voice-over IP (VoIP), the service allows Debenhams to dispense with separate networks for voice and data; a move that BT claims could save the retailer as much as 25 per cent on its network costs.
Debenhams information systems director Martin Wyke said: 'The key driver was to better manage costs by running voice and data over one network. We are also looking to centralise some operations in a more cost-effective way.'
He explained that the common platform across the network would allow the retailer to pipe sophisticated data services to and from the point of sale.
'We are changing our points of sale into points of service,' he said.
'We can now have customers open store-card accounts at the till. We couldn't provide that before.'
The retailer expects to see a return on investment on the solution in less than 12 months.
The solution is provided in partnership with Cisco, which is also piloting an extension to the network to the shop floor and stockroom at the retailer's flagship Bullring store in Birmingham using a wireless network.
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