Store systems outsourcing

Improving store system performance

Today's competitive pressures are driving retailers to find better ways of doing business. Costs are rising and profit margins are shrinking as a result of market globalization, cutthroat competition, the emergence of new retail channels, and a shift in power to the consumer. The economy has also created an uncertain outlook for consumer spending, forcing retailers to compete harder for every discretionary dollar.

To stay competitive, retailers are racing to differentiate themselves based on customer service, introduce new products more quickly to the market and streamline operations. The strategic use of information technology has become critical to their success.

The cost and complexity of technology and its rapid pace of change are formidable challenges to using it effectively. As a result, retailers are increasingly turning the IT side of their business over to experts who can implement innovative solutions more quickly and cost-effectively while enabling them to focus on their core competencies.

For more than 35 years, CGI has been a committed IT partner, helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. Our vision combined with practical approaches and cutting-edge solutions provide retailers what they need to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable business climate.

What CGI delivers

CGI is in the business of managing and improving retail store systems as a long-term outsourcing partner. We offer a unique, three-tiered suite of outsourcing services designed to address a retailer's end-to-end technology needs, including:

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

  • Hardware/software acquisition and installation
  • Field service support
  • Store polling
  • Help desk support

APPLICATION SERVICES

  • Point-of-sale software selection and implementation
  • Application maintenance and support

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT & SYSTEMS INTEGRATION SERVICES

  • Application development
  • Package implementation and integration
  • Training
  • Vendor management

Retailers can select a single service or any combination of services, depending on their business needs. Services can be delivered through our own teams or in partnership with your preferred third-party vendors, ensuring our clients receive the best solutions at the best prices. In working with third-party vendors, CGI serves as a single point of contact for our clients, managing all aspects of the vendor relationship.

With CGI, retailers gain access to new technology, proven expertise and global best practices that deliver a wealth of strategic, management, financial and IT benefits.

STRATEGIC BENEFITS

  • Free up management to focus on core mission
  • Free up key IT resources to focus on strategic projects
  • Reduce risk by partnering with a large, world-class IT organization
  • Facilitate merger and acquisition integration planning

MANAGEMENT BENEFITS

  • Manage results instead of activities, reducing daily management concerns
  • Guaranteed services levels
  • Enhanced control of computer operations
  • Enhanced support of business units, resulting in increased productivity and employee satisfaction
  • Access to cutting-edge and open technology expertise

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

  • Optimize operating and investment budgets
  • Reduce technology-related investment risks
  • Possibly resell assets
  • Free up capital for other investment ventures
  • Stabilize budgets
  • Ensure smooth transfer of IT resources
  • Access to improved purchasing power and established partnership agreements

Why CGI?

Capturing the full value of outsourcing depends on choosing the right partner. CGI's retail practice professionals are focused exclusively on the retail sector. This high-level of expertise has led to long-term client relationships that have produced scores of successfully completed retail projects.

CGI views outsourcing as a win-win partnership based on mutual trust, respect and flexibility. Every engagement we undertake is founded on the principles that the client is in complete control, its management deserves our respect and support, and we must respond to its changing business needs with speed and flexibility. Operating under an ISO 9001 client partnership management framework, we strive to consistently:

  • Understand the client's strategic goals and unique business requirements
  • Provide service level agreements that carefully define and measure our success
  • Meet or exceed guaranteed service levels
  • Provide best-in-class services
  • Deliver on time and on budget
  • Maintain the highest quality standards and objectivity
  • Add significant, demonstrable value

Our long track record of completing large-scale projects on time and on budget coupled with our industry expertise, global delivery capabilities and flexible partnership approach minimize retailers' risks and ensure business excellence. The foundation of our success is our commitment to quality. CGI's ISO 9001 and CMM Level 5 quality systems control the quality of projects from beginning to end, enabling us to maintain a high level of productivity, respond quickly and professionally to our clients' needs and exceed their expectations.

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To learn more about CGI's store systems outsourcing services, contact us at (405) 936-2324.