K3 makes IT childs play for Smyths Toys

Smyths Toys, one of Irelands leading retailers has deployed a Microsoft Dynamics - based IT solution, provided and supported by leading supplier of IT solutions to mid-tier manufacturers, distributors, retailers and wholesalers, K3 to operate and control its business. 

This business philosophy has enabled the company to grow rapidly over the last number of years and this level of growth put considerable strain on the existing IT system.  According to Smyths Toys IT Systems Applications manager, Dave Greaney  Our legacy system was DOS based and was limited in providing a structured and controlled environment to manage the business as well as the level of management information that could be derived from it.

In 2004 a strategic decision was taken to deploy the Microsoft Dynamics solution across the entire business.  K3 was selected as the implementation partner because of their experience of delivering integrated solutions to mid size manufacturers, distributors, retailers and wholesalers.

K3 has implemented Microsofts Dynamicss General Ledger, Trading, EPOS/EFT, Chip and Pin, and Inventory and Replenishment.

According to Smyths Toys IT Systems Applications Manager, Dave Greaney, the Microsoft Dynamics now enables the buying, merchandising, logistics, point of sale and financial systems to be fully integrated on a single IT solution.  This now enables the company to implement standard procedures quickly across all locations and provides better management information leading to:

• improved product information
• ability to offer and control sophisticated promotions utilising the mix and match rules with the Dynamics system
• structured stock allocation rules
• automated replenishment to the stores
• reduced administration costs

all of which supports the companys goal of reducing the costs of doing business and investing these gains in lower prices for the customer.

Smyths Toys chose K3 because, as Dave Greaney explains, The fact that all their systems are integrated saves us time and overhead; we know that we dont have to worry about integration if we add new modules. We also know that we can get data out quickly and that it will be accurate.

This year, Smyths Toys will upgrade to the SQL database as the volume of data it stores and analyses is growing.