Software manages store operations.
Press Release Summary:
Based on Microsoft .NET, RetailStore v3.0 provides point-of-sale software and back office applications to handle all transactions, processes, and workflow in retail store environment, while integrating in real-time to Epicor CRS enterprise applications. Program offers insight on customers and operations through POS dashboard. It integrates to EnterpriseSelling(TM), which manages orders between stores so that associates can locate merchandise and fulfill customers order.
Original Press Release:
Epicor CRS Introduces New Software for Managing Stores Based on Microsoft .NET Technologies
Epicor CRS RetailStore 3.0 Provides Real-time Insight on Customers and Operations Through Enhanced POS Dashboard and Seamless Application Integration Via .NET Web Services
NEW YORK, Jan. 16 /-- Epicor CRS, a leader in store operations and enterprise software and services for specialty retailers, announced today enhancements to the Epicor CRS Retail Suite and its flagship module for managing store operations. Epicor CRS, the Retail Solutions Division of Epicor Software Corporation (NASDAQ:EPIC), announced RetailStore 3.0 is already shipping to customers. Based on Microsoft .NET, RetailStore 3.0 delivers a host of new features designed to improve customer service and in-store operations, as well as increase information sharing among stores, other retail channels and operations.
RetailStore 3.0 provides point-of-sale (POS) software and a full complement of back-office applications designed to handle all transactions, processes and workflow in a retail store environment, while integrating in real-time to Epicor CRS enterprise applications.
With a Web services-based Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) as its foundation, the new Epicor CRS store management solution provides increased integration and real-time connectivity between stores, corporate systems and other sales channels -- including online and catalog operations -- allowing key transactional information to be shared as it occurs. Key information from real-time inventory availability to CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is immediately available to both the in-store personnel at the POS, as well as to other authorized associates located throughout the enterprise.
According to Forrester Research, "The fulfillment of complex in-store orders requires interoperability between POS and other enterprise apps. To minimize the risk of failure from multiple brittle customer interfaces, firms need to ensure that their apps portfolio can interoperate using service-oriented architecture... Many firms report strong benefits using Web services to connect applications across enterprise and technology boundaries."(1)
"We based our new release of RetailStore on Microsoft .NET technologies because of the extensibility and interoperability provided by .NET and Web services, and because of the increased development productivity it offers," said Kathy Frommer, senior vice president and general manager of Epicor CRS. "A store's point-of-sale information is at the heart of a retailer's enterprise. By integrating that information in real-time with headquarters systems, other stores and sales channels, the right information can be available to sales associates and other employees to provide a richer customer experience."
Epicor CRS is a member of the Microsoft Smarter Retailing initiative and RetailStore 3.0 was the first solution in the industry to receive Microsoft's .NET Connected for Smarter Retailing certification. Solutions branded with the .NET Connected for Smarter Retailing logo enable customers to more quickly and easily integrate with their business partners, connect with their own customers and provide the right information to their employees, saving time and conserving capital.
"The ability to integrate business and sales data and have real-time access to that information is critical for retailers to make better and faster business decisions," said Brian Scott, vice president of Microsoft's Retail & Hospitality Industry Unit. "As a Microsoft Smarter Retailing industry partner, Epicor CRS has demonstrated strong commitment to developing software based on open industry standards to provide retailers with greater business visibility through cost-effective, flexible solutions."
Key capabilities of RetailStore 3.0 software, which runs on a variety of POS hardware platforms, include:
Intuitive User Interface -- In addition to a highly configurable POS interface that provides multiple touch and non-touch options, version 3.0 also offers a new easy-to-build dashboard, which provides timely information to the sales associate, while providing access to other applications and intranet sites -- without ever leaving the RetailStore application.
Multi-Channel Retailing Support -- Fully integrates to EnterpriseSelling(TM), which manages orders between stores and other sales channels in real-time so that sales associates can locate merchandise, fulfill the customers order and "save the sale." This enables associates at the POS to locate product throughout the enterprise at any point in a transaction.
CRM Support -- As with previous versions of RetailStore, version 3.0 provides excellent CRM opportunities. Right from the POS application, associates can access up-to-the-minute customer information via their phone number, loyalty card number and/or by their name and address. This information includes purchase history and buying habits, which can be stored and accessed centrally in real time, across sales channels. Also marketing teams can use this information to create and manage promotions and campaigns to reach customers.
Integration with Returns and Exchange Management -- From the POS, store associates can use ReturnsManagement(TM) to validate, in real-time, the original sales receipt from any store or channel. This highly configurable, rules-based application can help reduce fraud and improve customer service.
Plug-and-Play Peripheral Functionality -- RetailStore also runs on Microsoft's Windows Embedded for Point of Service, the first retail optimized software platform to provide plug-and-play functionality to enable retail peripherals to be easily installed and managed -- lowering device life-cycle costs and helping reduce time spent connecting devices.
Mobility -- As an add-on to the extensive suite of applications available in RetailStore, Epicor CRS also offers MobileStore(TM), a collection of mobile applications designed to run on either CE.Net or PocketPC devices. This suite of mobile applications provides various management functions, as well as line busting, inventory management and stock locate capabilities.
Multi-Language Support -- RetailStore, used by retailers around the world, supports the following languages: English, French, French Canadian, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.
About Epicor CRS
Epicor CRS -- the Retail Solutions Division of Epicor Software Corporation -- provides retail management software, hardware, and services to help its customers drive sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs, all with more ease and flexibility. With more than 50,000 in-store systems installed in 32 countries and 10 languages, Epicor CRS is a trusted leader in the retail industry. Epicor CRS customers include leading retailers, such as Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, bebe, Cache, Chico's, Coach, Dress Barn, Eileen Fisher, Factory Connection, Finish Line, Foot Locker, GNC, J.Crew, Mikasa, Skechers, Stage Stores, Transworld Entertainment, Tuesday Morning, Inc., Yankee Candle Company and Zumiez, among others. Epicor CRS employs more than 360 employees based in Newburgh, N.Y., and regional offices in Seattle, Wash., and Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please visit crsretail.com, or call 845-567-1234.
About Epicor Software Corporation
Epicor is a global leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) software solutions to midmarket companies around the world. Founded in 1984, Epicor serves over 20,000 customers in more than 140 countries, providing solutions in 33 languages. Epicor leverages innovative technologies like Web services in developing end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for retail, manufacturing, distribution, enterprise service automation, hospitality and pharmaceutical that enable companies to immediately drive efficiency throughout business operations and build competitive advantage. With the scalability and flexibility to support long-term growth, Epicor's solutions are complemented by a full range of services, providing a single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership. Epicor's worldwide headquarters are located in Irvine, California with offices and affiliates around the world. For more information, visit www.epicor.com.
Epicor CRS will be demonstrating RetailStore -- as well as other solutions -- at NRF Booth (1737).
Epicor is a registered trademark of Epicor Software Corporation. CRS is a registered trademark and CRS RetailStore is a trademark of CRS Retail Services, Inc. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Epicor Software Corporation.
(1) Source: Forrester Research, "Choosing the Right Point-of-Sale Migration Path -- From Store Solution to Enterprise App," by George Lawrie (March 23, 2005)
CONTACT: Lisa Preuss of Epicor Software Corporation, +1-949-585-4235, lpreuss@epicor.com
