Flynet develops Tesco's 10,000 new PDA's to access host-based pricing information
Leading retailer chooses Flynet to provide store staff with mobile access to pricing information.
Tesco has successfully implemented a major strategic initiative to improve stock control and maximise shelf utilisation, as part of a three year programme to develop new architecture for building and hosting web-based software. As part of this initiative staff have been provided with web-enabled Microsoft Pocket PC hand-held computers, which rely on a unique new software package to provide essential connectivity to the company's existing UNIX based pricing data. The connectivity software, Viewer, was written by Flynet.
Tesco's new Mobile Shelf Edge System (MSES) will manage pricing and printing reduction/promotional labels through the new units, running over a radio frequency network within each store. The existing central pricing information, held on a UNIX server, is accessible only via DEC-VT emulation while many of the MSES functions are browser-based through Internet Explorer. The Company therefore had to find a VT emulator which could run on the PDAs and handle the customised components in the UNIX pricing application, originally designed for earlier DOS devices.
“Flynet's host integration services and Flynet Viewer software enabled Tesco to integrate our existing back office systems with new technologies. Flynet's expertise in host system integration gave us a reliable, cost effective solution for getting central pricing information onto Pocket PCs in the stores and from there onto the shelves. We have chosen Flynet as a preferred supplier of host connectivity and integration software and services”
James McNulty, IT Buyer, Tesco Stores Limited.
Flynet's Viewer met all the specification requirements and maintains a similar operating speed to a 'traditional' terminal emulation solution. A specially written interface for staff using Pocket PC's provides clear and easy-to-read information on the unit's small screen. Tesco's internal acceptance group recommended Flynet's solution particularly for its minimal required use of the PDA unit's stylus. They were also impressed with the software's unique ability to cope with RF network 'drop-outs' and the ease and speed with which the 'self-configuring' software could be 'rolled-out' across a large number of stores. Additional benefits include a reduced cost of total ownership of the MSES solution, the ability to use standard network infrastructure and a newer handheld device - the Windows-based Pocket PC.
Andrew Bentinck, Sales Director at Flynet commented, “Until now, technical difficulties in passing character-based VT screens have held back implementation of UNIX integration projects. We believe Flynet Viewer is the first product to overcome these problems by providing a lightweight, fully programmable interface for mobile devices which require access to host systems. We are delighted that Tesco recognised the key part Flynet Viewer could play in delivering their strategic objectives.”