Kiabi Selects Symbol Technologies' Mobile Solutions to Manage its Stores and Warehouses
07 June 2006 - 11:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Enterprise Mobility Solution Tracks Low-Priced Fashion Accessories
PARIS, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc.
(NYSE: SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today announced
that the low-priced fashion chain Kiabi Europe have deployed
Symbol's enterprise mobility solutions in its stores and warehouses
to help improve their logistical operations. Kiabi Europe is a
leading French clothing retailer, operating 140 stores in France,
as well as 15 stores in Spain, 1 store in Portugal and 4 stores in
Italy. Kiabi have implemented Symbol's end-to-end wireless solution
to assist with optimising work for its users and improve
productivity. The newly deployed mobile computers run on Symbol's
wireless network infrastructure and are managed by Symbol's
Mobility Services Platform (MSP), enabling Kiabi to easily manage
the new infrastructure and the mobile devices that are attached to
it. To improve logistical operations in its warehouses, Kiabi
equipped one of its warehouses, (covering 15 000 msquared), with
Symbol's PDT6100 and PDT6800 terminals. Following the successful
completion of the pilot, a second warehouse, (covering 30 000
msquared), was fully equipped with over 200 MC3000 and MC9000
mobile computers in early 2006. The mobile computers are used for
preparing orders, validating picked items and for deliveries. Both
warehouses saved a considerable amount of time using Symbol mobile
computers that connected wirelessly to the Symbol wireless network
infrastructure, which included AP4131 access points. With its
transparent data transfer functionality, the network allowed for
real-time tracking of Kiabi's operations. "We are delighted with
the excellent commercial relationship we have established with
Symbol, who have accompanied us throughout the process of
overhauling our system and deploying our new solution." said Eric
Couvelaere, Kiabi's IS Technical Architecture Manager. "In addition
to the easy implementation and use of Symbol's mobile solution, we
have observed a very swift return on investment. Moreover, we
appreciate the robustness and reliability of the Symbol devices."
Encouraged both by the rapid adoption of Symbol's mobile computers
and the success of the wireless infrastructure in its warehouses,
Kiabi sought to extend the process to its stores. A pilot was set
up in one of its sales outlets using Symbol's PPT8800 portable
terminals running a business application developed in-house, and
connected via Symbol's wireless radio network and AP4131 access
points. The solution enabled store personnel to directly consult
stocks, check prices, monitor incoming and outgoing goods, and
prepare markdowns. Store staff were won over by the solution, with
considerable gains in terms of both productivity and efficiency
being made. To remotely manage, deploy and administer the mobile
computers deployed across the various sites, Kiabi installed
Symbol's MSP platform to monitor devices, perform upgrades, and
check batteries, thus reducing costs and time. MSP represents a
modular platform with a single control point for easy management of
the entire mobile solution. "Symbol is the world leader in mobile
solutions, boasting unparalleled experience and expertise in the
design of mobile technologies", said Nicolas Segons, general
manager, Symbol France. "We have worked hand-in-hand with Kiabi to
integrate a high-performance mobile solution." A third warehouse
has also been equipped with a further 200 mobile computers during
May 2006. Kiabi has also deployed a Wi-Fi network in its central
services location based on Symbol's Wireless Switch WS5100 model to
allow those working on laptops to exchange data in real-time and
with complete security. About Symbol Technologies Symbol
Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a
recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering
products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in
real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol
enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture
products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile
computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and
world-class services programs. Symbol enterprise mobility products
and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce
operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize
competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More
information is available at http://www.symbol.com/. About Kiabi
Low-priced fashion! Kiabi invented this concept, now widespread, in
1978, and remains firmly associated with it. Making the most of two
of Northern France's historical trades - textiles and distribution,
the company has remained steadfastly faithful to its original
concept. Today, its 140 sales outlets established in France, Spain,
Italy and Portugal offer high-quality, low-priced fashion
accessories for men, women and children. With its excellent
reputation, Kiabi realized sales of EUR600 million in 2005, and is
set on quickly becoming France's leading player in its sector.
DATASOURCE: Symbol Technologies Inc CONTACT: For Symbol
Technologies: For media information: Helen Rigby, Symbol
Technologies EMEA, +44-(0)118-945-7427, , Bill Abelson, Symbol
Technologies, +1-631-738-4751, . For financial information: Lori
Chaitman, Symbol Technologies, Inc., +1-631-738-5050, . For
industry analyst information: Shirley Schroedl, Symbol
Technologies, Inc., +1-631-738-4388,
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