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Case study - Auto Models

Multi-channel retailing has become the norm rather than the exception. However, as retailers employ various routes to market, managing inventory and getting a handle on stock can prove even more difficult.

Take Auto Models for example. Established in 1997, the company retails a wide range of collectables from its five stores in Bicester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Swindon and Bristol. In addition, it also operates a burgeoning mail-order service from its head office which currently generates around 20% of the company's sales.

With over 6,000 product lines and a very fast turnover of stock, Auto Models decided to invest in technology which would help streamline its business, enhance customer service, and ultimately enable better visibility and control across all retail channels. The requirement was clear - an advanced PoS solution with powerful e-commerce functionality to replace its out-dated paper-based mail-order facility.

John Farries, Managing Director of Auto Models, explained: "We wanted the latest PoS and
e-commerce technology which would provide smooth customer service in-store, efficient mail-order and instant access to essential sales information. Not only this, but it was vital that the solution was fully integrated, user-friendly and able to deal with the complexity of different pricing bands," said John.

Nisyst's NPoS and Epson's all-in-one touchscreen terminal, the IR-700, fitted the bill. Specifically developed for multi-site and multi-channel retailers, NPoS is designed to put the retailer in complete control of their operations. In addition, NPoS was tailored by Nisyst to meet Auto Models' specific needs by providing an integrated mail-order functionality. "The deciding factor for us was that Nisyst was able to adapt its solution to match all our requirements - something we hadn't been able to find elsewhere," explained John. "The whole system has made a huge difference to the way we run our business. The mail-order function has given us much-needed automation and so it's sped things up immensely. Not only does it produce picking lists when orders are placed, but also ensures that customer details are continually updated. So once we have a customer on our database, re-ordering is much quicker and as a result our marketing has become more accurate."

What's more, Epson's IR-700 offers Auto Models speed and accuracy at the point of sale like never before. "We'd been using a non-electronic PoS system previously, and Nisyst recommended Epson's touchscreen system to make transactions faster and more efficient. They've revolutionised the way we sell. We're absolutely delighted with the results," said John.