Case Studies
Allegro - retail management and POS
The challenge
This major UK retailer was using cash registers in its branches in Malta when it first came to Ascent, with all of the associated shortcomings in till management. The challenge was to dramatically improve POS functions, implementing a whole range of automation and giving better stock control, support for multiple locations and full auditing capabilities.
The solution
As a flagship Ascent product, Allegro was recommended as a one-stop solution that would meet management needs while providing higher staff productivity with a very low training overhead.
A modular and networked implementation was rapidly achieved via a client-server, data-driven application running off a MySQL Server. Modules included POS and distributor billing, a sophisticated stock ledger, a debtors’ ledger and full management reporting. The new system also provides support for advanced facilities including loyalty cards, gift vouchers, sales commission, in-store transfers and more.
Daily file exports were implemented to head office in the UK, enabling management reporting that monitored employees and shops across the network, including analysis of time-of-sale for improved staff deployment. An IBM CUA-compliant user interface ensures simple data maintenance and fast and intuitive reporting.
The benefits
This retailer has seen dramatic improvements in its control over operations in Malta. Head office has up-to-date access to critical management information and details of key performance indicators across multiple sites.
Other implementations
It is worth noting that this client is not an isolated example – many of the major retailers operating in Malta now use Allegro for their retail management and POS functions.
