SkillNet Solution Highlights

• Common Information Framework for future-proof and system-independent integration
• Seamless Point-of-sale process between centrally managed systems and store systems
• Retek POS integration with Retek Merchandising, Retek Inventory, CRM and sales audit systems

“Judging by how well the pilot-projects have fared, I am looking forward to a more efficient and seamless POS process, and a better managed loyalty program, thanks to SkillNet’s experienced retail-team.”

Michael Farhadi
Director-Retail Systems, Giorgio Armani

“We wanted Giorgio Armani to have a POS and store operations environment that fit its sophisticated, high-end image. I believe we have achieved it with our technologically innovative Common Information framework.”

Pankaja Rokkada
Principal Architect, SkillNet Solutions

Giorgio Armani’s Goals

Giorgio Armani’s store operations’ IT infrastructure had been decentralized: Backoffice systems ran on varied platforms such as AS400, Unix, Oracle, and Windows, with the result that there was no simple way for management to gain visibility into store performance. In addition, the disparate environments presented an obstacle for introducing company-wide programs to enhance the customer’s shopping experience and maintain competitive advantage.

There was a need to provide for seamless processes and business agility at the stores’ operational level. Giorgio Armani decided to revamp its store applications, starting with the POS system. Retek/Oracle was selected as the new centralized POS, and as Retek’s go-to implementation partner, SkillNet partnered with Giorgio Armani to achieve its customer management goals.

SkillNet Approach

SkillNet’s team of retail consultants realized that a framework was required to ensure scalability and easy monitoring of performance. It was also imperative to customize POS functionality. Given that Giorgio Armani wanted to roll out the same system across different regions and brands, it necessitated integration between the POS system and centrally managed inbound and outbound systems, to ensure both, a seamless POS process in the future and simpler monitoring of store operations.

SkillNet created the innovative Common Information Framework, which is a layer of information and processes above the POS system, extending its ability to integrate with other systems as they get added on. Each system would integrate and communicate with this framework, saving the effort for discrete integration between systems. The integration between the POS application and the Merchandising, Inventory, CRM and Sales Audit systems reduced time required for streamlining transaction flows considerably.

The Common Information Framework for Giorgio Armani was built using industry standards and uses meta-data models incorporating normalized information for customer records, tasks, schedules, and order information, among others. The framework enables Giorgio Armani to simplify processes and include virtually any application into the process with reduced effort. This provides Giorgio Armani with the business agility required to stay competitive and provide its customers with a superior shopping experience.

About The Armani Corporation

The Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewelry, home interiors, fragrances and cosmetics under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani Privè, Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, AJ Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior and Armani Casa. The Group’s exclusive retail network currently comprises: 63 Giorgio Armani boutiques, 11 Armani Collezioni stores, 133 Emporio Armani stores, 87 A/X Armani Exchange stores, 18 AJ | Armani Jeans stores, 6 Armani Junior stores, 1 Giorgio Armani Accessori store and 20 Armani Casa stores in 39 countries.