Sapito - Dixons

Peter Polderman on the Sapito experience

Peter Polderman came into contact with Sapito in 1999, while working as an information manager at Dixons. At that time the company was on the verge of making an important choice, as the life cycle of its ICT system was coming to an end. Dixons had just completed a far-reaching downsizing operation and, in an attempt to achieve greater synergy, the holding company Vendex was pressing for the adoption of a single solution that could also be applied by four other operating companies. SAP Retail was chosen. In Peter's own words : “SAP Retail hadn’t yet been fully finalised and the five operating companies each had their own wishes and requirements when it came to a new software package.”

Individual requirements

“At Dixons we offer a highly dynamic and specific package of products and it's not easy to find an IT system that can cover the whole range. At that time we were the only party offering home delivery of white and brown goods. We also sell product combinations such as mobile phone handsets together with contracts. This means that all kinds of discount systems, guarantees and a variety of different providers are involved.” In other words: Dixons' needs were clear. “We weren't just looking for a functional fit, but a reliable implementation partner too. And we found that partner in Sapito.”

Working together to decide what we need

Ingo and Johan worked together on implementing SAP Retail at Dixons and elsewhere. Both of them are now familiar with the 'ins and outs' of the organisation. “We have built up a sound relationship of trust. Our organisation is divided into various functional areas. By working with key users we can translate theory into practice and vice versa. Those key users know a great deal about day to day practice and the sub-system for which they are responsible. They also have primary responsibility for the testing phase in the implementation process. The test plans are pretty extensive, particularly in complicated cases. The key users are also the first point of contact for end users, often answering questions within the organisation and able to take an abstract view of their own area too. Ingo and Johan also pass on specialist knowledge of SAP to them. As a result, we are able to make maximum use of our own employees' abilities to solve problems within our projects. Sapito is also very good at tackling interfacing problems.”

“I hope I haven't heaped too much praise
on Sapito... Otherwise they might end up
too busy to help us here at Dixons!”

A fine fit!

“Johan has a wide ranging knowledge of logistics. I see him as a hands-on foreman: a man who gets stuck in, works with the key users and puts his heart and soul into achieving success. Ingo is more the business or management consultant, who can act as a sparring partner at management level when the situation so requires. Both of them are extremely vigorous - and effective too. When we rely on Sapito, sometimes we need to be careful that they don't make life too easy for our other external service providers. All in all, a fine fit!”

In other words

“In other words: Sapito's consultants are simply good at their jobs and are versatile enough to work on any SAP-related project. They offer value for money, and communicating with them is quick and easy. They can find their way within an organisation, are aware of all the issues and simply zoom in to focus on the nub of the problem. True experts, pragmatic and effective.”