Nedap Great Britain have completed the first phase of the rollout to install their internet-based security solutions to Waitrose stores in the south of England, with plans to expand the programme this year.
Nedap and Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Partnership, entered talks at the end of 2000. Early in 2001, Waitrose authorised the trial of Nedap equipment in their Brighton city centre branch. The trial proved successful and another six supermarkets have since been fitted with Nedap solutions. During the trial, the retailer and security firm devised tailor-made specifications and a stock loss prevention strategy. Waitrose identified essential requirements and Nedap designed a solution accordingly. Waitrose wanted a non-intrusive electronic article surviellance (EAS) system, with reliable and stable detection and 100 per cent deactivation. Nedap consultants and technicians developed a discreet solution. Nedap says its EAS system ensures that article tags are deactivated at the point of sale; therefore, the margin of error, inevitable if the deactivation relies upon a separate action by the cashier, is removed. Tags are deactivated immediately and will not trigger embarrassing false alarms in Waitrose stores or any other shops the customer may later visit. Waitrose has estimated a stock loss reduction of about 65pc and sales increases of about 10pc, suggesting that the system should pay for itself in less than two years. Of particular interest to the retailer, seeking a relaxed environment for shoppers, was Nedap?s impressive 1.8 aisle width, which delivers a 92pc detection rate. The extra room afforded by a pair of Nedap antennas allows for greater flexibility of floor space, ease of movement for customers and staff, and less encroachment upon the general ascetics and layout of the store. After-sales support was also a consideration. Nedap?s internet-based solutions allow for remote access to customer sites. Faults and maintenance can therefore be rectified without disruption in store. Recently a Nedap technician visiting the Caversham branch, was advised of a minor fault at the Whitney branch in Oxfordshire; the technician dialled into the network remotely and rectified the problem. Nedap?s Easinet service allows the store management to remotely access any data collected by the antennas in store ? allowing profiles to be constructed and trends identified and analysed, so that the security system can be used to best advantage. Jason Toogood, Senior Project Manager at Waitrose says: ?The Nedap system was installed in seven branches with minimal disruption to our selling operation. It has functioned effectively and with the active support of our branch partners we have noticed a significant fall in stock loss, in addition a fall off in the number of ?undesirable? elements entering our branches. This has resulted in a fall in theft and has improved the branch environment for our legitimate customers.? Waitrose and Nedap will continue with the rollout programme this year, fitting out an estimated 10 to 15 further stores.
