Success Stories : Leisure & Hospitality - HMS Invincible

Epson sailing on the crest of a wave

For the average retailer, ensuring they have sufficient stock to meet customer demand is a significant challenge. When that retailer operates on board one of the largest aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy, effective stock management becomes a make-or-break issue, particularly during prolonged sea operations, Which explains why the NAAFI (Navy, Army, Air Force Institutes) has invested more than £20,000 in an integrated retail management system from Stockport solution provider, BCP for its shop on board the HMS Invincible.

Installed in just two days, as part of an overall shop refit, the system is designed to ensure none of the 1,400 strong crew needs go without everyday essentials such as cigarettes, toiletries, soft drinks and hot snacks.

The solution comprises two powerful Epson Intelligent Registers running Accord-PoS software, these are networked to an NT server in the back office, running Accord-Link, to enable product and price maintenance, as well as comprehensive sales reports and stock records.

Although the system operates independently, the EPoS data can be transmitted back to NAAFI's head office in London, or to sites where the NAAFI has bases such as Gibraltar and the Falklands, to ensure efficient stock replenishment during exercises. Box Technologies and BCP have worded together on various projects within NAAFI over the last two years. These include the implementation of Accord-Retailer at the new NAAFI store in the Dhekelia Garrison, Cyprus and in 50 outlets throughout Germany.