Stores online

According to Ádám Harcz, key account manager of CSB-System Hungary Kft., the introduction of a software solution becomes a feasible option for FMCG businesses, when the amount of data generated by their operations is so large that it can no longer be handled manually. Smaller stores can manage using off the shelf software, but where inventories are large, individual IT solutions are needed. As manufacturing companies have to comply with a lot of regulations, it is essential for them to have data accessible in integrated form. Systems also need to support not only existing processes, but to be compatible with long term projects. It is the joint responsibility of suppliers and clients to review applications together. The introduction of an IT system can be a good opportunity for optimising processes. CBS-System Hungary Kft. occupies a special position in the market, because they have engineers familiar with the tasks which need to be tackled by their clients. When the management is sufficiently committed to the introduction and employees are adequately informed, success is guaranteed. The possibility of applying for EU subsidies has lead to a detectable boost in demand for various systems among Hungarian companies. The Hungarian market is different form the Western European. Whereas IT systems generally replace administrative labour in Western Europe, the introduction of such systems in Hungary usually only leads to a redeployment of employees to profit oriented tasks from administrative ones. – Bar code readers are the basic equipment is small stores, subsequently complemented by mobile data scanners – says Dániel Szabó, managing director of M.I.T. Systems Kft., a supplier of software and hardware for the food sector. Small stores can operate without IT systems, while headquarters generally determine the system to be used by the units of retail chains. Their main activities are focused on warehousing and sales, where PDA-s are essential tools. He believes that the sales process is the area where the biggest differences between FMCG companies exist. Their mobile systems are always tailored to existing management systems. The most important considerations for their clients are the time required for the introduction of the system and the support provided by the supplier in case of a problem with operation. One of the basic requirements for PDA-s is the ability to operate offline. According to István Kiss, managing director of Rool Informatika Kft., a distributor of hardware and software, even the smallest stores need some form of IT equipment. He believes that drastic changes are coming and that the role played by IT technology is going to become far more important than it is at present. However, companies in the Hungarian food sector are in a difficult position at present and only willing to spend on systems essential to current operations.