Sit-up

IT strategy, package selection and implementation

Introduction

Sit-up is one of the UK's fastest growing retailers and has recently been acquired by Telewest. It operates on satellite, cable and freeview television under the brands Bid TV, Price-drop TV and Speed-auction TV and has recently opened two stores featuring a unique daily falling price proposition under the Price-drop banner. With annual growth rates in excess of 80% Sit-up was facing challenges with systems not designed to support the size it was rapidly becoming.

Javelin Group's initial task was to help define the approach to systems replacement that should be followed over the next three to five years. This was subsequently followed by further engagements to run formal package selections and implementation.

Javelin Group was selected because of its strong blend of technology and business skills and because of the depth of supporting best-practice collateral.

Our approach

Javelin Group's initial engagement was to consider whether Sit-up should adopt an ERP or a best-of-breed strategy. We looked at possible variants of each option, when each application within the solution could be delivered compared to business priorities and the costs. This engagement lasted three months.

Having decided upon the high level strategy for the next thee to five years and the sequence of projects, Javelin Group was engaged to select an appropriate package. Javelin Group used a three step approach to this selection.

  1. Using Javelin Group templates the functional requirements and an ITT were produced in collaboration with the Sit-up team.
  2. Managing the briefing of the vendors, receipt of the responses and the production of the assessment of the vendors based on their true capabilities.
  3. Production of blueprint for implementation including timeline, resourcing (internal and external) and budget. This included assistance in vendor negotiation.

The engagement lasted six months.

Following the selection process, Javelin Group has been engaged by Evant to implement Evant, the chosen solution for merchandise planning and by Sit-up, to provide support to the internal project management function. This process is ongoing and expected to take nine months across three phases.

Our processes

Javelin Group used its proprietary "retail reference architectures" and "retail process maturity matrices" to assess the order in which Sit-up should approach system replacement. It used its templates of best practice requirements and ITTs to help drive the selection process.

Results

A long and short-term systems' blueprint and plan was produced. The use of template best-practice content helped shorten the process and ensure the best solution was designed.

Testimonial

"Javelin Group used a very effective process to select the right solutions for us. Their knowledge of retail best practices, their understanding of the technologies available, and their assistance in negotiating with vendors were particularly valuable. We were impressed with the results."
Chris Manson, Managing Director, Sit-up Ltd.