We are replacing 20 year old systems with SAP based technology, which will be faster, more efficient and provide real time management information. In May, we introduced Intactix, which is the leading space planning tool.
Over the summer, Head office HR and Payroll was successfully launched on SAP, and the finance systems are currently being implemented.
The next key phase of Backbone is our merchandise management systems. These will be piloted on a small number of non seasonal products in the run up to Xmas and when proven, rolled out in the first half of the next calendar year.
There have been some concerns in the market over the risks associated with implementing SAP and I should like to address these.
Firstly while the information technology changes are significant they don't directly involve our core replenishment system.
Secondly, we are working hard to manage the risks in this project. As we anticipated there has been some minor disruption, but we continue to manage the programme with great focus and care.
