Cybertill and Librance Case Study - Upgrading from a Manual System to Cybertill EPoS

Librance is an Independent Fashion Retailer based in Edinburgh which commenced operations in March 2003. They stock the latest in Men’s and Women’s Street wear/ Lifestyle fashion, selling brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, Hurley, Fox and Roxy from their retail outlet and their website which recently went ‘live’.

Why EPoS?

Rupert Pedley – the owner and driving force behind the Librance brand – previously used a paper based system to account for all stock and sales data. They needed a solution able to realise their ambitions of selling products over several channels and providing the correct data to run the business more efficiently. Cybertill was designed to help SME retailers compete with larger retailers whilst gaining competitive advantage over their close rivals.

Why Cybertill?

 “As this was a first-time purchase of an EPoS system we were looking for a company that l could feel secure with. I did my research and consulted a friend who spoke very highly of Cybertill. He particularly sold the user-friendly nature of the system and the Report Generators that deliver the operational data to better manage your business”. Rupert Pedley Owner of Librance.

The assumption that EPoS is only for the mid to large retailers is thankfully redundant. The features and benefits are as relevant to an Independent Retail Outlet as they are to a High Street Chain: The ability to better manage your business and to use an integrated EPoS solution to refine your stock holding, improve gross profit and in turn increase turnover.

“My research showed that a Multi-channel solution was certainly worth investing in. The idea that we can trade in-store, over our website and equally use Mail Order within one fully integrated system was a clear selling point”.

The System

Real-time access to data – “The one thing that impressed me about the system is that it is all in real-time. If something is sold from Librance.com my stock levels automatically change as all sales information is kept within a single core database. The seasonal nature of fashion – mixed with a high stock turnover – meant that l had to be able to analyse all sales and stock information at the touch of a button”. Librance no longer had to wait to access the vital operational data so gaving them time to react and adapt.

System Scalability – Like any Independent Retailer, growth aspirations naturally form part of the business plan. Rupert was no different: “The ASP technology allows me to incorporate additional Points of Sale into the shop – and with our future ambitions – any new branches, all within the same system. The system grows with our business”.

Report Generators – “Since cybertill went live within the shop over a year ago we have been able to considerably reduce our stock holding by eliminating poor selling items and building upon our best selling ones. Knowing when my stock is running low has allowed me to ensure high levels of order fulfilment and keep us one step ahead of our competitors”. The detailed management reports offer insights into the control of stock and allow inventory reductions through the sharing of stock between loations.

Account Management – “My Account Manger has been very helpful, extremely trusting and tempered my normal distrust of salesmen! Everything that he promised in the demonstration of cybertill has been realised and has proved a useful avenue for any questions or advice”. Each customer is allocated an Account Manager as well as a Project Manager and has access to a 24 hour, 7 day Technical Support team.

The Future

E-commerce Development – “We want to use our website as a tool to retain customers, as well as being a strong sales channel in its own right. Our goal is to use the details within customer accounts to regularly communicate with customers to highlight promotions, stock clearances, or make them aware of new product ranges. It allows us to me more proactive”.

Final thoughts on EPoS…

“I now realise that EPoS is far more than just a till – it allows me to better run Librance and delivers the tools that all retailers need to be successful”.