Retail and Hospitality

Travis Perkins optimises data

4 March 2010

Travis Perkins Group, a leading UK supplier to the building and construction industry, has selected the DataFlux technology platform to improve the quality of data within its product database.

This purpose-built database supports its UK-wide network of 1,200-plus merchant and retail outlets operating under multiple brands including Travis Perkins, Wickes and Tile Giant.

The company will use the industry-leading DataFlux dfPower Studio technology to standardise product descriptions across the enterprise to improve the in-store, call centre and online product search processes, which are fundamental to delivering an enhanced customer experience. The building of data quality business rules for this project is run using Windows 7 based PC machines.

Travis Perkins is taking a phased approach to its product data optimisation project. After exploring and analysing its existing product data set, the company will standardise the results, creating a roadmap to improve data quality.

In addition to improving the customer experience, the project will deliver significant advances in operational efficiency through enhancements made to the look-up process within the product identification and search process. Travis Perkins expects that data quality automation will significantly reduce the amount of time taken to manually fix errors throughout its store network.

“We recognise that this project is a leap forward for our industry,” said Sean Sinclair, group head of data development at Travis Perkins Group. “By improving the value and accuracy of our product data, we will enhance the effectiveness of the 200 million-plus product searches we conduct each year. The business case was built on efficiency improvements and the value of reducing the time it takes for customers to place an order with us. Working with so many suppliers and serving customers across multiple channels adds complexity, but we are confident the DataFlux platform is the right solution for the job.”

“Travis Perkins is taking a mature approach to data management,” said Colin Rickard, EMEA managing director, DataFlux. “The company’s steering group, which includes senior-level representation, team accountability and established reporting structures, is dedicated to driving value from its data asset. DataFlux is providing the foundation for this ongoing project, which will empower staff – both in stores and within call centres – to serve customers rapidly and with increased confidence.”

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