By Aimee Chanthadavong

Danks has invested over $30,000 in upgrading its retail management system with the installation of a new member extranet technology.

This will give its Home Timber and Hardware, Thrifty-Link Hardware and Plants Plus Garden Centre group members access to a business management system that will maximise efficiency and profitability of day-to-day business processes from product ordering to marketing solutions and staff management.

Peter Richards, Danks retail operations manager, told Retailbiz that the company will continually look at providing the most efficient management system to its members.

“For any retailer looking to grow their business in today’s fast paced, competitive environment, it is essential to have access to the best retail management solutions,” he said.

“The retail industry and the needs of our members are constantly evolving, so when we set out on updating the member extranet, our aim was to incorporate the most relevant applications and capabilities for our members’ businesses.

“Another priority was making it even quicker and easier to use – with a fast search engine so retailers can find what they need, precisely when they need it.”

The Extranet functions include a product explorer that enables retailers to browse, select and order products, and also specialised trade facilities and marketing Information. It also provides access to the latest news on supplier price changes and range reviews.

Via the extranet, members can also access the latest group and industry news, pricing information, and campaign updates.

“The advantage of the member extranet is that store staff shouldn’t need training as the site is designed to be completely user-friendly and self explanatory. The applications have instructions where necessary, making it easy for staff to become familiar with the applications relevant to them, in a time convenient to them,” Max Tapply, Danks business systems manager, said.

The Danks member extranet update is the latest suite of business support tools its members have access to as a member of the Home Timber and Hardware, Thrifty-Link Hardware and Plants Plus Garden Centre groups, in addition to tailored marketing programs, the FirstPoint customer service centre, and Danks Advanced Retail Technology (DART).