EQUIVA modernizes IT landscape and launches omnichannel strategy with networked branches

The EQUIVA company operates an online shop and 79 branches in Germany, Austria and Luxembourg and is part of the Fressnapf group of companies. The introduction of the POS system with live data comparison ROQQIO POS as well as the merchandise management system ROQQIO Retail signals a strategic change in technology at EQUIVA. “We have thus laid the foundation for connecting our branches to one another and for dovetailing with the online shop and mobile commerce. This allows us to gradually implement the omnichannel approach as needed,” says David Handoko, CIO of EQUIVA.

Network branches with each other

This is made possible by the real-time comparison of data across all branches in the new POS system. This means that both the head office and the individual branches can get an overview of the goods currently in stock in the other branches or of the purchases that a regular customer has already made there. The online shop can also be viewed as a branch.

The IT manager sees another advantage of the ROQQIO POS in online payment. "In addition to classic payment with cash, EC and credit cards, the ROQQIO POS also offers us the opportunity to expand the payment system in order to rely on cross-channel products such as Click & Collect in connection with online payment services such as e.g. B. PayPal,” says Handoko.

Save logistics costs

EQUIVA's portfolio ranges from riding clothing, tournament clothing and riding accessories to stable and pasture supplies, western items, horse feed and bedding. The company relies on a large variety of products and brands - with corresponding requirements for logistics.

“In general, logistics is a decisive factor for us in the entire omnichannel area. The 'last 20 meters', from the ramp to the customer shelf, seem to be insignificant in the logistics chain," says Handoko. “But it is precisely on these last few meters that the costs are high. The responsibility of wholesale logistics usually ends at the ramp of the branch. The branch employees are not logisticians and are nevertheless responsible for the logistics. In this respect, too, we benefit from the comparatively simple handling of the ROQQIO system within the branch. Our goal is to reduce the entire logistics and expenses such as goods receipt and labeling in the store to a minimum.”

Central rollout of the new software

First, a pilot system went live. The new system installation is still running parallel to the previous technology. The management wants to gain experience with the checkout pilot in order to roll out the new ROQQIO software independently to all EQUIVA dealers. Handoko: “Unlike our predecessor system, the ROQQIO Retail is centrally controlled software. So the challenge for us at headquarters is to connect our own branches to our franchise system and to implement uniform solutions.”

Instore app as a second step

David Handoko has the project phases in mind: "Phase one includes the transfer of the existing 'old' data to the new systems as well as the process adjustment to the new software and the rollout of the new checkout systems in all stores," explains the IT manager. Phase two is specifically about customer service, the content management system and the integration of the omnichannel process. All stores would be equipped with a tablet in order to use the advantages of the ROQQIO instore app for inventory and for customers. Handoko: "The app gives us the opportunity to address and advise customers at any time, to present new products to them and to complete the sales process - cashless - anywhere in the store."

EQUIVA Ltd

Specialist dealer for equestrian equipment and horse feed

Headquarters: Krefeld (NRW)

Management: Managing Directors: Arno Dormann, Arnd Wiegler, Head of IT: David Handoko

Branches: 79

Software: ERP system ROQQIO Retail, cash register system ROQQIO POS. In planning: ROQQIO Instore app

Assortment groups: rider, horse, horse feed, husbandry and care

Brands: Sergio Grasso, Uvex, HV POLO, Imperial Riding, euro-star, Casco, Gera, Christ, Western Imports and many more. m.

Own brands: EQUIVA DESIGN, 4HORSES, 4RIDERS and GOLDHORSE

Online shop: www.equiva.com

About ROQQIO

ROQQIO offers software solutions and concepts for the implementation of the customer journey in omnichannel retail. The portfolio includes systems for merchandise control, POS and the enterprise SaaS application ROQQIO Commerce Cloud. This manages different sales channels and controls complex backend processes, including order management, payment and logistics. The combination of these stationary and online technologies enables a seamless omnichannel experience. Processes such as Click & Collect or the exchange of goods bought online in the branch work smoothly. More than 1,500 companies already trust in the services and solutions of the commerce experts from ROQQIO.