M&S gets taster of smart phone system

Retailer Marks & Spencer is to pilot a Microsoft smart phone system to deliver wireless e-mail and store performance data to its executives.

The pilot scheme will see the company’s senior staff using Microsoft  Windows Mobile-based Smartphones, running Microsoft Outlook.

The Smartphone will also include a prototype version of business technology firm Conchango’s Retail KPI Dashboard application, which can deliver information on store performance to the handheld devices so executives can make informed decisions on the move.

The full version of the application can deliver real-time data covering sales, stock and orders for individual stores on demand. Users will also be able to get access to corporate information whether their device is on or offline.

Steven Sharp, director of marketing and e-commerce at Marks & Spencer, said: “Retail is a very competitive market, so it’s important that we have fast, reliable access to information to help us make important decisions for the business in order for us to provide the best service possible to our customers.

“We are pleased to be investigating this innovative new mobile technology and look forward to the flexibility and accuracy it will provide.”