In a complex, changing world Home Retail Group Information Systems embraces new technology in order to continually improve the services we are capable of delivering. Made up of over 400 colleagues split into many different teams, this department sits at the very forefront of our business and plays an important role in adding value and shaping our future. It has both revolutionised how we work, including our supply chain management systems and also changed our customers’ shopping experience. Innovations such as the ability to text and reserve goods to avoid a wasted journey, although simple in principle, require powerful technological support. The department is structured around several key functions.

Recognition of the success of our IS teams can be seen in our remarkable successes in the 2006 Retail Systems Awards, where Homebase was short listed in two categories, ‘IT Project of the Year’ and ‘Back Office Solution of the Year’.  Also in 2006 Argos won two awards at the Retail Week Awards, Customer Services initiative of the Year for the launch of Argos Extra enabling customers to shop on-line or by telephone and receiving a text when their items are ready for collection and on-line Retailer of the Year, recognising the success of the Argos website.

More recently in 2007 Home Retail Group beat tough competition to win the Project Implementation of the Year title for it's PkMS warehouse management system implementation. 

Architecture

Provides critical input to our business strategies and development projects. Approaching challenges from a pragmatic point of view, this team ensures that business benefits are derived through the adoption of relevant architecture best practices.

Application Delivery & Support

Aligned to operating companies and corporate functions, this group provides the necessary platform to roll out solutions across the whole of Home Retail Group . The focus of the development teams is to utilise technology to deliver business value which then transitions into an ongoing support model. This means that the systems are well maintained and continue to drive the business forward.

Infrastructure Services

Designs, implements and supports all aspects of the IT infrastructure. This includes Network Services, Database Administration, Desktop and Server Management, Store Infrastructure Support, Web Services, Integration Services, Information Security, Computer Operations, Service Desk and Technical Project Management. This team also sets standards for service delivery embracing ITIL best practices.

Our infrastructure is centred on deploying line of business applications on IBM P-Series platforms running AIX and we utilise IBM Websphere products extensively. Desktops and Servers are HP running Microsoft Operating Systems. Storage is EMC and Storagetek. Networks are Cisco/Alcatel based.