Grocery Outlets Inc. operates 118 extreme value retail stores in eight Western states. We needed to replace an aging DOS sign print application with a Windows app that easily allowed our stores to print batches of signs and integrate with our host iSeries AS/400 system. Our challenge was to find or develop the sign print application that provides ease of use, supports our brand and allows us to react quickly to changing marketing demands. We chose Avanka because of their ability to rapidly prototype the application and responsiveness to custom development work.
Avanka, Inc. undertook to reverse engineer the DOS based sign application and rapidly develop a new Windows based application while incorporating some additional features new to Windows. A prototype was developed in less than a month. The complete application was developed and system tested in five months and after a couple of weeks of user testing the application was distributed to all stores. This application is now fully functional in every Grocery Outlet and prints thousands of shelf signs each day. The project also required interfacing to our host iSeries. Avanka also did the programming necessary on the iSeries to collect sign information from the host ERP, deliver the data to the store’s PC and import the flat files into the sign database.
The custom sign application was delivered within the promised time frame and at the promised cost to Grocery Outlets, Inc., we continue to service Grocery Outlets, Inc. today and have enhanced the program to support new sizes and colors of signs for their stores. The application was delivered within the promised time frame and at the promised cost. Over time we have enhanced the program to support new sizes and colors of signs and Avanka has always responded quickly. The application is well tested and although our stores run many versions of Windows, we rarely have problems after implementation. When we do, Avanka takes care of the problems immediately, frequently within one day. We will continue to enhance the program as needed and expect to use it for the foreseeable future.
Steven Tuscher
Director, Information Technology
Grocery Outlets Inc., Emeryville, CA.
“The application was delivered within the promised time frame and at the promised cost. Over time we have enhanced the program to support new sizes and colors of signs and Avanka has always responded quickly. The application is well tested and although our stores run many versions of Windows, we rarely have problems after implementation. When we do, Avanka takes care of the problems immediately, frequently within one day.”
Front-End Experts