– Virgin Mobile buys Strategix online business & back office system to take high ground in the battle for customer service in mobile phone market –

Virgin Mobile has struck a blow for top class customer service in the mobile phone market by spending more than £1.5 million on new e-commerce and back office logistics computer systems.

The system will handle everything from processing online orders placed through Virgin Mobile’s e-commerce web site to stock control, warehousing, returns management and financial accounts.

Virgin Mobile has chosen a system from Strategix, a specialist in software that integrates the needs of high volume distribution and e-commerce. Strategix, based in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, was selected by Virgin Mobile’s consultants, KPMG, above household name suppliers Oracle and JD Edwards, which were also on the final shortlist.

"The mobile phone industry has a reputation for poor customer service," said Andrew Ralston, director of Virgin Mobile. "But we are going to change all that, which is why we have invested in Strategix. Quite simply, they have one of the best integrated e-commerce and back office systems for volume distributors on the market. With Virgin Mobile, customers will get clear information, quality products and top customer service."

The Strategix system at Virgin Mobile includes 20 financial, logistics and administration modules which combine conventional and e-commerce processes. This enables Strategix to create seamless links between Virgin Mobile’s web site, its call centre and its warehouses from where products will be despatched to customers.

The Virgin Mobile contract is a huge endorsement for Strategix’s e-commerce and distribution management software. The company is already very well known in the European electronic components, IT distribution and packaging markets. Its customers include companies such as Avnet, Azlan, Eurodis and Racal.

Commenting on the Virgin Mobile contract, Peter Lusty, Strategix Chief Executive, said:

"This is a landmark deal for us and really puts us on the map as a leading e-commerce player. Virgin Mobile recognises that in a competitive market like mobile phones, back office systems have a key role to play in customer service. And in the end, that’s what drives customer loyalty."

He added: "A well presented web site will attract new customers, but delivering the right goods to the right place at the right time, which is what Strategix software does, will ensure they come back for more."

about strategix
Strategix is a leading European software house, dedicated to the development and rapid deployment of supply chain software.

We focus on the wholesale and retail distribution, logistics and service sectors where our software maximizes supply chain efficiency and accelerates customer service. Our systems are designed for reliability, availability and performance. Our customers enjoy a rapid return on their investment and genuine competitive advantage.

Focused on key growth sectors which range from high technology to household and building products, Strategix numbers businesses such as Fired Earth, Fuller Smith & Turner, Jewson, London Underground, MacLean Electrical, Midwich, Routeco, Virgin Mobile and Wolseley among its customers.

november 1999

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