Global Crossing Extends IP VPN Network at Superdrug
Following the success of its initial implementation for 700 Superdrug stores, global IP solutions provider Global Crossing today announced that it is to extend its fully managed Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) into an additional 200 Superdrug retail outlets. The total value of Global Crossing’s contract with the leading UK health and beauty chain is 2.3 million pounds sterling over three years.
Transforming the existing ISDN network, Global Crossing’s high quality IP VPN is designed to improve customer service, reduce waiting times for in-store transactions and cut operating costs.
The network is VoIP-enabled and handles Superdrug’s intranet traffic — including logging staff hours and providing stock and pricing updates — as well as customers’ online credit authorisations and loyalty cards. Additionally, the new managed IP VPN is scalable and will accommodate future growth.
Superdrug previously had a positive experience with Global Crossing’s fully managed IP VPN network linking its administrative offices and warehouses through a combination of access options including DSL, E1 and Ethernet. “As a result, Global Crossing’s fully private network had already proved itself capable of delivering the combination of speed, cost effectiveness and security we required,” confirms Superdrug’s IT infrastructure manager, Jamie Duc.
Measurable gains
In order to reduce queues and improve customer service, a key goal was to reduce credit card processing times by more than half — from the typical time of 15-20 seconds to seven seconds, which beats the average for the industry. “We’re currently operating at less than three seconds per transaction, well ahead of our objective,” confirms Duc. “Reduced response times in recording staff attendances are similarly well ahead of target.”
Another benefit of consolidating services within the new IP VPN network has been the consistency of charges. “We now know precisely what our monthly communication costs will be, making budgeting much easier and predictable,” he says.
“The Superdrug IP VPN installation clearly reflects Global Crossing’s experience and expertise in delivering a managed network to the retail marketplace,” confirms Anthony Christie, managing director, EMEA, Global Crossing. “In particular, it highlights our ability to provide communications solutions which meet the sectors demanding time pressures, in a disparate variety of locations and within typically tight space constraints.”
Looking ahead
The new IP VPN will also form the backbone for future retail services offered by Superdrug as they become available. Using the service provider’s managed network, the company also plans to beta test Global Crossing’s forthcoming voice solution which, Superdrug believes, will potentially deliver significant benefits in reduced overheads and management costs.
“We’ve clearly demonstrated to Superdrug that Global Crossing can deliver a reliable network, enabling them to realise an immediate reduction in costs,” confirms Christie. “We’re already making a significant contribution to Superdrug’s improved profitability, implementing a network that is directly aligned with its long-term business goals to succeed in a fiercely competitive retail sector.”
Jamie Duc concurs: “With the help of Global Crossing, we’re delivering improved staff productivity and a better in-store customer experience, by reducing congestion and providing a faster service. At the same time, the introduction of Global Crossing’s IP VPN has improved operational efficiency and delivered a direct return on our investment.”