Summary
The retail group Matas is getting to know its customers better by using machine learning and linking its knowledge to a cloud-based datahub – connecting the entire system using a cloud-based ERP solution based on Microsoft Dynamics 365.
With its new approach, Matas is able to keep an overview of its entire supply chain and client base, meaning the group can offer all its customers a personal service.
About Matas
- The Matas team are experts in beauty and wellbeing and are the go-to choice for thousands of Danes when it comes to retail beauty products
- Matas is one of the most famous and highly regarded brands in Denmark
- Founded in 1949, Matas was originally owned by a network of independent drugstores
- Today, the group is a listed company with more than 2,500 employees, most of whom are employed in one of around 270 Matas stores
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Industry
- Retail & Distribution
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Service
- Cloud Services
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Country
- Denmark
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Insight Type
- Case
Matas is a digital pioneer in Danish retail, utilising machine learning-based analysis to assess data on the 1.6 million members of its Club Matas loyalty programme. The group also uses a real-time datahub which integrates data from various sources. Its systems are built into the cloud and run on Microsoft Azure – meaning that when it was time for the group to acquire a new ERP solution, the cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform was the perfect choice.
Dynamics 365 is linking core processes together
Thomas Grane, Director of IT at Matas, believes a cloud-based approach allows the group to gather data smoothly and quickly.
“The idea behind our Dynamics 365-based ERP solution is for it to act as the backbone of our business. It aims to connect all core processes, providing insights into everything from logistics, storage and goods movements, to stores, webshop, and app – extending to campaigns, prices, and much more,” he explains.
“Changing your ERP solution is a complex process and it’s not a job we can manage on our own. That’s why we’re collaborating with Columbus. They provide us with a competent and professional team which understands which ERP systems are strong enough to fit our needs. They also have solid knowledge of the retail industry in terms of both technology and business.
“Columbus was involved in conducting a thorough preliminary analysis and helped to validate the entire project, all the way to board approval. Now, during the project phase, they’re transitioning to a partner role where they will provide top-level expertise and contributions wherever needed, challenging us and making sure we’re focused on what’s important. They will also be managing a friendly, critical dialogue with Microsoft wherever necessary.”
"Choosing a fully cloud-enabled ERP system is a game-changer for us"
Thomas Grane describes Columbus as an experienced and knowledgable digital partner, offering valuable external insight.
“When we were choosing who to partner with on our ERP project, the deciding factor was the solid foundation of knowledge Columbus possesses when it comes to retail, from both a technical and a business perspective. It’s crucial for us that they understand our business and that we can draw on that - because there is absolutely no doubt that choosing a fully cloud-enabled ERP system is a game-changer for us,” he says.
The goal? For customers to choose Matas "because they know me best!"
Thomas Grane explains that Matas Group is striving for digital leadership and has an ambition to be number one in Demark for online beauty and wellbeing.
“That’s why, no matter what we do, our digital engagement and our processes should all be linked. Our customers should be getting competent advice and relevant, personal recommendations across all channels, no matter whether they’re in the store, on our app or on matas.dk,” he says.
“There are going to be more and more competitors in the game, and some will be global players. That’s okay as long as the customers think, ‘I could shop on Amazon but I’d rather go to Matas because they know me better!’ That’s the aim of our digital journey,” he adds.
Want to know how your business could, like Matas, gain better oversight of its supply chain and offer personalised service to its customers? Columbus is here to help.
