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Home Business Reimagining retail: How digital transformation helped to unlock a new era for The Regatta Group

Reimagining retail: How digital transformation helped to unlock a new era for The Regatta Group

by Jessica Weisman-Pitts
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Reimagining retail: How digital transformation helped to unlock a new era for The Regatta Group

By Colin Crow, Managing Director at digital transformation specialists, Nexer Enterprise Applications.

In the age of digital innovation, where technology has given rise to the era of ecommerce and more intelligent ways to browse and buy, consumers have more choice than ever when it comes to shopping for clothing. But with so much choice available, from platforms to products and preferences, businesses operating on legacy IT systems remain at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.

While upgrading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems takes time and investment, the operational efficiencies and productivity it can drive can make all the difference to cutting through the noise and the rewards can be huge for any business.

The Regatta Group: 2,500 employees, 16 countries – one integrated system

The Regatta Group, a global group of outdoor and workwear clothing brands, recognised the business benefits that upgrading its global IT systems could bring, and made the decision to invest in futureproofing its systems. The Group commissioned Nexer to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP and Business Intelligence systems, facilitating cloud migration and aligning the group’s operations with Microsoft’s integrated software five-year, multimillion-pound initiative ecosystem.

The project, which was completed in June 2023, has enabled The Regatta group to consolidate its international operations across sixteen countries, giving access to more detailed reporting and creating operational efficiencies across its portfolio of brands, which include Regatta, Dare2B, Craghoppers, and Regatta Professional.

Overcoming the challenges of legacy systems 

Prior to Microsoft implementation, The Regatta Group had an extensive and highly modified ERP system, with systems built on top of existing systems. One of the main issues with highly modified ERP systems is that updating them can be a very cumbersome task. When changes are needed quickly, there is little time to test them thoroughly before implementation. For the Group, this posed a risk to operations.

While a select few specialists in the team understood how to operate the esoteric system they had built, future personnel changes could compromise this knowledge and the Group’s ability to navigate the complexities of the system.

The Regatta Group needed a system that would not only be compliant, but also easy to roll out across teams with varying levels of technical expertise. To prevent the complex legacy system from stalling business operations and inhibiting growth, it quickly became clear to The Regatta Group that it needed to overhaul its IT operations entirely and implement a system fit for the future of the thriving business. But with the Group operating on both a wholesale and direct-to-consumer basis, and changes needing to be adopted across 16 different countries, this was set to be a complex undertaking.

Embedding Microsoft’s integrated software

Nexer performed a complete overhaul of the Regatta Group’s IT systems by implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP and business intelligence systems across Regatta’s sales, marketing, customer service, supply chain management, and commerce functions.

The transition to a new ERP required Nexer to gain a comprehensive understanding of all of the Regatta Group’s businesses. By working collaboratively with various departments, Nexer consolidated the Group’s systems through universally understood Microsoft technology, ensuring that future talent could easily understand and operate them.

But digital transformation is inherently a change management project. Not only do the benefits of change need to be effectively communicated to employees, but they also need to feel supported throughout the process. Nexer supported the Group with its staff engagement throughout the process, helping to mitigate potential obstacles to its application.

Beyond consolidation, the implementation of Dynamics 365 empowered The Regatta Group to monitor live data and make better-informed decisions. Through intelligent insights and personalisation, the new systems would provide more detailed customer data and AI-powered insights to help the retail department forecast more accurately. Furthermore, Dynamics 365 optimised operations, streamlining processes such as inventory management, order fulfillment, pricing, and promotions – creating new efficiencies and helping to unlock revenue.

Seamless transition to ongoing support

Post-implementation of Dynamics 365, The Regatta Group later transitioned to Nexer’s Care365 service for ongoing IT support. This type of post-live support is critical for optimisation and, ultimately, the long-term success of digital transformation projects.

Implementing new systems is a long-term, collaborative effort between all parties involved. Through care-focused support mechanisms, queries can be resolved quickly and live recommendations on upgrades and new features can help meet customers’ unique requirements, enabling them to continue to successfully leverage the insights of new ERP systems.

Unlocking the full potential of ERP software

Modern, integrated ERP systems are critical infrastructure when it comes to unlocking business value. As tech becomes increasingly sophisticated, businesses operating on legacy IT systems risk being quickly outpaced by evolving market dynamics. Digital transformation offers the opportunity to create operational efficiencies, leverage new customer insights, and stay one step ahead of the competition.

However, unlocking their full value requires a customised, people-first approach to post-live support, maintenance, and optimisation. Legacy systems limit access to valuable insights and inhibit growth, so implementing and maintaining the right new systems can make all the difference to its long-term success.

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Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.