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System Selection Process for a new Finance Application

PMC managed the selection in a very structured and detailed way. Throughout the process their consultants’ experience and insight added real value and helped us get to the right decision for our business.”

SuperGroup is one of the UK’s leading retailers and, in Superdry, has created an iconic global fashion brand, synonymous with distinctive styling and quality. SuperGroup’s multi-channel operations include 135 standalone Superdry stores, Superdry concessions, 21 international eCommerce sites and its UK and international wholesale operations.  Superdry branded clothing is sold in over 100 countries.

The Business Challenge

As a consequence of its success and to support future growth, SuperGroup embarked on a programme to update many of its core business systems, including its Finance Application.  In selecting a new system, SuperGroup was keen to get an independent and impartial view of its requirements and the potential solutions in the market. Coupled with the fact that many of its own resources were already engaged on other projects, SuperGroup concluded that it needed to work with a partner to manage the selection process for the new system.

The Solution

SuperGroup appointed retail specialist PMC to conduct a thorough selection process.  PMC assigned a Lead Consultant working alongside a Finance Specialist to manage its 5-stage selection process.  The engagement commenced with the PMC consultants conducting a series of stakeholder interviews to understand the key drivers for change and gather requirements.  Where appropriate and based on knowledge and experience, the consultants were able to challenge some of the requirements and ensure that there was collective agreement amongst the stakeholder group.  After this, a meticulous requirements gathering phase was completed with the output being used as the basis for a formal Request for Information (RFI) document. 

The RFI was sent to an extensive list of potential suppliers which PMC had identified.  After assessing the responses to the RFI, SuperGroup’s Selection Board, working with PMC’s consultants, were able to arrive at a shortlist of suppliers which had the capability to meet its requirements.  The shortlisted suppliers where then invited to respond to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).  In addition to their formal submissions, PMC also arranged for the suppliers to present technical demonstrations of their solutions and answer questions from the Selection Board.

Result

At the end of this process, SuperGroup’s Selection Board was able to make a well informed, evidence based decision as to which supplier offered the best value against the key drivers that were identified at the beginning of the process.

Following on from the selection process, one of the PMC consultants was retained by SuperGroup to provide Project Management for the delivery of the new system.