N Sport offers leading sports brands such as PUMA, adidas, Nike, and Fila across 81 stores, including multibrand and brand franchise stores. N Fashion features brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfeld, and Guess in 55 stores, while N Selection specializes in sneakers.
Business case
For many years, N Sport used Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4.0 as its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, along with a local Point of Sale (POS) to manage its operations. Over the years, the ERP system was upgraded to Dynamics NAV 2016, which included better integration with retail software, eCommerce platforms, and warehouse management systems. Despite the upgrade, N Sport encountered multiple challenges with their existing POS system:
- The POS software and ERP system required separate inventory documents, increasing the risk of errors and inventory discrepancies.
- Information was often delayed, leading to inefficiencies.
- In the store, cashiers had to switch between different applications for POS, loyalty programs, and gift cards, resulting in inefficiencies and double entries.
To resolve these issues, N Sport aimed to bring all their store processes under one system. Their software requirements included:
- Real-time visibility into inventory levels and sales transactions across physical stores and eCommerce platforms.
- Streamlined and automated processes to simplify operations such as order and inventory management.
- Compatibility with existing systems they were using.
- Strong local features to support prepayments, union sales, embassy sales, and VAT exclusions.
Solution
In 2020, the company upgraded its outdated POS system to LS Central POS and retail management software to support its growing business and improve overall efficiency. By 2022, the company needed to decide whether to keep the system on-premises, adopt a hybrid model, or migrate entirely to the cloud. The company opted for the fully online model, because it required less hardware maintenance and offered easier setup.
The project scope for N Group included 212 retail device users and 131 users in other roles across the organization.
The implementation was led by local LS Retail partner BE-terna, and began with Trend Maker - 7 adidas stores across Serbia, followed by N Sport after 3-4 months. Although BE-terna and N Sport had a 17-year partnership, BE-terna took the necessary time to thoroughly assess both the current and future needs of the company. They focused on engaging key users throughout the process, showcasing the solution during the development phase, and remaining open to changes.
The N Sport core team organized continuous on-site training across multiple cities in Serbia, completing 5 cycles that effectively demonstrated the impact of the changes.
Trend Maker was already in production, and N Sport was about to go live when N Group requested the solution be implemented for their three Distante stores as well. Recognizing that the processes would be similar and not require much additional time, BE-terna gladly accepted the challenge and successfully implemented at Distante in just a few weeks.
Benefits
The implementation of LS Central at N Sport has brought numerous benefits, including simplified in-store processes, faster checkout, and access to real-time data – all contributing to the company’s efficiency and accuracy.
Simplified in-store processes:
- Inventory counting is now more efficient and accurate.
- Goods receipt has become accurate.
- Accounting teams now have more time as statements are automatically posted.
- The process for returning goods to customers has been customized specifically for N Sport.
- The "Union Sale" feature has been enhanced through BE-terna’s own app.
- Installment sales for N Sport employees are easier and increasing, which is expected to boost employee satisfaction.
Faster checkout:
- LS Central POS system is intuitive and easy to use.
- Many processes, such as prepayments, union sales, and check recordings, have been simplified, improving operational efficiency.
- LS Central integrates seamlessly with the company’s third-party gift and loyalty apps, eliminating double entries.
Real-time data:
- All relevant data, including items, barcodes, prices, and customer information, are stored in a single database. “The entire sales process is now faster and more efficient, with real-time data updates making sales operations much smoother,” says Dijana Filipović, Director of Development, Logistics, and Online Sales at N Sport. “For instance, the process of adding new items, which previously took several hours, now takes just a few minutes.”
- Inventory levels are now accurate and updated in real-time, which was crucial for effective eCommerce operations.
- Store sales information is available throughout the day, eliminating the need to wait until the middle of the next day for updates. “An important improvement is the error tracking functionality, which helps identify missed sales opportunities quickly and effectively,” says Filipović.
Looking ahead, N Sport plans to leverage data and AI to drive store stock redistribution, optimizing inventory management even further across locations.
