JD Sports puts applications on broadband

High street retailer JD Sports is using a broadband network to manage its CCTV, stock control and transactions at 382 stores.

The Sirocom service is aimed at cutting costs and making it easier for IT staff to manage applications and give customers a better experience.

Harry Willoughby, group IT manager for JD Sports, told silicon.com: "Its prime function is to handle sales data, price data and transactions from all the till systems.

"It's also used to help monitor the store alarm systems and allows the loss control department to view real-time images from any of the stores' CCTV systems.

Willoughby said the network will allow the company to validate certain till transactions in real time. And it will also provide email and intranet access for all store and area managers."

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Willoughby said the company is also streaming music and video to stores overnight over the virtual private network to provide the playlist for the following day.

He added the company now has applications for stock counting, and for updating till pricing data overnight.

Willoughby said: "We are currently running a pilot scheme in 20 stores for a new in-store radio-frequency system.

"This will provide store staff with hand-held terminals and printers allowing them to perform real-time stock availability checks, price checking, label printing [and] stock receipt checks."