TARGET EXPRESS WINS IFW AWARD FOR IT EXCELLENCE

Target Express has won a prestigious Award for Excellence in IT, proving that their systems are becoming the envy of their competitors. The captains of the industry gathered at Old Billingsgate Market, London on 22 June for the prestigious Award ceremony, which saw Target collect the Award 12 months after picking up the coveted Business Improvement Award at the same event in 2003.

Part of Targets submission for the Award was based on a unique Sameday booking system, developed in partnership with software solutions provider, Professional IT. Target recognised that Sameday was a growth area and set out to develop a method of information flow as flexible as the supply chain it was supporting. This was achieved through consultation with customers, who highlighted the need for high levels of business process integration and rapid and efficient exchange of data, offering high visibility of key information at optimum cost.

The result was a system of commercial benefit to all stakeholders: Target, Professional IT and most importantly, the customer. Using the web to extend processes and integrate with customers, Target and Professional IT were able to develop a solution that assimilates with customers business processes on their own terms. The solution was fully deployed within 8 months and has already provided significant returns for all parties.

Paul Murray Chief Executive at Target Express commented:

The IFW Award this year represents a defining moment in our Companys history. Long gone are the days when other sector players could say our IT was second rate, and this

Award proves we are close to our goal of achieving market leading levels of IT Customer Support and Solutions. What was once a weakness has now become a major strength for Target. We are thrilled to win this Award in the face of some stiff competition.

Chris Bale, IT Director at Target commented:

This Award does not come as a surprise to either us or our customers. Until now we have been perceived as lacking the technology to support our excellent service levels, and this Award finally lays that perception to rest. Our existing customers have known for some time that we have embarked on an IT strategy that places them at the centre of our development plans. We have listened to their requirements and developed innovative systems that unlock value in our relationship. The IFW submission was just one part of a larger investment plan in technology that will deliver truly market leading products and services. This type of recognition simply endorses a process that is well underway.