The client
Next plc is a British multinational retailer renowned for its fashionable clothing, accessories, and home products. Next are widely recognised as a digital leader in the retail industry and have made significant investment in their digital capabilities over recent years. With nearly 500 stores in the UK, Next ensures customers enjoy a seamless and engaging shopping experience, both online and in-store.
The challenge
To bring about a radical transformation in Next's store management processes by implementing a set of Xamarin-built apps.
The solution
A comprehensive suite of 75 enterprise apps that revolutionise Next's approach to stock management, drastically reducing stock inventory times from hours to seconds.
Xamarin consultancy
As Next embarked on their Xamarin journey, we provided guidance on solution architecture, environment setup, and development methodology.
Working closely with their team, we conducted training sessions for Next’s staff in Xamarin development. Combined with our targeted support and knowledge transfer, this bolstered their team’s productivity.
Through our consultancy and input, Next successfully met their ambitious development timeline, accelerating the realisation of efficiency advantages offered by Xamarin.
UX optimisation
Our team focused on crafting a streamlined, user-friendly, and adaptable UX design. This approach substantially reduced staff training expenses by facilitating smoother onboarding, minimising errors, and promoting greater employee engagement.
Bespoke integrations
Our solution incorporates a combination of interconnected technologies and functionalities to meet the requirements of a modern, interconnected stock management and logistics environment.
From RFID scanners to an in-store payment solution that enhances customer service, our development team skilfully built tailored integrations into the app, delighting both staff and customers.
Technology
Our expertise in Xamarin mobile and integration development enabled us to deliver a suite of scalable and robust enterprise apps.
Xamarin
Leveraging the powerful Xamarin mobile development framework, we successfully reduced the cost of developing a cross-platform solution without compromising on delivering a high-quality user interface and user experience.
Zebra
Our innovative approach to improving Next’s store management process led to Screenmedia becoming an approved Zebra PartnerConnect Independent Software Vendor (ISV). As a Zebra ISV, we collaborate to develop impactful solutions utilising Zebra’s diverse range of innovative technologies.
Results
Over the course of our partnership, we have delivered 25 Xamarin apps and supported the internal rollout of 50 more, revolutionising Next’s approach to stock management.
Our targeted consultancy and training have further enabled Next to maximise their investment by benefitting from an accelerated start to their Xamarin journey.
Client Testimonial
"Waracle were instrumental in fast-tracking new capabilities into our teams, allowing us to provide the software solutions our business demanded. Their architecture, scoping, user experience and coaching capabilities gave us the confidence to make bold solution decisions and the skills to take the technology forward. The consultants were friendly, enthusiastic and practical throughout, allowing them to engage seamlessly with the delivery teams."
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