Information technology and systems have become an integral part of the business with such things as LCBO.com and Vintages.com, a warehouse system, forecast and replenishment systems, and an intranet.
Vintages
Is a premium wine and spirits bilingual retailer that has introduced 5,000 new and unique products to the buying public in Ontario.
Using the 600-plus LCBO store network and its Web site, Vintages introduced 125 new products on a bi-weekly basis.
Those purchasing online have their orders delivered to their local LCBO store so that the LCBO can maintain its role in ensuring social responsibility and not shipping to minors.
LCBO contracted with Robocom Systems International to maintain a real-time inventory of products that directly interfaces with the company’s warehouse management system.
LCBO.com
Senior vice-president Hugh Kelly planned to revamp LCBO.com to better engage and target its customers through social media.
Kelly also planned to bring flat screen kiosks designed to better inform customers about their purchases and get instant feedback.
Supply Chain
Customers see Vintages and LCBO.com first hand; they do not see behind the scenes where technology also plays a key role in the new LCBO.
Systems such as the warehouse management system allow them to distribute products in less than a full case, know when a bottle in a case been broken, and accurately reflect the inventory levels so that when a customer orders a bottle of wine they can ensure timely delivery.
Other systems allow the LCBO to forecast and replenish stock in a timely manner based on over-the-counter sales information that is fed back to head office.
LCBO 2.0
Internally, the company manages its communications with an extensive intranet that reduces the financial and environmental burdens of paper-based memos and forms.
The intranet is used to send internal bulletins, memos, and expense reports, or to lessen the burden on employees