Specsavers signs store IT framework deal

Specsavers has signed a framework agreement for IT resources to support its plans to open 2,000 stores by 2011.

The agreement, signed with existing supplier Fujitsu Siemens, has created a blueprint for the procurement, commissioning, installation, management, support and eventual decommissioning of IT components wherever the optical retailer may establish a presence in the world.

The chain has opened over 150 new stores in Europe and 150 in Australia already this year and has imminent plans to open 100 stores in New Zealand.

Tim Daniels, Specsavers stores implementation co-ordinator told IT PRO the new agreement means he doesn't have to start IT procurement from scratch in new regions.

The agreement contains a standardised and simplified model for the installation and central management of store infrastructure, as well as standard terms and conditions, service levels and pricing.

"We've been working with Fujitsu Siemens for the last few years, but this agreement now gives me an escalation path, with SLAs [service level agreements] out or and above country level and added to that, there's now global reporting," Daniels said.

"The deal is actually more about services than hardware although it covers the terms of refitting or fitting out new stores and installing IT equipment it's more about the services we get, from the warehousing to the break/fix and engineers on the ground. It's a standard legal framework, where I don't have to worry about intellectual property or employee regulations in a new country."

Daniels added that, when the opportunity arises in a new market, the company has to move quickly.

He said it already had a preferred supplier agreement with Fujitsu Siemens in the UK, as well as having proved its ability to replicate the IT set up in other countries from Finland to Australia.

"This new agreement is essential for us to deliver on our corporate growth targets," he added.