Automatic Technology Bunnings
Whether you’re looking for a new laptop or a new PC, you’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of options for automatic technology bunnings on the market today. There are even services for online click and collect.
POWER7 technology
Despite having a store count of more than 900 outlets across Australia and New Zealand, the Bunnings Group is still looking for a leg up in the war for consumer attention. Bunnings has been expanding stores at a blistering rate and has recently expanded its footprint into the Australian outback. In an effort to cope with the demand, a smart but unobtrusive IT solution was incorporated into the chaff to keep the good times alive. The new system will be the envy of its competitors. With a new shiny bauble in tow, Bunnings is set to take the Australian home improvement industry by storm.
IBM Power 780 servers
Using IBM gear, Datacom and the aforementioned three will be well on their way to a quick win. The most lauded IT department has a hefty swagbag of a budget, and will be putting its digits to good use. Using a single IBM POWER7+ server, Bunnings will be able to support 281 stores across Australia and New Zealand. In an era of e-commerce, the retailer has a vested interest in keeping its customer satisfaction levels up to snuff.
A little more than a year in the saddle, Bunnings is in the throes of a major data centre upgrade. Using the aforementioned POWER7+ servers, Bunnings will be able to handle the demands of an ever expanding network of stores, while keeping IT costs in check. The retailer has been experimenting with various technologies, including server virtualisation, for some time now. The most cost effective solution entailed using a single IBM POWER7+ server, which will provide Bunnings with a robust, high performance computing environment that will support the retailer’s 281 locations.
Facial recognition technology
Earlier this year, a consumer advocacy group, Choice, found Bunnings and Kmart using facial recognition technology in stores. Choice surveyed over 1000 Australians about their perceptions of facial recognition technology. The survey found that four in five people were concerned about the use of facial recognition technology. Many respondents were concerned that companies would use their data for marketing purposes. And three in four were concerned that stores would create customer profiles.
Choice has called on the Federal Government to adopt a more modern regulatory framework. The group is also calling for retailers to disclose how they use facial recognition technology and provide notice to customers.
Facial recognition technology uses in-store video cameras to capture images of a shoppers’ face. These images are then stored in the retailer’s database. When a match is detected, a loss-prevention team may call the police or perform other actions.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has opened an investigation into the use of facial recognition technology by Bunnings and Kmart. It is investigating the companies’ privacy policies.
Online click and collect service
Earlier this year, Bunnings launched a trial of its online click and collect service in Tasmania. The pilot project is proving to be successful, delivering a strong uplift in sales. The company is now staging a progressive rollout across Victoria, with the aim of offering the service nationally by the end of the year.
Click and collect is a convenient, faster alternative to home delivery. It also offers consumers the chance to test products in-store before making a purchase. It helps to eliminate the risk of lost or stolen packages. It’s also a great way to generate upsell opportunities.
Currently, Bunnings’ click and collect service is available at 74 stores in Tasmania. The service is free for customers who live within the area. In the future, Bunnings plans to extend the service to New Zealand.
Bunnings has created its own technology to provide this service. The company has also been piloting cash pre-pay facilities and a new app, which allows ABN holders to manage their account online.
