Bentalls Takes Stock of New Capabilities with BancTec Inventory Solution

LONDON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Bentalls, a premium UK department store with locations in London and Bracknell, recently went live with a new stocktake solution implemented by BancTec, a global provider of advanced, high-volume, document and payment processing solutions and services.  The solution, which is built around CipherLab handheld units and a customized inventory program developed by BancTec, has enabled Bentalls to decrease by five days the duration of its biannual stocktake.

"BancTec listened closely to our needs and worked with us to develop a solution that saves time and money, and which reduces risk," said Roland Goldsack, IT Support Manager for Bentalls.  "The first stocktaking we performed with the new solution was a great success.  The CipherLab units and BancTec's support have proved a perfect match for our stocktaking needs and improved this vital business process."

Bentalls' previous stocktaking units had become unreliable, suffered from poor battery life and were cumbersome in the way they transmitted data into the store accounting system.  BancTec, which distributes CipherLab handheld units in the UK, suggested that the CipherLab 8300 device would best fit Bentalls' stocktake requirements and could also handle other tasks, such as recording receipt of merchandise in the distribution center.  The long charge held by the new units, which minimizes interruptions and eliminates the need for multiple data downloads, enables employees to scan thousands of items at a time versus hundreds, and has shortened stocktaking by five nights.  The shorter inventory period saves Bentalls a tremendous number of man-hours and overtime pay.

BancTec also developed a new inventory program that resides on the units.  This customized program adds new functionality to Bentalls' stocktake process, and is also easily supported in-house by Bentalls' IT department.  Finally, BancTec implemented a direct Ethernet connection that enables the handheld units to be placed in their charging cradles to transfer data back to the head office without first needing to connect them and download the information to a PC.

"We appreciate the opportunity to work with Bentalls and help improve their stocktake process through our AutoID solutions," said Mark Worrall, customer services director, BancTec.  "The reliability and long battery life of the new handhelds, along with an improved inventory control program, has helped improve the accuracy, reduce the cost and shorten the duration of their stocktaking.  We look forward to working with Bentalls in the future and helping them leverage additional tools in their retail operations."

About BancTec

BancTec helps clients around the world simplify the process of managing their information.  Founded in 1972, the company provides a wide range of solutions for automating complex, high-volume and data-intensive business processes for clients in the financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, government, services and utilities industries.  BancTec's offerings include business solutions, business process outsourcing, and infrastructure services. With headquarters in Dallas, BancTec serves clients in 50 countries.  For more information on how BancTec can help you optimize information management, visit www.banctec.com or call 1-800-BANCTEC.

Forward-Looking Statements  All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts are "forward-looking statements" describing BancTec's objectives, targets, plans, strategies, costs, anticipated capital expenditures and expected cost savings.  These statements represent BancTec's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.  For a written description of these factors, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2007.   The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent events or otherwise except as required by law.  

SOURCE BancTec