Belgian do-it-yourself chain Hubo chooses IBS

Belgian do-it-yourself chain Hubo chooses IBS

IBS has singed an agreement with the do-it-yourself chain Hubo in Belgium
regarding a new software solution, including software, services and hardware, to
be used by the head office and all ninety stores. The total contract value is
approximately SEK 19 m of which the value for IBS amounts to SEK 13 m.

Up until now, Hubo Belgium used a number of different software packages. “The
use of all these different packages turned out to be very labor-intensive. It
occurred more than once that data had to be entered several times,” Patrick
Mortier, Hubo project leader, explains. “To gain better control over the
processes, it was important to find a total solution that could be used in both
our head office and in all our branches.”

Hubo, which had a turnover of 300 million Euros last year, took no chances when
it decided on its new software supplier. In February 2006, twenty suppliers were
asked to provide quotes. “We eventually whittled it down to four candidates, who
were all subject to a number of tests,” says Mortier. The choice finally went to
IBS, since the communications with the company were excellent. “We had to choose
between two very similar suppliers. We chose IBS, because they are more of a
partner than a supplier,” states Mortier.

The implementation will begin with an extensive analysis stage. The changeover
of the head office is expected to happen in February and March 2008, and should
be completed in the summer of 2008. After the summer, several stores will run
pilots in September and October. The actual changeover of all stores will begin
at the end of 2008. The complete implementation of IBS Enterprise, IBS
Integrator, IBS NetStore, IBS Business Intelligence and IBS Catalog Suite will
be finalized in the course of 2009. 


For further information, contact:

John Womack, SVP Communications & IR, IBS AB
Mobile: +46 (0)70 678 24 99
john.womack@ibs.net




IBS AB (OMX STO:IBS) is a leading provider of business systems for supply chain
management, demand-driven manufacturing, customer administration and financial
control. IBS's primary focus is large and mid-sized distributors as well as
sales and manufacturing companies in international groups. IBS offers industry
solutions in such areas as pharmaceutical distribution, the automotive industry,
electronics, paper, publishing and a number of local niches. For further
information, visit www.ibs.net