Jean Coutu Group chooses Microsoft Dynamics for Retail to streamline operations

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov . 21 , 2013 — The Jean Coutu Group Inc. (PJC), one of the most trusted names in Canadian pharmacy retailing, has selected Microsoft Dynamics for Retail to manage all its retail operations, from its headquarters down to the point of sale (POS) devices in stores. The company chose Microsoft Dynamics for its familiarity, flexible architecture that enables easy integration and simplicity that gives people a RoleTailored experience, which is an element of the solution that surfaces relevant information based on the user’s role. PJC will deploy Microsoft Dynamics to more than 400 stores, 3,000 POS systems and 11,500 devices with implementation to start in 2014.

“We knew we wanted a system that we could scale for future growth and gave people across the company the information they need to do their jobs. Microsoft Dynamics provides that flexibility along with an easy, familiar interface,” said Alain Boudreault, vice president and chief information officer, Jean Coutu Group. “This will help us better serve our customers now and in the future.”

PJC employs more than 19,000 people and operates a network of more than 400 franchised stores in the Canadian provinces of Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario under the banners of PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Clinique, PJC Santé and PJC Santé Beauté. Besides running these retail operations, PJC also responds to the needs of its franchise network by providing an array of technical and professional support services, as well as the supply, warehousing and delivery of products.

PJC needed a new, integrated system to manage its retail operation because its current system was reaching the end of its life. The company was looking for one solution to cover the whole spectrum of retail operations. As the selection process began, PJC managers discovered that one solution for all their needs was nearly impossible to find, and they decided to consider two solutions: one for the retail headquarters and store management, and one for the POS. However, after they found that Microsoft Dynamics for Retail would meet all of PJC’s needs in one solution, the decision became very simple.

“The fact that Microsoft is providing us with an end-to-end solution makes it so much easier to envision our future technology plans and the future of our retail business,” Boudreault said. “We are also considering deploying Windows tablets as part of our overall mobile POS strategy and are excited at the potential Microsoft can bring to PJC.”

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