Phoenix

Rangers' new Phoenix

Phoenix was commissioned by the UK entertainment retail industry late in 2006 and is now live in over 100 stores with many more to come.

Phoenix is the name of a new data capture system designed by Ranger for the entertainment retail industry. It consists of two elements - a tiny hardware module with an associated barcode scanner and a remote web server – which communicate over the Internet and make up the Phoenix system.

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Each retailer is allocated a separate, secure, part of the web server. Each time a barcode is scanned, the item is decoded into artist, title and other details which are added the retailer’s personal history. By logging on to the web server using unique access details, the retailer can view the accumulated results in the form of weekly reports, or even see a real time display!

The Phoenix module connects to the Internet over a broadband line. Normally, this line is supplied by Ranger, but an existing broadband account can be used in some circumstances.

In addition to appearing in your personal real-time display, each bar code that you scan will be logged for chart reporting purposes. Barcodes cannot be undone once scanned and for this reason it is important not to scan items that are not actually being sold.

Initial distribution of Phoenix

Phoenix is currently being distributed to UK entertainment retailers who formerly used the famous 'Epson' data capture system, which has been in place since 1993 and is now being phased out. At present distribution is being made only to qualifying chart return stores who agree to comply with a code of practice for using the equipment.

When Phoenix installation is complete in early Spring 2007 the UK will have by far the best sales data flow from independent retailers available anywhere in the world. This will enable the UK industry to track emerging titles and indeed new artists with unprecedented accuracy and timeliness.

Because Phoenix is a real time system, it will even be possible to see important sales breakthroughs in real time, as the actually happen, thought to be the first time that such a facility has been made available to an industry association anywhere.

Retailers benefit hugely from Phoenix as well. Sales results can be viewed, in real time of course, on any web browser anywhere. Simple equipment installation (It is not even necessary to have a PC in order to use Phoenix) guarantees minimum disruption, wonderful reliability and the shortest possible learning curve for staff. And qualifying UK chart return retailers can even benefit from a free broadband installation!

Phoenix is designed to meet the needs of small to medium size retailers and can be installed with multiple scanning points for larger stores. In these cases, aggregated reports are offered in addition to the traditional sales breakdown by scanner or point of sale.

New versions of Phoenix are under development at Ranger and exciting announcements will follow in due course.

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