Metro Group deploys web-based retail analysis for 2,500 employees

Metro Group, an international retailer based in Germany, is using a web-enabled business intelligence system from MicroStrategy to let 2,500 employees access analytical data on merchandising, marketing and other operations.

"MicroStrategy uniquely meets Metro Group`s rigorous requirements for sophisticated yet user-friendly business intelligence reporting features and for a highly scalable platform," said Silvester Macho, division manager, Metro Group Information Technology. "MicroStrategy enables our employees to track the performance of the entire company, optimize product assortment, and make decisions that help make us more customer-responsive and competitive to increase revenue and profitability."

Metro’s employees can use a web browser to access the MicroStrategy system, for example, to track sales trends and margins as well as perform ad-hoc analysis to understand what is driving sales and margin performance. The system also enables Metro’s supply chain executives to monitor and score the delivery performance of suppliers.

The MicroStrategy business intelligence system integrates with applications for such operations as merchandising, marketing, shopping basket analysis and category management.

The retail industry is one of the two largest markets for its business intelligence software, MicroStrategy says. "The web interface is crucial for retailers, because so many employees need to access this information," a spokesman says. MicroStrategy’s business intelligence software is also used by retailers including Ace Hardware and Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.