Technology Transformation at Scale

Our client is the VP Technology of a leading international retailer operating stores across multiple European countries. Over time, different business units and markets selected store technology that best suited their local operational needs, including the handheld devices used daily by store employees. In some markets, locally operated or affiliated stores also made independent hardware decisions, further increasing the diversity of the device landscape.

As a result, the retailer  managed a highly diverse device landscape, consisting of tens of thousands of handheld devices, sourced from several vendors and spread across dozens of models. Devices differed not only in brand and model, but also in software versions, support setups, and purchase conditions. Procurement conditions also varied between countries and business units, resulting in different purchasing conditions for similar devices.

While this approach successfully supported local operational needs, it also introduced challenges:

• High complexity for store and IT teams managing many device types
• Fragmented lifecycle, support, and upgrade setups
• Limited ability to leverage scale in procurement despite large total volumes
• Missed cost savings and lack of a clear long-term direction

The ambition was to define a regional store device strategy that balanced brand autonomy with simplicity, transparency, and cost control.

Addestino partnered with the client from the initial analysis to sourcing readiness with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.

1. Creating a shared factual view

We built a clear overview of the installed base, analysing the install base across vendors, models, operating systems, lifecycle status, pricing and support arrangements.

2. Understanding real needs from the brands
   Through structured workshops with all brands, we captured functional and operational requirements from store and IT stakeholders.This ensured that future decisions reflected how devices were actually used in stores, rather than relying solely on technical specifications. We also incorporated upcoming technology trends and innovation needs (e.g. UWB-enabled use cases) to create a future-proof device strategy.
3. Market scan and device shortlisting

We ran a comprehensive market scan, combining desk research, vendor interviews, and model comparisons, and then shortlisted a limited set of devices for deeper evaluation.

4. Hands-on regional testing by Addestino and the brands

In parallel with the store tests organised by the brands, Addestino performed independent regional testing, including device staging and configuration. It also enabled us to validate and interpret brand feedback, ensuring recommendations remained grounded in real experience.

5. From recommendation to sourcing readiness

We translated the results and feedback into a clear regional recommendation, balancing performance, TCO, and future needs while preserving flexibility for brand priorities. We then prepared the regional sourcing and RFP track so the work translated directly into next steps.

This engagement illustrated Addestino’s ability to combine analytical expertise with practical execution, align stakeholders, and keep momentum from start to finish.

The Outcome – What We Delivered

• A regional recommendation to establish one preferred strategic hardware vendor
• A limited portfolio of three device models, covering key store use cases
• A sourcing-ready strategy enabling a smooth transition into regional procurement

The Impact – So What?

The impact was tangible:

• >€5 million in cost savings, driven by harmonised pricing and reduced complexity
• The number of device models were reduced by a factor of ten, simplifying deployment, support, and lifecycle management
• Simplified day-to-day operations for both store employees and the regional IT Teams

Building on the success of this programme, Addestino has been asked to lead a similar standardisation initiative for another major business line, applying the same approach to drive further alignment and cost savings at global retail level.