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Background

Established in 1670, Hbc is one of Canada’s largest retailers, with more than 600 retail locations under four main banners: the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters and Fields.

Frustrated with the limitations of their online phone directory, Hbc was looking to improve the findability and breadth of information it contained, as well as the efficiency and reliability of its updating processes.

While working with Microsoft Consulting on a new and improved directory for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, the non~linear creations team was pulled in to contribute our expertise in developing custom database functionality in the SharePoint environment.
 
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, SQL Server

 

  Canada's largest diversified general merchandise retailer
 

Solution

After completing an internal technical audit that brought Hbc’s database needs into focus, NLC’s development team worked with the client to prototype and build an intermediate database that:

  • Centralized all user contact information, which was previously located in multiple repositories
  • Integrated new information into the database structure, such as the department, manager and skill set of each user
  • Created automated updating processes for the legacy database, determined by the specific needs of technology stakeholders and business managers at Hbc

The data sources were imported into the intermediate database, which was then imported into SharePoint, creating a unified and reliable source of contact information within the company’s intranet environment.

Outcome

Hbc now has an all-encompassing “phone book” that allows people to quickly and easily track down the right person for the job. This efficiency-improvement tool has been successfully launched, and user adoption is high.
 

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