Out of all the options, how do you put together the ideal bed? Auping helps its customers with a digital bed configurator. Thanks to a large touch screen, this configurator is now available in over 200 stores. Simac takes care of the installation, maintenance and management of these screens. Bas Kippers of Auping: "The touch screen is a wonderful place in our stores to get acquainted with Auping's versatile assortment."
Will you choose a manually adjustable bed base or a powered version with one, two or three motors? Should the bed be 2.00 or 2.20 meters long? And what color should the frame and headboard be? Auping beds are available in a seemingly endless number of compositions. To help consumers make the right choice, the Deventer-based bed manufacturer has developed a digital configurator.
"With this, you can put together and view your dream bed in our web shops and stores. While using the configurator, you easily learn about all the options. Not only the sizes and colors available, but also the materials used, fabrics and the differences in comfort."
Ideal starting point
The configurator is not only available through Auping's webshop, but also in over 200 stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Denmark. Consumers can already orient themselves at home and take their configuration to the store to discuss it further with an employee. "But of course we also get consumers in the store who are not yet familiar with our products," Bas knows. "A large touch screen is then an ideal starting point to discover what the possibilities are. From the configurator an order can then be placed immediately, but it is also possible to e-mail the configuration and look at it again at home at your leisure, discuss it and hopefully order it."
Every touchscreen in a store is linked to a narrowcasting device or computer. In addition, consumers have access not only to the configurator, but also to Auping's digital mattress cross-sections. "With this tool we can show how the different Auping mattresses are constructed. Then, of course, there is the possibility to test them. Via the digital appointment planner on our website, such a shopping appointment can be easily scheduled."
Database
Auping went looking for a partner that could help it achieve its ambitions in the field of digital shopping experience where the consumer is central. Simac was selected as a partner to install, monitor and manage the touchscreens. An important reason for this is the configuration management database (CMDB) that Simac maintains for Auping. This is a database that records exactly which components with which serial numbers are used in which stores.
"This is an important basis for professional service and remote management of all digital technologies. Thanks to the CMDB, Simac is able to respond adequately to notifications from the stores. With a view to the future, we want to establish this basis well so that we can expand more easily with more digital services and work in a data-driven way."
Working arrangements
For now, the cooperation with Simac concerns only the computers and the touchscreens linked to them. All other IT systems such as the network and cash register systems will be handled by the Auping franchisees themselves. "We believe in close cooperation with driven retail partners who show initiative and daring. And who love Auping as much as we do. That's how we grow and win together. We call that: One Auping. Customer focus, reliability and service are all important values that are part of being a successful business with Auping. For me, that includes using the same digital tools and resources in all stores.
By placing this part of the IT environment in the stores with one party like Simac, we can more easily standardize and increase recognition for consumers," Bas explained. The cooperation started at the beginning of 2022. First of all, Simac and Auping made clear working agreements. That didn't happen automatically, Bas knows. "We had to get used to each other's way of working. It helps that both family businesses are willing to invest time in good cooperation and work with a view to a long-term partnership. Now that most of the working arrangements and wishes have been coordinated with each other, we see that reflected in the quality of the delivery. It is especially important here to keep communicating well with each other."
In the future, we will introduce even more digital services that will improve the consumer experience.
Service & support portal
Working closely with Simac and Auping's retail team, a touchscreen was sought that would fit seamlessly into the designed cabinet that is part of the store layout. Initially, this setup was installed and tested in a handful of stores. "Once we were convinced that the concept worked well, we started rolling it out in the other stores."
"The great thing about this portal is that we have instant insight into the status of all pending issues. Through the portal we can also report incidents and submit a request for new equipment to Simac."
The process follows a set procedure in each store. The touchscreens and devices are installed in the pre-prepared cabinet on the basis of an installation document. At the end, Simac's service engineer draws up a delivery report in which he and the Auping franchisee go over whether the equipment is working properly and whether the job has been completed correctly. Auping can view that report via Simac's Service & Support Portal.
Tablets
While the service engineers are still busy installing the touchscreens in the latest stores, Auping and Simac are already working on the next project: installing tablets in the stores. "Under the name Auping Smart Base, we have made all our adjustable bed bases smart. Among other things, consumers can control these bed bases via an app on their own smartphone or tablet. That base also includes an anti-snoring function and a smart alarm clock that make sleeping and waking up more pleasant. We use the tablets to demonstrate the Auping Smart Base and its app in stores," Bas explains. In this project, too, Auping benefits from the good cooperation that has developed.
"When launching our smart bed bases, we quickly needed advice on how to professionally support our entrepreneurs in doing so. Simac's approach is going to contribute to a successful launch of the Auping Smart Base."
