Butlers renews POS systems with GK’s Retail7 in record time after Enfore bankruptcy
Following the insolvency of NumberFour AG, the company behind Butlers’ Enfore POS solution, in October 2024, Butlers had to introduce new POS software at very short notice. The home accessories, decoration and gifts specialist succeeded in doing so with a solution from Retail7, a subsidiary of GK. From initial contact to go-live, Butlers introduced the new POS solution in its approximately 100 stores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in just eight weeks. This was first reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung.
The project not only included the implementation of classic cash register functions, but also seamless integration into existing central systems and ensuring compliance with all fiscal requirements. The new POS infrastructure was completely set up and rolled out within just three weeks.
In addition to Retail7’s feature-rich standard SaaS solution, the complete integration into SAP S/4HANA in a very short time was an important factor in the success. The company’s voucher process, including server connection, was also reliably implemented. In addition, the Home-Club customer loyalty program was successfully integrated.
Enfore arrived with great promises
Butlers was a victim of the Enfore bankruptcy, which also forced Fressnapf to completely change course in terms of POS software renewal, as reported by The Retail Optimiser. Serial entrepreneur Marco Börries had launched Enfore on the market with big promises. Enfore’s theoretical approach was promising, as it was supposed to be a cloud-based solution that could be used on mobile devices and was compatible with all omnichannel technologies.
However, the system was not intended for large, chain-based or multi-level retail organisations. Marco Börries had set out to bring the stand-alone cash register used by bakers, kiosks, small retail and craft businesses to mobile devices. In practical terms, however, Enfore had achieved little in terms of development. The company was also absent from the relevant industry events where retail technology professionals exchange ideas. Marco Börries had long since placed the distribution of his solution in the hands of Deutsche Telekom. The company believed it could win 200 million small businesses for the solution – but this did not happen.
High praise for record-breaking project with Retail7
Due to Enfore’s bankruptcy, Butlers had to act quickly. With GK’s Retail7, they succeeded. “Retail7 has achieved an extraordinary feat”, explains André Martens, who manages Butlers together with Ricky Schneidewind as Managing Director: “Not only did they deliver a completely new POS solution in a very short time, but the team also understood our business immediately and configured the standard solution to our requirements as quickly as possible, thus ensuring the continued operation of our stores.”
The pilot system was set up in no time and then successfully tested at the company’s headquarters in Cologne. Just one week later, 200 new POS terminals were centrally prepared by Butlers, delivered to over 100 stores, and set up with the support of Deutsche Telekom.
Live three days after delivery
Just three days later, all stores went live with the new POS system. This meant that the important Easter and spring business could continue without interruption despite the changeover. Retail7 offers a streamlined, cloud-native SaaS POS solution. The combination of a preconfigured system, retail expertise and ERP competence enables such record speeds in integration and overall project duration.