SAP
November 2008 | Subscribe | Contact SAP
photo

Overcoming the Challenges Ahead

A note from Bob McFarland, Senior VP/GM, SAP Retail

Bob McFarlandHello to you all. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Bob McFarland. As of November 1st, I have been appointed as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of SAP Retail. Prior to my new role, I have been leading the Retail Central US Sales region since joining SAP in 2006. My career spans over 25 years of sales and sales leadership experience, with the last 15 years focused on working with companies in the Retail, Apparel and Consumer Goods industries. Before joining SAP, I held a senior leadership roles with Manhattan Associates; Matrics, an early pioneer in the RFID industry; and Manugistics, where I spent seven years and ultimately led the Americas sales organization. I am extremely excited about this new role and look forward to working with all of you in the future.

It's not news that our economy is going through some extremely challenging times. The financial crisis continues to unfold, leaving concern among consumers at an all-time high. In all this, retailers face an array of challenges that include higher costs, decreasing sales and increasing competition.

Despite this environment, many retailers are finding success through smart cash flow management and a careful shoring up of their operations. They are connecting more with their customers and providing exemplary customer service. SAP for Retail is here to help your organization adapt and change to address to the new market demands. We can help you better understand your business, anticipate customer needs before they arise and strengthen your customer relationships. The end game is a close customer connection that keeps customers satisfied and loyal.

Because of the market we face today, you need every tool at your disposal. SAP for Retail provides retailers of all sizes solutions that allow you to make informed decisions. Our suite of solutions enables you to have a 360-degree view of your customers so you know what they buy as well as when and how often they buy it. This is one key reason why we are the top choice for businesses that demand world-class solutions.

I look forward to working with you in the future and hearing about your continued success.

Bob McFarland
Bob McFarland
Senior VP/GM, SAP Retail

Return to newsletter

Rate This Article
Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
Give Us Your Feedback
Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on this article.
spacer

Sign Up for Economic Outlook Webinar
The elections are behind us, but many questions remain about the current economic climate, the possible response from the incoming Obama administration and the implications for retailers. Sign up for the webinar "Economic Outlook: An In-Depth Analysis" on November 18 at 2 p.m. ET.
Register now.

SAP RETAIL NEWS

Investing in an Economic Downturn
With the economy slumping, consumers are spending less in retail outlets, but retailers can still drive profits by refocusing their efforts on training, technology and customer service. Take the initiative now to grow your business.
Learn more.

Loblaw Taps SAP to Strengthen Business Processes in Canada
Canada's largest food distributor will use SAP solutions as part of its information systems and processes renewal and enhancement.
Learn more.

Brown Shoe Steps Up With SAP to Enable Strategic Business Transformation
Leading footwear company brings in SAP Solution for growth and profitability.
Learn more.