An Improved Shopping Experience through Seamless Connectivity

Through the successful implementation of the Aruba WLAN solution in collaboration with Axians, Conforama Switzerland has achieved several key objectives. Employees benefit from increased productivity due to constant connectivity, quick access to information, and effective collaboration. An expanded WLAN coverage also ensures stable and fast connectivity in all stores, enhancing the customer experience through free access to reliable WLAN. Thanks to the Aruba WLAN solution, the security of sensitive corporate data has been strengthened, and network management has been simplified. Overall, this implementation has established Conforama as a competitive player in the retail sector.

Conforama Switzerland

Since 1976, Conforama Switzerland has established itself as a leading brand in the fields of furniture, decoration, multimedia, and household appliances. With nearly 1,000 employees, the company operates 19 stores across Switzerland, with its headquarters based in Morges (VD).

As a discount retailer, Conforama stands out as the number one choice for budget-conscious consumers and those who value quality. Through constant innovation, attractive price-performance ratios, unbeatable promotions, and a wide range of products, the company meets increasingly demanding expectations. Conforama particularly excels in the multimedia and household appliances sector, offering one of the widest assortments in Switzerland.

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Conforama’s philosophy. This is reflected in a comprehensive service ranging from personalized advice in-store to an intuitive and user-friendly online store.

Project Overview

  • Starting Point

    As part of the “Transforama” project, a consistent network connection with comprehensive coverage was required to enable inventory audits on mobile devices.
    A central challenge was to ensure reliable connectivity redundancy between the branches and the data center, necessitating collaboration with two different providers. The decision was made to adopt Aruba’s SD-Branch solution due to its seamless integration of WLAN and wired networks into a single management tool. This integration provided Conforama with a comprehensive overview of all data transmission technologies.

  • Goals

    -Expanded WLAN Coverage: Conforama aims to provide comprehensive WLAN coverage in all its stores to ensure stable and fast connectivity across all areas, from sales floors to warehouses.
    -Boosting Employee Productivity: Aruba’s WLAN solution enables Conforama employees to quickly access inventory information, place real-time orders, and collaborate effectively via mobile devices. This enhances their productivity and responsiveness.
    -Enhancing Customer Experience: By providing free and high-quality WLAN access, Conforama seeks to enrich its customers’ online shopping experience and facilitate access to product information, promotions, and services.
    -Enhancing Data Security: With advanced security features such as user authentication, network segmentation, and threat detection, Aruba’s WLAN and gateway solution ensures the protection of Conforama’s sensitive data from potential cyber threats.

  • Solution

    In collaboration with Aruba, Axians implemented a comprehensive WLAN solution for Conforama, which includes powerful WLAN access points with centralized management. This robust infrastructure provides fast and reliable connectivity, even in challenging environments.

    Aruba’s WLAN access points are strategically positioned in Conforama’s stores to ensure uniform coverage and high capacity, allowing employees and customers to connect anytime, anywhere.

    The Aruba WLAN solution also offers advanced features such as traffic prioritization, role-based access control, and centralized security policy management, giving Conforama complete control over its wireless network.

    Thanks to the Aruba WLAN solution, Conforama was able to modernize its network infrastructure, thereby achieving an exceptional customer experience, increased employee productivity, and enhanced data security. This positions the company for continuous growth in an increasingly digital market.

  • Implementation

    “The high professionalism and technical expertise of Axians ensured implementation of the solution according to the defined requirements, enabling smooth execution in optimal form.” Benedict Stauffacher, Head of IT Infrastructure, Servers & Security at Conforama Schweiz SA
    The integration of the Aruba WLAN solution at Conforama Suisse was effectively and flawlessly executed, thanks to the close collaboration with Axians, a trusted technology partner. Here is a summary of this integration:

    -Precise Planning: Prior to implementation, a thorough analysis was conducted to meet the specific requirements of Conforama Schweiz regarding WLAN coverage, capacity, and security. Experts conducted site surveys to determine the optimal positions for WLAN access points.
    -On-site Deployment: Axians was responsible for the physical deployment of WLAN access points in each Conforama store. Technicians installed the devices according to the predefined plans to ensure complete coverage and optimal capacity in all areas.
    -Configuration and Integration: After installation, Axians configured and integrated the devices into Conforama Suisse’s existing network. This involved setting up security policies, configuring performance parameters, and connecting the access points to the wireless network controller.
    -Testing and Validation: Comprehensive tests were conducted to ensure that the WLAN solution functioned properly in each store. Coverage, connectivity, and performance checks were performed to identify and address any potential issues.

    Thanks to careful planning, professional execution, and close collaboration with Axians, the integration of the Aruba WLAN solution at Conforama Suisse proceeded smoothly, providing customers and employees with high-quality connectivity.

    “The extensive technical expertise and close collaboration with HPE Aruba Networking by Axians BNC AG, one of our valuable Platinum partners, contributed to the successful completion of the project at Conforama,” says Beat Sommerhalder, Country Manager Switzerland at HPE Aruba Networking.

Results

The successful implementation of the Aruba WLAN solution at Conforama, with significant support from Axians, has resulted in several positive outcomes:

  • Improved Connectivity: The solution provides fast and reliable WLAN connectivity, ensuring an optimal user experience for Conforama’s customers and employees across all areas of the business.
  • Expanded WLAN Coverage: By adding new access points, WLAN coverage in Conforama stores has been expanded, enabling stable connectivity even in previously poorly served areas.
  • Increased Productivity: Conforama employees benefit from constant WLAN connectivity, granting them quick access to product information, real-time inventory levels, and productivity tools, enhancing their operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Conforama customers visiting the store can enjoy free and high-performance WLAN connection, granting them easy access to product information, ongoing promotions, and other online services, improving their shopping experience.
  • Enhanced Data Security: The advanced security features of the Aruba WLAN solution contribute to protecting sensitive data from cyber threats, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of information.
  • Simplified Management: Centralized management of all WLAN access points through a unified platform facilitates configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of the network, reducing the workload of Conforama’s IT team.

Overall, the successful implementation of the Aruba WLAN solution at Conforama enables an optimized customer experience, increased employee productivity, and a robust and secure network infrastructure, strengthening the company’s position in a competitive retail market.

“The added value of the solutions proposed by Aruba and Axians BNC AG was to centralize the management of the 22 locations during implementation and standardize the network infrastructure,” summarizes Benedict Stauffacher, Head of IT Infrastructure, Servers & Security at Conforama Schweiz SA.