With over 100 retail outlets made up mostly imported lifestyle product stores, PLAZASTYLE CORPORATION selected the DT-X7 handheld terminal to help streamline its store-based stocktaking, ordering and inventory operations. Starting with its new outlets, PLAZASTYLE intends to replace its existing handheld terminals with the DT-X7 after store-based testing confirmed its superiority in a number of areas including usability, functionality and durability.

Mr. Shinichi Ueno
General Manager of PLAZASTYLE CORPORATION's IT Department

The company's stores, which showcase an extensive range of products, have used handheld terminals for around 20 years as a way to streamline stocktaking operations.

PLAZASTYLE 's Mr. Ueno recalls: "We originally used batch terminals solely for quarterly stocktakes but about three years ago we also began using Windows CE-based terminals for a wider range of applications such as store-based online ordering via the in-store wireless LAN environment".

But the usability of these handheld terminals was lacking in the minds of the staff, who made a number of requests.

"Many of our staff complained that the terminals were difficult to hold because they weighed about 300 grams and had no hand contour whatsoever", Mr. Ueno recalls.

PLAZASTYLE introduced the DT-X7 in all of its retail outlets beginning with the new stores. The company had debut the DT-X7 at its new "PLAZA Maihama IKSPIARI Store" located in Urayasu City, Chiba, which opened on March 22.

"We will also start phasing out the outdated terminals in our existing stores, with a full migration scheduled throughout the 2009 fiscal year. Of course, we may push this schedule forward if there is strong enough demand from our retail staff" Mr. Ueno explains.

The DT-X7 can also meet the VoIP, a function which PLAZASTYLE is considering for the store's internal telephone system.

"We plan to use this function for paging staff and for help call. Our retail staff are currently equipped with wireless transceivers and headsets in addition to their handheld terminals, so we would like to integrate these into a single terminal if possible" states Mr. Ueno.

Casio's VoIP application (see interpretation * ) represents a suitable alternative to these types of wireless transceivers because it enables the use of the functions for broadcasting. The fact that the DT-X7's design is also well suited to use as a terminal for the internal telephone system is yet another incentive to take advantage of the application.

"The DT-X7's stylish design and coloring mean that staff will have no hesitation in using the terminal in front of our customers. Unlike our previous handheld terminals which suited to use in the backyard office, the DT-X7 is more than suited to providing customer service. In future, it would be nice to see the device made available in colors more likely to be a hit with our young female staff such as white and pink" Mr. Ueno adds.

"Casio is the only manufacturer to have developed a handheld terminal with an emphasis not only on performance but also design and style. While most manufacturers of handheld terminals specialize in industrial terminals, Casio is likely able to leverage the expertise from its G-SHOCK and mobile phone products, so we at PLAZASTYLE CORPORATION feel that we can count on them to develop an industrial terminal which also appeals to the younger generation. Casio has a unique perspective in this market as a manufacturer of consumer goods so we expect more exciting products from them in the future" Mr. Ueno concludes.