Delivering Superior Customer Experiences with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Overview 

A leading Canadian retailer partnered with SkillNet to modernize its enterprise integrations and unlock real-time data visibility across business systems. As the company expanded its retail footprint, it needed a seamless way to connect operational systems with its enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform and back-office systems. Leveraging Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), SkillNet implemented a secure, scalable integration framework that automated reporting, synchronized key data, and ensured accurate, timely information at every store. This transformation improved operational efficiency and empowered store teams to deliver superior customer experiences through faster service, accurate pricing, and reliable product availability. 

Client 

The client is one of Canada’s fastest-growing retailers, offering high-quality products and accessories through an expanding network of stores. Known for delivering a compliant, customer-focused retail experience, the company has built a strong brand reputation and continues to evolve to meet dynamic market demands. 

Business Challenges 

To support its growth and maintain a consistent, high-quality customer experience, the client needed to address the following challenges: 

• Disconnect between operational systems and the ERP platform 
• Lack of real-time access to sales, inventory, and financial data at the store level
• Manual and time-consuming financial reporting processes 
• Inconsistent foundational data (e.g., item and pricing) across locations 

Solution 

SkillNet designed and deployed a tailored integration solution using Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC), backed by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). The implementation included: 

• Integration of Key Systems 
  Connected the client’s operational platforms with the ERP system using OIC services to enable seamless, real-time data flow across all retail locations. 
• Custom Financial Automation 
  Built automated processes to calculate and store daily general ledger (GL) totals which were then integrated into the ERP, thus eliminating manual hand-offs and ensuring timely, accurate financial data. 
• Foundational Data Synchronization 
  Enabled automated synchronization of item and pricing information from the ERP platform to the retail back-office system, ensuring consistent pricing and product details in every store. 
• Security and Identity Management 
  Ensured secure authentication and communication across integrated systems using Oracle IDCS and XOCS APIs  

Benefits 

SkillNet’s deep expertise in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) ensured the solution was aligned with the client’s IT architecture, business goals, and compliance requirements. This resulted in both operational improvements and a measurable impact on customer experience: 

• Superior In-Store Experience 
  Accurate, synchronized product and pricing data improved checkout speed, reduced errors, and enhanced customer trust. 
• Improved Operational Efficiency 
  Automated data flows and financial processes reduced manual effort, freeing staff to focus more on serving customers. 
• Real-Time Business Insights 
  Store teams gained timely access to sales and inventory information, enabling faster response to customer needs. 
• Consistent and Reliable Data 
  Eliminated discrepancies across locations, ensuring customers receive the same high-quality experience in every store. 
• Secure, Enterprise-Grade Connectivity 
  Implemented secure cross-system communication, safeguarding sensitive data while supporting fast, reliable service delivery.