United Kingdom, 2006-Feb-17
The John Lewis Partnership has selected Siemens as their partner in a programme to roll out smart cards to the whole of the partnership organisation; some 63,000 partners in 200 locations. Insight Consulting, part of Siemens Communications, has completed a proof of concept with the Partnership that will see the Siemens DirX and Smart Card Technology and Intercede’s MyID™ Smart Card Management System rolled out in a multi-stage programme.
Miles Knapman, Project Manager for the programme, commented: “In recent years the Partnership's staff - 'partners' - have had to carry an increasing number of cards in the workplace - for example for cashless vending and building access control. This is inconvenient for them, administratively inefficient and insecure. The Siemens and Intercede software together provides us with a solution that supports a variety of card technologies and allows us to combine these in whatever way we want on individual cards without having to re-key information about cardholders that is already available in our HR system. This means we will be able to issue partners with secure, multifunctional cards, and at the same time minimise costs.”
The proof of concept took place with the Partnership to ensure that the Siemens solution would be able to link in with the new HR system, existing building controls, and cashless vending before the contract was awarded.
Phil Edwards, Business Development Manager for Siemens, commented: “The John Lewis Partnership had a number of key business issues that needed to be addressed. They knew what they wanted to achieve but so far had not found a partner that could provide everything in one. Siemens had a more integrated approach to the programme, we didn’t just sell the card and the management technology, we also provided consultancy support to assist with design, implementation and training, which I feel contributed to the success of the proof of concept.”
Richard Parris, CEO and Chairman for Intercede, agrees: “We are delighted that a prestigious organisation such as The John Lewis Partnership has chosen our MyID™ Smart Card. By choosing Intercede’s MyID™ along with Siemens support and consulting services, the Partnership are receiving world-class Smart Card products and services that will help them to quickly realise their goals while protecting them well into the future.“
The plan is to roll out the Smart Card programme in stages starting this year with the first pilot in the Partnership's London head offices. Insight Consulting is overseeing the programme implementation, providing consultancy support throughout.
About Siemens Communications
Siemens Communications is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. Siemens is the only provider in the market that offers its customers a full-range portfolio, from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures for enterprises and carriers as well as related services. Siemens Communications is the world’s innovation leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within Siemens and operates in more than 160 countries around the world.
Siemens Communications’ specialist security division, Insight Consulting, is a leading UK provider of services and solutions for information security, business continuity and risk management. Insight Consulting provides proven, business driven solutions to a wide range of blue chip clients and is a preferred supplier of services to the UK Government. Visit the website at www.siemens.co.uk/insight.
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 162 years ago. The company employs 21,122 people in the UK, including about 5,000 in the manufacturing sector. Last year’s revenues were £3 billion, including exports of £500 million.
Siemens provides innovative, high-quality services and solutions to customers in a diverse range of industry sectors, including power, automation and control, information and communication, medical, transportation, lighting, and household.
Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany.
Mr. Neil Jessiman
Companycare Communications
Further information
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