EDS, an HP company (NYSE:HPQ), today announced the launch of an end-to-end targeted core retail solution designed to enable retailers to compete more effectively and improve profitability.

EDS’ new solution helps retailers more effectively manage local consumer demand with relevant store assortments through improved ordering, merchandising, demand/supply chain management and supporting analytical tools.

Designed specifically for the convenience, grocery and drug segments, the core solution is powered by EDS’ experienced retail industry and technology consultants, the EDS Designed for Run™ (http://www.eds.com/insights/perspectives/designedrun.aspx) methodology, Aldata Solution Professional Services consultants and the Aldata G.O.L.D. retail suite.

“EDS understands that now, more than ever, retailers in all segments are facing increasing challenges due to new competitive formats entering the marketplace, the blurring of channels, consolidations and price transparency, which are driving the requirement for even more retailer differentiation,” said Mike Klaus, vice president, Global Consumer and Retail Industries, EDS, an HP company. “Our first-of-its-kind Designed for Run methodology lets customers take a comprehensive approach to meeting these challenges.”

Retailers have always needed to be vigilant about cost management, bringing new items to market quickly and improving the customer experience across multiple channels. With increasing food costs, rising fuel prices and the fallout from the U.S. mortgage crisis continuing to negatively impact consumer confidence and spending, the pressure on retail sales and margins is only increasing.

EDS’ targeted core retail solution simplifies the management of information, enables the integration of legacy systems through a service-oriented architecture (SOA), leverages the Aldata G.O.L.D. solution, and provides an applications management support model based on the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) (http://www.eds.com/news/features/3808/) set of standard processes and tools.

The solution combines EDS’ leadership in program management, business process consulting, change management, integration, hosting, help desk and applications management services for clients with retail-industry leader Aldata’s international retail/wholesale business experience and supply chain application expertise.