Irish family-owned Kepak invests in major digital overhaul

Family-owned Irish meat manufacturer, Kepak, has successfully completed a major Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O across its UK and Ireland estate, marking a significant step in its drive to futureproof business operations. The digital transformation project was delivered by Microsoft ERP, CRM, and Power Platform specialist, Nexer Enterprise Applications.

Kepak sources meat from thousands of farmers across Ireland, the UK and creates products to supply major retailers and foodservice chains including Tesco, Asda, Burger King, and McDonald’s.

Futureproofing the operational systems of a longstanding family business, Nexer replaced Kepak’s legacy Dynamics AX 2012 platform, which was no longer fit for purpose across supply chain, warehouse, and finance processes. This process ensured Kepak’s systems, from suppliers to the final customer-facing transaction, are future-proofed and will grow alongside the beloved, Irish, family-owned company. With Kepak sites already live and the UK rollout of the new systems now complete, the programme is in the final throes of implementation and moving into its post-live hyper-care phase.

Throughout the programme, Nexer consolidated Kepak’s operations by introducing a central billing team to replace site-by-site invoicing, thereby streamlining customer billing across all major accounts. At the same time, supply chain, warehouse and finance workflows were standardised onto a single Dynamics 365 platform, eliminating disparate systems across eight Irish and multiple UK facilities. Underpinning these improvements is a robust solution and production architecture, designed by Nexer’s technical and production architects, which ensures scalability for ongoing growth and future enhancements.

Jeremy O’Callahan, CIO of Kepak Group, commented:

“This transformation has been a true partnership. Replacing our end-of-life AX system with Dynamics 365 through Implement365 gives us the consistency and agility we need to support our farmers and customers alike. Nexer’s strategic support was critical to ensuring the implementation process went as smoothly as possible as business continued around it.”

Martin Burden, Commercial Director at Nexer Enterprise Applications, added:

“With Kepak, we’ve helped to futureproof their ever-evolving supply-chain, warehouse and finance operations through Microsoft Dynamics 365 consolidation. As we move into hyper-care, our focus remains on fine-tuning and ensuring Kepak realises ongoing value from its investment across both Irish and UK markets.”

For more information on Nexer Enterprise Applications, visit: https://nexergroup.com/uk/microsoft-business-applications/

Tesco Mobile Ireland Survey Reveals Digital Clutter, Streaming Regrets, and Pet Obsession

A new survey commissioned by Tesco Mobile Ireland has unveiled a nation grappling with digital clutter, streaming service regrets, yet a unified picture of mobile habits, with the majority of users relying on their devices for the same core activities: chatting, scrolling, and sharing. This proves that everyone does the same things with their phones, but with Tesco Mobile Ireland, customers can get the same coverage and reliability of a big network, but with the great value and service of Tesco.

The survey also reveals that while Irish consumers are savvy in managing their core digital needs, they often feel shortchanged in other areas of their lives.

More than 1 in 3 people (37%) admit to having more apps than they need on their mobile phones with a staggering majority (92%) admitting that they have apps on their phone that they never use. However, the focus remains on essential communication, with calls and messaging dominating usage, particularly among female consumers.

Unsurprisingly, messaging and social media apps came out on the top as the types of apps consumers use most frequently at 76% and 73% respectively with a significantly higher percentage of females (85%) using social media apps compared to males (65%). The data points to a broader trend: despite the endless variety of apps available, most consumers ultimately gravitate toward the same digital habits.

Streaming Subscriptions: More Regret Than Reward

Streaming services and subscriptions, however, emerged as a source of regret and dissatisfaction for many. 67% of consumers subscribe to more than one streaming service, yet only 31% use all their subscriptions each week. Additionally, over half (55%) have regretted subscribing to streaming services which points to consumers increasingly scrutinising the value of their digital subscriptions. This is also evident when it comes to mobile phone plans with 60% of consumers comparing mobile plans at least once a year to ensure they are getting the best deal.

“Our survey shows that Irish consumers are increasingly discerning, focusing on what truly matters in their digital lives. They want value, simplicity, and reliable connectivity, which is precisely what we offer.” said Sean Nolan, Director of Tesco Mobile Ireland.

Paws, Pics & Priorities: The Pet Obsession is Real

Elsewhere, the survey found that when it comes to consumers using their phones to capture everyday moments, more than a third (36%) of pet owners say that they use their mobile phone to take photos of their pets daily with over half (56%) of consumers admitting that they have 50 photos of their pets, and a select few (7%) have over 1,000! Even among parents, 62% say they take more pictures of their children, but 17% confess to prioritising snapping pictures of their pets instead.

The findings also reveal a significant level of dissatisfaction with the value received from gym memberships (50%), indicating a broader trend of consumers feeling shortchanged.

Sean Nolan added, “Consumers are clearly looking for value across all aspects of their lives. Tesco Mobile Ireland is committed to delivering that value, ensuring our customers get the most out of their mobile experience. With the added benefits of Clubcard vouchers and exclusive Clubcard Prices, our customers can enjoy even more rewards just for staying connected.”

Tesco Mobile remains the only mobile operator in Ireland to have guaranteed no price increases for its customers consistently for the last four years.

With nearly 500,000 customers enjoying Tesco Mobile’s award-winning customer service and 99% population coverage powered by the Three network, there’s never been a better time to switch and lock in great value. Whether you’re already with Tesco Mobile or considering making the move before another provider hikes your bill, now’s the time to take advantage of Ireland’s best mobile commitment.

Fancy a laugh? Check out the latest ad from Tesco Mobile Ireland!: https://youtu.be/e1DpI74yelU

Tesco Mobile Ireland Celebrates 3 Years of unchanging contracts for new and existing customers

Tesco Mobile Ireland is once again shaking up the market with its commitment to customers as it promises to not to increase prices mid-contract for all new and existing customers, for the third year running.

Effective immediately, all Bill Pay plans will enjoy an unchanging, wallet-friendly rate for the duration of their 24-month contract. Unlike the competition, Tesco Mobile won’t play the price hike game mid-contract, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to mobile phone bills.

Customers with an existing Tesco Mobile bill pay plan don’t have to worry about them changing either, as they won’t face an increase in their bill for the duration of their contract.

Recently crowned Best Customer Service Award for 2024 at the Switcher.ie Mobile Awards, Tesco Mobile’s Waterford-based teams are committed to delivering unbeatable value, fairness, and customer satisfaction.

Ciaran Melia, General Manager of Tesco Mobile Ireland commented, “Right now, people have enough to be worrying about, and that shouldn’t include mobile phone bills. For the third year in a row, Tesco Mobile is the only mobile operator in Ireland to offer unchanging contracts for our new and existing customers. This means that as a Tesco Mobile customer you will pay for exactly what you signed up for, not a cent more. This is us giving certainty to any customer who signs up during 2024 for the duration of their contract.”

But wait, there’s more! As part of its commitment to value, Tesco Clubcard holders get double the points by registering with their Tesco Mobile account. Plus, they can enjoy €15 off their phone bill or top up for every €5 in Clubcard vouchers!

Whether you’re a long-time Tesco Mobile contract holder or interested in shopping around for a new mobile provider ahead of the price increase, keep an eye to Tesco Mobile’s amazing offers and join almost 500,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage.

For more information on the Tesco Mobile Ireland visit in-store or online at  www.tescomobile.ie.

Fantastic Festive Savings with Tesco Mobile Ireland this Christmas

‘Tis the season to sleigh your mobile game, and Tesco Mobile Ireland is decking the halls with joy and incredible deals on the latest smartphone technology. As Christmas fast approaches, Tesco Mobile is delighted to unwrap its latest festive offers and spread the gift of connectivity with a host of handset savings that will bring everyone together.

Tesco Mobile is all about making Christmas purchasing easy to allow customers to spend more time connecting with loved ones. So, whether planning a personal present or brainstorming for the tech-lover in your life, Tesco Mobile has customers covered with lots to love with less to spend!

What’s more, Tesco Mobile Ireland has extended the price freeze across all Bill Pay plans until 31st December 2023. Committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity this Christmas, existing and new Tesco Mobile Ireland customers signing up to 24-month contracts before the end of the year will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

 

Christmas Bill Pay Offers at Tesco Mobile*

 

Save over €300 with Tesco Mobile on top quality handsets this festive season with offers on well-loved brands from A to X!

 

  • Apple iPhone 14 Now €129.99 on €45 Monthly Plan Save €320

The Apple iPhone 14 has a vibrant super retina XDR display which brings any media, from pictures to streaming, to life. With an aerospace-grade aluminium ceramic shield, the iPhone 14 is beautifully durable and tougher than any smartphone glass with 1P86 rated water resistance.

 

  • Xiaomi 13T Now €99.99 on €35 Monthly Plan Save €150 – Free Xiaomi E10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner RRP €249 included

A Masterpiece in sight, the Xiaomi 13T uses Authentic Leica Imagery, a professional optical lens co-engineered with Leica, utilising anti-glare lens coating and lens edge ink coating technology to improve light transmission for clear photos anytime day, and night. The Xiaomi 13T is an affordable phone which boasts many of the features of the higher-end Xiaomi handsets.

 

 

Christmas Pay As You Go Offers at Tesco Mobile 

 

Tesco Mobile’s Prepay Data Plus Plan provides customers with access to 100GB for just €15 per month. This Prepay Data Plus Plan, available online or across Tesco stores nationwide, also includes 1,000 any network minutes with Tesco Clubcard. In addition to 500 any network texts, this plan also offers unlimited Tesco Mobile calls and texts.

 

  • Prepay Nokia C32 Regular Price €139.99 Clubcard Price €89.99 Save €50

 

With a 3-day battery life, the Nokia C32 is ready to go on that journey with you! And when the sun sets, its rear dual camera is on hand to capture stunning night and day shots. Through it all, its luxurious glass back and beautiful accent details are a treat for the eye and for the palm of your hand.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 on Pay As You Go Regular Price €249.99/Clubcard Price €169.99 Save €80

 

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 processor is not only fast and powerful, but also runs on the energy efficient 6nm process to give you high performance while improving battery life. Stream to your hearts content this Christmas and enjoy your content in smooth and seamless 120Hz high refresh rate.

 

Check out all these great Tesco Mobile deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie

Tesco Mobile Ireland launches Black Friday offers taking place throughout the month of November

Tesco Mobile Ireland has announced a month-long Black Friday celebration, offering customers an extended opportunity to enjoy exclusive deals on several Pay As You Go and Bill Pay devices and plans.

For those hoping to get a head start on Christmas shopping, looking to upgrade, or simply keen to bag the latest hi-tech bargain, the Tesco Mobile Black Friday sale offers unmissable deals available both online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Stores nationwide until 29th November!

With reductions across leading brands including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi devices, there’s a deal for everyone throughout November.

 Black Friday Bill Pay Offers Exclusive to Tesco Mobile Customers* 

Tesco Mobile customers, both existing and new, can reap the benefits of exclusive offers with savings of over €400 on Apple and Samsung devices.

  • Apple iPhone 13. Now €129.99 on €35 Monthly Plan, Save €320 

The Apple iPhone 13 offers an advanced dual-camera system and a state-of-the-art A15 Bionic Chip, boasting 2.5 more hours battery usage than its predecessor. This model also provides an improved OLED visual display and water and dust-resistant finish.

 

  • iPhone 11. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €190 

A dual‑camera system captures more of what you see and love. All‑day battery life lets you do more and charge less.

 

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €340 

Introducing the latest in the Samsung Galaxy FE family, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. The everyday epic adventure continues with a pro-grade camera, fastest processor, 5G, huge 4,500mAh all-day battery and incredibly immersive 120hz 6.4″ display

Black Friday Pay As You Go Offers from Tesco Mobile 

Tesco Mobile’s Prepay Data Plus Plan provides customers with access to 100GB for just €15 per month.

This Prepay Data Plus Plan, available online or across stores nationwide, also includes 1,000 any network minutes with Tesco Clubcard. In addition to 500 any network texts, this plan also offers unlimited Tesco Mobile calls and texts. All Tesco Mobile Pay As You Go offers include unlimited data.

And to add a Christmas bonus, all Pay As You Go offers can be reduced further for Tesco Clubcard holders, look out for more information in-store and online.

Black Friday Prepay offers tesco mobile Ireland

 

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12C on Pay As You Go Now €79.99, Save €70 with Clubcard Price 

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C will elevate every movie or gaming experience with its stunning 6.71” HD+ display. This device has a smart and striking design and the massive 5000mAh battery and 10W fast charging ensures that users can enjoy a longer battery life all day long.

Frozen Contracts 

While other operators are increasing their prices, Tesco Mobile is committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity and has frozen contracts across all Bill Pay plans until 31st December 2023. Existing and new Tesco Mobile customers signing up to 24-month contracts before the end of the year will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

Refer a friend 

Tesco Mobile has launched its ‘refer a friend programme’, where existing customers can earn up to €100 in Tesco gift vouchers for referring friends onto Tesco Mobile prepay. More information here

https://www.tescomobile.ie/refer-a-friend

Check out all these great Tesco Mobile Black Friday deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie/blackfriday.

Tesco Ireland redistributes 20 million meals to 350 charitable groups in 10 years

Over the past decade, almost 20 million meals, or 7,900 tonnes of food, have been redistributed to people living in food insecurity across Ireland, thanks to Tesco Ireland’s Surplus Food Donations Programme. On average, Tesco Ireland redistributes and donates up to 40,000 meals every week to over 350 charities across the country.

New research commissioned by FoodCloud, a social enterprise with a mission to transform surplus food into opportunities, shows that families with children are the single largest group of people accessing donations from Tesco Ireland’s Food Surplus Redistribution programme.

According to the study, conducted in July of this year, families with children make up almost half (47%) of all those accessing food donations, while three quarters (75%) of community groups, who distribute surplus food, report that they have experienced an increased demand for food in the last six months.

In ten years of partnership, diverting this surplus food from going to waste to those in Irish communities who need it, Tesco has significantly reduced emissions associated with the processing of this waste.

Working with FoodCloud and Olio, as well as over 350 local charitable and voluntary groups nationwide, Tesco redistributes surplus food at the end of each day to those who need it most in our communities. This food is perfectly edible but because it is nearing its use by date, it will be removed from the shelves in store. Typical donations comprise fruit and vegetables, bakery goods, meat and more.

In 2013, Tesco Ireland became the first retailer to partner nationally with FoodCloud, and this year the two organisations are celebrating 10 years of working together. The programme, which began in one Tesco Express store on Talbot Street in Dublin city, is now in operation across Ireland, and has since expanded into the UK, Czechia, and Slovakia.

Marking this important milestone, Tesco Ireland Communications Director, Rosemary Garth said: “We are very proud of what has been achieved since we launched our national Surplus Food Donations Programme 10 years ago. As a grocery retailer we have no time for waste and are absolutely committed to ensuring that no good food goes to waste when there are people in our communities who need it.

Since we launched this programme, which is powered by our partners FoodCloud and Olio, we have provided almost 20 million meals to the most vulnerable in our communities. This has enabled the charitable and voluntary sector in Ireland to reduce their food bills by over €23 million, which, according to FoodCloud, has empowered them to invest in providing an even greater level of support services in towns and cities nationwide”.

Co-founder of FoodCloud, Aoibheann O’Brien said: “Tesco’s commitment to eliminating edible food waste from their stores has positioned us as a global leader in tackling food waste. Through our strong partnership with Tesco, we have continued to grow our impact, innovate, and push boundaries around what is possible around food redistribution. We have worked together to reduce food waste for 10 years, expanding across four countries.”

Tech Review – Samsung Galaxy A04s on Tesco Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is an affordable device from Samsung on the Tesco Mobile network and comes in at a really tasty price especially if you are a clubcard holder at 99 euro, normally 179 euro on prepay pricing at the time this review goes out so prices are subject to change.

The device is again similar to other Samsung phones on the Samsung portfolio and has thin bezels on the sides and top and a small chin on the bottom finished with a glossy finish all round and I suggest you get a case for it to keep it safe from getting smashed if you drop it, this can happen to anyone and I always advise getting a case no matter the cost of the phone.

It has a good sized screen for media consumption and does a decent job here with bright enough panels inside being a PLS LCD 90Hz refresh rate with up to 400 nits and a 6.5 inch screen.

Onto the camera next which most people are obsessed with these days and there and we have a 5mp front facing camera and three rear cameras which are 50mp f1.8 camera 2mp macro and 2mp depth cameras. But how these translate into real world images and videos can be seen below with the video and image taken with the device itself so you be the judge but from where I stand using high end phones most of the time they are not bad at all. You are maxed out at 1080X30fps and have 10X zoom as with images and like most phones bar the higher end S23 ultras for example all apart after 4X and this happens with many phones.

The device is powered by a 5000mAh battery which for me is great and will last a day easily and me being a power user so for the average joe you should get two days use no problem here. Inside the phone is ran by an Octa Core 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 processors. Not bad but sluggish on some instances in my testing but again this depends on the apps you use.

When it comes to multitasking it worked fine for the most part but sometimes opening apps was a pain and there was some lag between swapping apps on multitasking but this is to be expected at this price no matter the device with similar inerts running it and again depending on your apps of choice, for general use such as social media emails browsing and so on for the most it will be fine and run nicely, my personal workload uses power consuming apps which will obviously slow things down more for me.

Overall for me this is an ideal second phone as I am more inclined to use higher end phones so for going out or going to a festival etc it is ideal and not an expensive loss should you loose it or it gets damaged, it can lack speed sometimes even opening some app and the camera is decent enough which for some is important.

Using the Tesco Mobile network is fine I have multiple sim cards here as I test the networks, over the last few weeks I have been using competing mvnos once of which has gone horrifically slow especially on data which is An Post so I will be moving over to tesco mobile now as it had no issues when testing. Check out their billpay plans here and prepay here and check out the device itself in the video below with image and video samples, So for the parents that are looking for a cheap phone that will do for the younger teens out the this might be the right phone. You can get it here.

Video and image samples and walkthrough

New Tesco Mobile Ireland Handset Offers Have Landed!

The rapidly changing tech landscape can be overwhelming to navigate, but thanks to Tesco Mobile Ireland, choosing the right handset has never been easier! Whether you’re looking for an Android or iOS device, or looking to upgrade to the latest budget-friendly smartphone, Tesco Mobile has a range of great value handset offers to suit everyone.

Customers who register their Clubcard with a new or existing Tesco Mobile account will also reap the Clubcard Rewards with the chance to turn €5 in Clubcard vouchers into €15 in Tesco Mobile top-up or €15 off your phone bill. Clubcard holders can also double their minutes (€15 top up gets you 1,000 minutes) and data (€15 top up gets you 30GB) on select Prepay plans.

PREPAY TESCO MOBILE OFFERS INCLUDE: 

  • Samsung Galaxy A04s – Was €179.99 Now €99.99 with Tesco Clubcard. 

Save €80 (offer valid until 13th September)

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a feature-rich, affordable Galaxy Smartphone with a brilliant 6.5” HD+ display, which is great for working on assignments or doing research on the go. The huge 5,000mAh all-day battery ensures maximum performance, helping students stay productive without worrying about their phone running out of power.

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12C – Was €149.99 Now €99.99 with Tesco Clubcard. 

Save €50 (offer valid until 13th September)

Equipped with a large 6.71″ HD+ display, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C delivers an immersive viewing experience that makes it easy for students to view and edit projects and presentations from just about anywhere, while the impressive 5000mAh battery and 10W fast charging can last for up to two days on a single charge!

BILL PAY TESCO MOBILE OFFERS INCLUDE: 

  • Apple iPhone 12 – Only €9.99 on €50 monthly plan. 

Save €290 (offer valid until 23rd August)

The iPhone 12 is an ideal choice for parents seeking a dependable and budget-friendly handset. The edge-to-edge OLED display with Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 not only offers stunning visuals but has four times better drop performance, so less chance of screen repairs! What’s more, the iPhone 12’s user-friendly interface and robust security features ensure peace of mind for parents wanting a safe digital environment for their children.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – FREE on €35 monthly plan + FREE air fryer with purchase while stocks last.

(offer valid until 23rd August)

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, which records 107 million pixels of detail, delivering crystal clear images even when magnified several times. The screen’s 120Hz high refresh rate will help students glide smoothly through webpages, online course materials, games and more. The FREE air fryer is a further incentive for those looking for a tasty, convenient and healthy way to level-up their meals in between classes.

With over 400,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage, this is supermarket mobile.

Check out the great value deals available in store or online at www.tescomobile.ie

Tesco Mobile Ireland announces Price Plan Freeze

The grand stretch doesn’t just apply to spring evenings anymore, as the increased cost of living is forcing families and individuals to stretch their income against a sharp and unpredictable rise in monthly utility bills, with many of Ireland’s largest mobile providers set to increase their prices over the coming weeks.

Committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity, Tesco Mobile Ireland has taken action to support its customers during these challenging times, by announcing a price freeze across all bill pay plans. Effective immediately, existing and new Tesco Mobile Ireland customers* signing up to or in 24 or month contracts will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

In search of the best value deals, 16% of Irish consumers have switched to a cheaper mobile phone or broadband provider in the last two-months, with Tesco Mobile Ireland reminding customers that a reliable service shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. With double the points when you register your Clubcard to your Tesco Mobile account, as part of Tesco’s ongoing commitment to providing more value and rewards to customers, every €5 in Clubcard vouchers will also give you €15 off your phone bill.

So, whether you’re a family budgeting for the weeks and months ahead, a student trying to stay connected or a savvy shopper navigating financial uncertainty, Tesco Mobile Ireland provides more help than you’d expect from a supermarket mobile. Switch and save today as you join over 400,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage.

For more information on the Tesco Mobile Ireland price freeze and bill pay plans, visit in-store or online at www.tescomobile.ie.