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ShopKo Implements SDS

Another Top20 Optical Retailer implements SDS for Optical Practice Management


Detroit, MI, Specialist Data Solutions

Detroit, MI – April 06, 2005 – Specialist Data Solutions, a leading provider of optical practice management solutions, is pleased to announce that ShopKo Stores, Inc. has signed an agreement with SDS as the system of choice for its ShopKo Eyecare Centers as well as in the new ShopKo Express Rx.

The ShopKo division has 140 stores in 15 states. Located in mid-sized to larger cities, ShopKo stores are multi-department retail stores committed to offering quality merchandise, services and value to meet customers’ needs for home, family basics, casual apparel and seasonal products, with a special emphasis on retail health.

Don Bye, Vice President Optical Services, said, "SDS had been given an extremely challenging mission during an extended pilot phase that included enhanced functionality and performance related metrics. SDS has proven to be extremely responsive during the pilot phase and has met the critical success criteria for a successful pilot. We believe improved center operations and overall patient satisfaction will be the end result. We are now on a very aggressive rollout schedule for the remaining locations and will have all stores operational by late fall.”

Don Intile, Director of Application and Integration Services, stated, “SDS had multiple technical infrastructure options that we were able to pick and choose the best fit solution within our preferred architecture. Furthermore, the SDS technology is developed in user friendly Windows and thin client technology which greatly reduces both the learning curve in the stores and IT.” Intile added, “ShopKo is very impressed with the SDS scalability to multiple locations, their ability to convert historical data from multiple systems, and the quality of SDS software delivery and support services. The selection of SDS is a big win for ShopKo.”

In addition to the core SDS modules Patient Recall, OctoPlus and OctoPOS, ShopKo will be installing SDS Inventory Manager, Insurance Plan Manager, Appointment Scheduling, Billing and A/R and the Paper Capture module amongst others. Additional information on these and other available modules can be found at www.specialistdata.com.

"In our 16 years of supplying leading edge practice management solutions to Eyecare Practitioners across the world, we’re used to a healthy skepticism regarding the financial benefits our system brings to optical retailers. Shopko was enlightened enough to put us to the test during the software pilot phase and closely monitored the store metrics. As a result of our system meeting the success criteria for the pilot phase, Shopko agreed to implement the SDS practice management suite in all locations." commented John Chartres, CEO/Owner of Specialist Data Solutions. "Our stated company goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations and I’m pleased to say that we have achieved another success with Shopko and look forward to working with their progressive optical management team over the coming years."

About ShopKo

ShopKo Stores Inc. is a retailer of quality goods and services headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., with stores located throughout the Midwest, Mountain, and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 140 ShopKo stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in mid-sized to larger cities; 221 Pamida stores, 118 of which contain pharmacies, bringing value and convenience close to home in small, rural communities; and three ShopKo Express Rx stores, a new and convenient neighborhood drugstore concept. With more than $3.0 billion in annual sales, ShopKo Stores, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SKO.

About Specialist Data Solutions

Specialist Data Solutions is a leading provider of Optical Practice Management solutions that meet the technology needs of all types of Optical enterprises setting the pace as a pioneer in the optical industry. SDS is distinguished from other Practice Management systems with its truly integrated windows design, scalability and unique approach to customer service. The SDS product suite, including more than 25 seamlessly integrated, patient-centric application modules, provides optical staff with the tools they need to personalize service, exceed expectations, and increase revenue. For more information on Specialist Data Solutions, visit our website at www.specialistdata.com.