To develop the Retail Simulation Engine, the Saarland-based company Dacos worked with the German Research Centre for Artifical Intelligence, the Institute for Commerce and International Marketing and the University of Saarland. Drawing on the latest findings of computer science, the software solution makes it possible to determine and simulate consumer behaviour models. It consists of various modules: The Promotion Engine enables the user to test the effectiveness of advertising measures as well as to optimally determine his pricing image and competitors' prices both in terms of customer needs and in terms of his own earnings. The Product Engine enables the product range to be optimised. It can also determine which brand has the most appeal to customers and how a brand's customer profile can change when the price or sales channel is adjusted.

"I am really happy that we are intensifying our trusting relationship with Globus. Globus is a major retail company and a leader in customer satisfaction," said Professor Dr. Joachim Hertel, the Director of Dacos Software. "Thanks to our solutions, which project possible consumer behaviour by using the methods of Artificial Intelligence, Globus can now orient its product range and promotions even more directly towards the needs of its customers and, as a result, further extend its leading position."

About Dacos The company focuses on the development of a new generation of analysis, prognosis and simulation systems. Dacos has already developed such software solutions for the retail and consumer goods industry and the use of Dacos core technology is now planned in other branches. Dacos was founded by Professor Dr. Joachim Hertel, Professor Dr. Joachim Zentes and Professor Dr. Jörg Siekmann (all from the University of the Saarland). The company's developments are based on the most current findings in Artificial Intelligence, as well as trade and marketing research.