The digitisation of field audits in retail: an essential strategic lever
In a constantly evolving retail sector, adopting innovative solutions has become essential for companies wishing to remain competitive. Digital transformation is a necessity in order to exploit the opportunities offered by emerging technologies. Among the major challenges, effective management of field operations, particularly shelf audits, is crucial.
1. Operational challenges in retail
Before the emergence of advanced digital solutions, the retail sector faced significant challenges related to optimising field operations. Manual data collection was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, directly impacting the performance of sales teams and the responsiveness of companies to market fluctuations.
- Updating information was often too slow, limiting management’s ability to make informed decisions.
- The lack of accurate data led to planning errors and ineffective execution of marketing strategies.
Faced with these challenges, the digitisation of field surveys has emerged as an essential solution for improving the accuracy, responsiveness and competitiveness of companies in the sector.
2. Digitisation of field surveys: an operational revolution
The introduction of automated solutions has been a game-changer for retail businesses. These tools optimise field data management and offer tangible benefits.
Automation of field surveys
One of the main advantages of digital solutions is their ability to simplify and automate in-store inventory management.
- Thanks to image recognition and artificial intelligence, field teams can take readings in seconds by capturing images or videos of shelves using a mobile device.
- This technology increases the frequency of readings by 300%, providing more accurate data updates and a more detailed view of point-of-sale performance.
- On average, automation reduces the time spent on field surveys by 50%, freeing up time for higher value-added activities.
Improvement of trade negotiations
Instant access to collected data strengthens the negotiating power of sales teams.
- Area managers can analyse key indicators such as product availability, shelf space, shelf positioning and promotional activities in real time.
- 70% of sales representatives equipped with digital solutions believe that this improves their efficiency and enables them to obtain better commercial terms from distributors.
- This increased responsiveness allows strategies to be adapted in line with market trends, thereby improving brand competitiveness.
3. A major strategic impact for management
The digitisation of field reports also provides management with a comprehensive strategic overview of store performance.
- The digitisation of field reports also provides companies with recurring, real-time data collection that feeds into the company’s CRM, offering in-depth analysis of product presence and performance on the shelves.
- Marketing and sales departments can track key indicators and adjust their strategies with 40% greater accuracy.
- By analysing emerging trends and the impact of promotional campaigns, companies can optimise their decisions to maximise their return on investment.
Field surveys optimised with EasyPicky
In a retail environment where responsiveness and data accuracy are crucial, EasyPicky is revolutionising shelf audits with its image recognition technology. Unlike traditional methods, this innovative solution allows teams to collect field data instantly and effortlessly. All they need to do is activate the camera on a smartphone or tablet and film the shelves as they walk through the store aisles.
A smart video solution for immediate results
Instant data collection: EasyPicky analyses products on the shelves in real time and automatically generates a detailed report of key performance indicators (product availability, shelf space, price, promotions, etc.).
100% offline: The solution works without an internet connection, allowing sales teams to use it in any store, even without a network.
Time savings and increased efficiency: By reducing the time spent on surveys by up to 50%, EasyPicky frees up time for commercial negotiations and strategic actions.
A powerful lever to boost commercial performance
EasyPicky does more than just collect data: it empowers sales teams by providing them with real-time insights to optimise discussions with department managers. With an accurate and up-to-date view of the shelf space, sales teams can:
- Immediately identify opportunities for improvement (stock shortages, poor positioning, competitive presence).
- Strengthen their negotiating power by relying on objective and recent data.
- Improve decision-making through seamless synchronisation with CRM or other internal tools.
Avec EasyPicky, la digitalisation des relevés terrain devient une réalité accessible, performante et immédiatement exploitable, garantissant aux entreprises du retail un avantage concurrentiel décisif.
Digitalisation: a must for retail
There is no denying that digitising field reports is a strategic imperative for companies wishing to remain competitive in an increasingly competitive retail sector. By simplifying tasks, improving negotiations and providing a clear strategic vision, this transition optimises operations and consolidates brands’ market position.
However, this digital transformation must be accompanied by adequate human support. Training teams is essential to fully exploit new technologies and ensure rapid adoption of digital tools. Improving employee skills will help maximise the overall efficiency of the company and ensure a successful transition to a more agile and efficient retail business.
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