Digitalizing Merchandising with the Right Tool

Contents

1. Benefits of digitalizing the merchandising process

1.1 Saving time and simplifying processes

1.2 A single system for building the planning process

1.3 Cloud-based solution

1.4 Access to analytical insights

1.5 Improved customer experience

1.6 Scalability, standardization of presentation, and flexibility

In-store merchandising plays a crucial role in creating a positive customer experience. When products are arranged logically and attractively, it not only makes it easier to find the right products but also helps to increase sales. For example, displaying popular products near the checkout can encourage impulse purchases. However, much more work is behind a successful layout than meets the eye. It all starts with precise planning and implementation of organized processes. That's why digitizing merchandising processes is essential for modern retailers looking to improve efficiency and provide better customer service. In this article, we will look at how these processes can be optimized with the help of modern technologies.

Benefits of Digitalizing the Merchandising Process

Digitalization of merchandising is more than just the introduction of new technologies. It helps to improve your business at all levels. Here are some significant benefits:

Save Time and Simplify Processes

Instead of manually creating planograms, checking inventory, or constantly visiting stores to monitor product displays, digital systems automate these tasks. Reducing the cost of printing planograms, making phone calls with the store, and supervising and checking stores reduces errors and allows your team to focus on creating effective strategies and creative solutions to optimize your space. This makes the process faster, easier, and less tiring for your team. The digitalization of merchandising takes the guesswork out of it. Using PlanoHero's planogram software, you can immediately see where the product is located, whether it is profitable, and which products need to be changed in the layout or replenished. 

Single System for Building a Planogramming Process

No need to look for different tools for each merchandising task. The PlanoHero program is designed to combine the key stages of the planning process and has all the necessary tools to build, implement, and optimize key processes. This includes creating a store/equipment plan and product layout plans and communicating with outlets via the web version of the program or a mobile application, comprehensive features of sales analytics, and control over the implementation of the planograms.

Cloud Solution

The cloud solution allows you to work from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. The number of users is not limited, so all departments of the retail network can simultaneously access up-to-date information and work effectively in a single PlanoHero system.

Access to Analytical Insights

Thanks to modern digital tools, you get access to analytics that allows you to easily track important indicators, such as the sales performance of individual products, categories, or even entire stores. For example, you can see which products sell best in certain stores or which categories are the most profitable. This allows you to make decisions based on precise data rather than guesswork, which helps you improve product placement, increase sales, and make shopping more enjoyable for your customers.

Improving the Customer Experience

Digitized merchandising tools allow you to synchronize inventory with customer needs. For example, if you see that a particular product is frequently purchased, the system will help you replenish it on the shelves to avoid situations when it runs out.

Scaling, Standardization of Layout, and Flexibility

When merchandising is done manually, scaling up processes becomes challenging, especially if you have many stores. For example, manually creating a planogram for each store is time-consuming and challenging for all outlets simultaneously. Digital systems make it easy to apply the same strategies across stores, ensuring consistency and standardization of the layout. It also allows you to quickly adapt to new market conditions, whether opening a new store or launching a promotion. Such systems make your business more flexible and ready for change.

Conclusion

Digitalizing merchandising is a transition to new technologies and a comprehensive solution that increases business efficiency at all stages. Introducing digital tools such as PlanoHero software allows you to save time, reduce costs, improve inventory management, and optimize product layout. By automating processes and accessing real-world analytics, retailers can make informed decisions, improving operational efficiency and the customer experience. Standardization of processes, flexibility, and rapid adaptation to changes are the key benefits of a digital approach to merchandising.