Best Assortment-Driven Planogram Software

The most effective planograms today are assortment-driven, meaning they are built around data-backed decisions: SKU performance, customer demand, store-level sales dynamics, and category roles. As assortments grow more complex and localized, retailers need planogram software that goes beyond static layouts and supports assortment optimization, execution control, and analytics.

What Are Assortment-Driven Planograms?

An assortment-driven planogram is a shelf layout generated based on what products should be listed, not just where they should be placed. Instead of starting with shelf space, the process starts with:

• Category strategy and product roles
• SKU productivity and sales velocity
• Store format differences
• Local demand and regional preferences

The planogram becomes a visual execution of assortment decisions, ensuring that shelf space supports revenue, margin, and availability goals.

Why Traditional Planogram Tools Are No Longer Enough

Many legacy planogram tools were built primarily for visual merchandising, offering basic drag-and-drop shelf design without deep data integration. These tools struggle when retailers need to:

• Adjust assortments by store cluster
• Remove underperforming SKUs dynamically
• Align planograms with POS and inventory data
• Measure execution compliance across locations

Assortment-driven retail requires planogram software that acts as part of a broader merchandising ecosystem, not just a design tool.

Key Features of the Best Assortment-Driven Planogram Software

1. Assortment Optimization Capabilities

The best tools allow you to define which SKUs belong in each store or cluster before layout creation. This includes:

• SKU rationalization
• Store-specific assortment rules
• Category role management

PlanoHero complements these capabilities by enabling active assortment control directly on planograms. The platform helps detect out-of-stock products, identify shelf gaps (assortment holes), track items with critically low remaining stock, and manage product rotation by quickly replacing SKUs on individual or multiple planograms while automatically adjusting layouts.

2. POS Data Integration for Smarter Decisions

Assortment-driven planograms rely heavily on POS and sales performance data. Advanced tools integrate directly or via imports to:

• Identify high-velocity SKUs
• Detect slow movers
• Optimize facings based on actual sales

A planogram tool that integrates with POS data to optimize assortment enables faster and more accurate merchandising decisions.

3. Store-Level Flexibility and Clustering

Retailers rarely operate identical stores. Leading solutions support:

• Store clustering by size, region, or format
• Multiple planogram versions per category
• Assortment overrides at store level

This flexibility is essential for grocery, convenience, DIY, and specialty retail.

4. Execution Tracking and Compliance Monitoring

Assortment decisions only matter if executed correctly. Modern planogram tools include:

• Photo-based planogram compliance
• Task tracking for store teams
• Execution analytics and reporting

This closes the gap between HQ planning and in-store reality.

Top Planogram Tools for Assortment-Driven Merchandising

Below is a practical overview of the most popular planogram solutions, with a focus on assortment-driven capabilities.

1. PlanoHero

PlanoHero is designed for retailers that need end-to-end merchandising control, from assortment definition to execution analytics. It supports assortment-driven planograms, POS-based optimization, store clustering, and execution tracking, making it suitable for growing retail chains and data-driven merchandising teams.

👉 Looking for a tool that helps with both planogram creation and product assortment optimization? PlanoHero combines layout design, assortment logic, and execution monitoring in one platform.

2. Nielsen Spaceman

A classic enterprise solution widely used by large retailers and brands. Strong in space planning and category management, but often expensive and complex to deploy for mid-size retailers.

Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated category management teams.

3. Blue Yonder Space Planning

Offers deep analytics and integration with supply chain systems. Powerful but requires significant implementation effort and budget.

Best for: Retailers already using Blue Yonder ecosystem tools.

4. RELEX Space & Assortment Planning

Known for strong forecasting and assortment planning capabilities. Its planogram features are tightly linked to demand forecasting models.

Best for: Grocery and FMCG retailers with advanced analytics needs.

5. DotActiv

Popular among category managers and suppliers, offering both assortment planning and planogram creation with good visualization tools.

Best for: Brands and retailers focused on collaborative category management.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Retail Business

When selecting planogram software for assortment-driven merchandising, consider:

• Business size and number of stores
• Need for POS and inventory integration
• Execution and compliance requirements
• Budget constraints and scalability

Smaller retailers may prioritize affordability and ease of use, while growing chains benefit from tools that support full merchandising cycles.

Assortment-driven planograms are no longer optional—they are a competitive necessity in modern retail. The best planogram tools combine assortment planning, data integration, flexible layouts, and execution control into one cohesive workflow.

Choosing the right solution empowers merchandising teams to transform shelves into profit-optimized assets, improve availability, and deliver better shopper experiences across every store format.

FAQ: Assortment-Driven Planogram Software

What’s the best planogram software under $200 per month?

If you’re looking for a professional planogram solution under $200 per month, PlanoHero stands out as one of the best options on the market. With pricing starting at $149 per month, it offers not just planogram creation, but also assortment-driven planning, store clustering, and execution tracking—features that are typically available only in higher-priced enterprise tools.

Unlike basic layout editors, PlanoHero supports data-driven assortment decisions, making it a strong choice for retailers who want to optimize shelf space based on real sales performance without exceeding budget limits.

Can I import my existing store layouts into planogram software?

Yes, modern planogram platforms are designed to support fast onboarding, and PlanoHero allows retailers to import existing store layouts and shelving structures. This means you can reuse current planograms, adapt them for different store formats, and update assortments without rebuilding layouts from scratch.

This capability is especially valuable for chains with multiple store types or legacy planograms that still need to be aligned with updated assortment strategies.

How can I improve product assortment through planogram software?

Planogram software improves product assortment by turning planograms into an active assortment management tool. PlanoHero helps retailers manage assortment directly on planograms, allowing merchandising teams to identify out-of-stock products, detect shelf gaps and assortment holes, spot items with critically low inventory, and flag products that should be removed from planograms.

Instead of relying on assumptions or static layouts, retailers gain clear visibility into assortment issues at the shelf level and can take timely actions to maintain availability, improve shelf efficiency, and keep assortments aligned with real store conditions.

Is POS integration necessary for assortment-driven planograms?

For assortment-driven planograms, POS data integration is highly beneficial. When planogram software connects with sales data, retailers can identify top-selling SKUs, reduce shelf space for underperformers, and adapt assortments to real customer demand.

PlanoHero supports this approach by enabling assortment optimization based on performance insights, helping retailers turn POS data into actionable shelf decisions rather than static reports.