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It can be hard to keep hundreds or even thousands of retail locations on track simultaneously. Trying to get head office messaging into the hands of every store manager, and then the messaging implemented thereafter, is daunting. Retail operation systems help the senior managers of large national and international retail organizations implement their strategic vision. Here are all of the retail execution software packages you should consider in 2024.
What is a retail operation system?
A retail operation system is a comprehensive tool that streamlines various aspects of retail management. It integrates core functions like sales processing, inventory management, customer relationship management, and employee scheduling into a single platform. This system enables retailers to manage their day-to-day operations efficiently, track performance metrics, and enhance customer service.
By automating routine tasks and providing valuable insights into business operations, a retail operation system plays a crucial role in helping retail businesses optimize their workflows, reduce costs, and improve overall profitability. In the fast-paced retail environment, such a system is essential for staying competitive and meeting the evolving demands of consumers.
Retail operation system vs retail execution software
“Retail Operation System” and “Retail Execution Software” are often used interchangeably in the retail industry, essentially serving as synonyms. Both terms refer to integrated solutions that aid retailers in managing and optimizing their day-to-day operations. These systems encompass a range of functionalities from inventory and sales management to workforce scheduling and customer relationship management.
The core purpose of both a retail operation system and retail execution software is to streamline retail processes, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall customer experience. They provide critical insights and analytics that help retailers make informed decisions. While the terminology might vary slightly, the overarching goal remains the same: to equip retail businesses with the tools they need to successfully manage their operations and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Why do retailers invest in a retail operation system (ROS)?
Retailers invest in a retail operation system (ROS) to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market where efficiency, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making are paramount. An ROS integrates various aspects of retail management into a cohesive system, offering a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact a retailer’s success. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer satisfaction, the advantages of implementing an ROS are substantial and diverse.
Depending on the ROS, you can expect the following benefits from utilizing retail execution software:
- Efficiency in operations: An ROS automates routine tasks like inventory tracking and sales processing, reducing the time and effort required for these activities. This efficiency allows staff to focus more on customer service and other value-adding tasks.
- Accurate inventory management: Retailers can accurately track and manage stock levels, reducing instances of overstocking or stockouts. This leads to better inventory control, reduced waste, and cost savings.
- Enhanced customer experience: By integrating CRM functionalities, an ROS can provide insights into customer preferences and buying patterns, enabling personalized marketing and improved customer engagement.
- Data-driven decision making: With built-in analytics and reporting tools, an ROS offers valuable insights into sales trends, operational performance, and customer behaviors, aiding in informed decision-making.
- Streamlined multi-channel sales: For retailers operating both online and offline, an ROS can seamlessly integrate these channels, ensuring consistency in pricing, promotions, and customer experience across all platforms.
- Improved employee management: Workforce management features help in optimizing staff scheduling, tracking performance, and ensuring compliance with labor laws, leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
- Compliance and security: ROS systems often include features that help in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and enhance data security, protecting both the business and its customers.
- Scalability and flexibility: As businesses grow, an ROS can scale accordingly, adapting to changing business needs and market conditions, making it a long-term investment for retailers.
What are the other key software systems retailers use?
Whether you call it a retail operation system or retail execution software, your ROS is just one part of any retailer’s software ecosystem. From scheduling and inventory systems to your POS and case management software, the right tools keep businesses running.
Here are five of the key tools providing ROI to retailers:
- Cloud video management system
- Point of sale
- Inventory management system
- Workforce management software
- Case management software
Cloud video management system
Solink’s cloud video management system (cloud VMS) offers unparalleled value in enhancing security, loss prevention, and providing insightful business analytics. Solink integrates seamlessly with your existing security cameras, allowing for efficient real-time remote video monitoring.
Solink’s cloud-based systemnature ensures data is accessible from any location so managers and security personnel can respond quickly to any incidents. Moreover, Solink’s advanced analytics capabilities are a game-changer for businesses. They provide valuable insights into customer behaviors, peak operational times, and potential security threats by pairing video with data events from other systems including access control and POS transactions.
Point of sale (POS)
Point of sale (POS) systems are crucial for managing sales transactions and enhancing customer service. They streamline the checkout process, accurately process transactions, and can offer insights into sales trends. An effective POS system improves the customer experience by reducing wait times and errors in transactions.
Inventory management system (IMS)
Inventory management systems (IMS) are vital in ensuring businesses can track stock levels, manage orders, and predict future inventory needs accurately. This leads to reduced overstock or stockout situations, optimizing inventory costs.
Workforce management software (WMS)
Workforce management software (WMS), sometimes simply referred to as scheduling software, enhances staff scheduling, payroll management, and performance tracking, leading to improved staff efficiency and satisfaction. It allows businesses to align their workforce with operational requirements, ensuring optimal staffing levels at all times.
Case management software (CMS)
Case management software (CMS) is instrumental in organizing, managing, and tracking various business cases or issues. It provides a structured approach to handling customer inquiries, complaints, and other operational challenges. CMS ensures timely resolution of cases, improves communication within teams, and enhances overall organizational efficiency.
27 retail execution systems to consider
Choosing a retail operation system isn’t easy. The features are a lot less standardized than for many other classes of software. As such, it is important to review as many options as possible to make sure that you get all the functionality you deem necessary while not paying for features that won’t provide you with adequate ROI.
Here are 27 retail operation systems (ROS) to consider:
Axonify
Axonify, established in 2011 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, is known for its unique approach to employee training within retail operations. While not a traditional retail operation system or retail execution software, Axonify offers a microlearning platform that is particularly beneficial in retail environments. It helps retail businesses train their employees effectively, ensuring better customer service and operational efficiency. The platform is designed to provide personalized learning experiences, which helps in improving staff knowledge retention and engagement.
BeMyEye
BeMyEye, founded in 2011 and based in London, UK, specializes in providing data-driven insights for retail execution. This retail operation system offers features like store audits, competitor analysis, and merchandising optimization. BeMyEye helps brands and retailers ensure that their in-store execution aligns with planned strategies, leading to improved customer experiences and sales performance. Their solutions leverage crowdsourced data, giving real-time insights into store conditions and compliance.
Bindy
Bindy, a versatile retail operation system, offers a suite of tools designed to improve compliance and operational standards in retail environments. Established with a focus on streamlining communication and task management, Bindy is particularly useful for multi-location retail businesses. Its features include audit and inspection management, issue tracking, and corrective action workflows. This system ensures that retail businesses maintain high standards and consistency across all locations.
CB4
CB4, founded in New York, USA, provides a unique retail operation system that leverages machine learning and predictive analytics. Established to enhance the in-store customer experience, CB4’s software is ideal for identifying and resolving issues that hinder sales. It helps retailers uncover hidden sales opportunities and optimize product placement and inventory levels. This retail execution software is a powerful tool for retailers looking to improve sales efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Dunnhumby Price & Promotions
Dunnhumby, a global leader in customer data science, offers Dunnhumby Price & Promotions, a sophisticated solution for retail execution. Based in London and established in 1989, Dunnhumby provides retail operation systems that help businesses create effective pricing and promotional strategies. Their software uses advanced analytics to understand customer behavior, enabling retailers to tailor their pricing and promotions for maximum impact and profitability.
Focal Systems
Focal Systems, based in the San Francisco Bay Area and founded in 2015, offers cutting-edge retail execution software focused on automating inventory management using AI and computer vision. Their system provides real-time shelf data to retailers, enabling them to optimize inventory levels and reduce out-of-stock scenarios. Focal Systems’ solution enhances operational efficiency and improves the shopping experience by ensuring product availability and accurate pricing.
Frogmi
Frogmi, established in Santiago, Chile in 2011, provides a comprehensive retail operation system designed to optimize in-store execution and performance. Their platform focuses on streamlining store operations, enhancing compliance, and improving employee productivity. Frogmi’s features include task management, real-time audits, and performance tracking, making it a valuable tool for retailers seeking to maintain high operational standards and improve store performance.
GoSpotCheck by FORM
GoSpotCheck, acquired by FORM in 2020, is a Denver-based company offering a mobile retail execution software. This platform is tailored for field teams, enabling them to collect data, complete tasks, and gain insights while on the go. Key features include real-time reporting, photo documentation, and task management, which help businesses improve compliance, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
Kantar XTEL
Kantar XTEL, part of the global Kantar Group, offers specialized retail execution software for the consumer goods industry. Established with a focus on trade promotion optimization and sales force automation, their platform provides solutions for efficient retail execution, including planning, execution monitoring, and analytics. Kantar XTEL’s tools help businesses optimize promotions, improve sales strategies, and gain valuable market insights.
Blue Yonder
Blue Yonder is a renowned provider of retail operation systems headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in 1985, Blue Yonder offers a wide range of solutions, including supply chain management, retail planning, and store execution. Their platform integrates AI and machine learning to provide predictive insights, helping retailers optimize inventory, pricing, and customer experiences. Blue Yonder’s solutions are known for enhancing operational efficiency and driving business growth.
Movista
Movista, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, provides a comprehensive retail execution software designed to streamline retail operations. This platform is particularly adept at managing mobile workforces, offering features such as task management, time tracking, and real-time communication. Movista’s software enables retailers and their service providers to improve in-store execution, ensure compliance, and enhance reporting capabilities, leading to more efficient operations and better in-store customer experiences.
One Door
One Door, based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in a unique retail operation system focusing on merchandising execution. Established in 2000, their software, Merchandising Cloud, helps retailers plan, execute, and optimize merchandising strategies. Key features include visual merchandising, planogram automation, and compliance tracking. One Door’s solution is designed to ensure that merchandising is consistent and effective across all retail locations.
PAZO
PAZO, founded in India, offers a versatile retail operation system geared towards daily operations management. Their platform is ideal for multi-location businesses, providing tools for task management, checklist implementation, and reporting. PAZO’s software aims to simplify operations, improve communication, and ensure compliance in daily retail activities, enhancing overall efficiency and store performance.
ParallelDots ShelfWatch
ParallelDots ShelfWatch, a product from an AI research and development company based in India, provides an innovative retail execution software using AI and image recognition technologies. Established to optimize shelf management in retail stores, their solution assists in tracking product placement, stock availability, and planogram compliance. ShelfWatch’s advanced analytics help retailers improve product visibility, ensure stock availability, and optimize shelf space utilization.
Pepperi
Pepperi, headquartered in New York and established in 2012, offers a comprehensive B2B retail operation system. Their platform is designed to streamline sales processes, combining e-commerce, sales force automation, and retail execution. Key features include order taking, catalog management, and mobile CRM, making it a valuable tool for brands and wholesalers looking to improve their retail and wholesale operations and enhance their customer engagement.
Pitcher
Pitcher, founded in Zurich, Switzerland, offers an innovative retail execution software that revolutionizes how sales and marketing teams operate. Established in 2011, Pitcher’s platform empowers field teams with tools for sales automation, content management, and interactive selling. These features help in improving customer interactions, enhancing sales productivity, and ensuring effective communication across the team.
POPProbe
POPProbe provides a specialized retail execution software designed to enhance in-store marketing and promotions. Their solution offers tools for monitoring and managing point-of-purchase materials, ensuring brand compliance, and optimizing the effectiveness of in-store campaigns. This focus helps retailers and brands maximize the impact of their in-store marketing efforts.
Progress Retail
Progress Retail, a company focusing on retail training and performance, offers a retail operation system that emphasizes employee development and operational excellence. Their platform combines learning management, performance tracking, and employee engagement tools. This holistic approach ensures that retail teams are well-trained, highly motivated, and aligned with the company’s goals, resulting in improved store performance and customer service.
Promomash
Promomash is a retail operation system catering primarily to small and medium-sized consumer brands. Established with a focus on field activity management and trade promotion optimization, Promomash provides tools for managing demos, in-store activities, and trade promotions. Their platform helps brands streamline operations, manage field teams effectively, and gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.
QVALON
QVALON, with its comprehensive retail operation system, focuses on improving in-store execution and compliance. The platform offers features like checklist management, issue tracking, and analytics, which are essential for maintaining high operational standards in retail environments. QVALON’s system is designed to streamline operations, enhance accountability, and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Repsly
Repsly, based in Boston and founded in 2010, provides a field management software tailored for organizations with field teams. This retail execution software focuses on simplifying field activity management, enhancing data collection, and improving communication between field reps and management. Repsly offers features like data reporting, time tracking, and GPS location tracking, making it an essential tool for businesses looking to optimize their field operations and gain valuable insights into field activities.
Skupos
Skupos, founded in San Francisco in 2016, specializes in a retail operation system for convenience stores and gas stations. Their platform is designed to streamline operations, enhance inventory management, and optimize pricing strategies. Skupos offers features like automated inventory tracking, sales analytics, and loyalty program integration, making it a valuable tool for small and mid-sized retailers looking to improve efficiency and increase sales.
Storeforce
Storeforce, established in Toronto, Canada, offers a performance-based workforce management solution specifically for specialty retail. Their platform focuses on optimizing staff scheduling, performance management, and operational analytics. Storeforce’s tools help retailers align staff schedules with customer traffic patterns, thereby maximizing sales opportunities and enhancing customer service.
VisitBasis
VisitBasis, headquartered in Florida, USA, provides a comprehensive retail execution software aimed at optimizing field team operations. Their platform offers features like task management, data collection, and real-time reporting, which are crucial for businesses managing field teams. VisitBasis helps ensure that field activities are aligned with company strategies, thereby improving operational efficiency and execution.
Wiser Solutions
Wiser Solutions, based in San Mateo, California, offers a retail execution software that combines in-store execution, online data collection, and analytics. Their platform is designed to help brands and retailers optimize pricing, promotions, and merchandising strategies. Wiser Solutions’ key features include price intelligence, shelf analysis, and competitor monitoring, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions for better in-store performance.
Yoobic
Yoobic, founded in London in 2014, provides a digital workplace platform focused on enhancing communication, training, and process compliance for frontline teams. Their retail operation system includes features like task management, real-time communication, and interactive training modules. Yoobic is particularly useful for retailers looking to improve in-store execution, employee engagement, and operational consistency across multiple locations.
Zipline
Zipline, established in San Francisco in 2015, offers a retail operation system that streamlines communication and execution for retail brands. Their platform is designed to improve store compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure consistent execution across all locations. Zipline’s features include task management, real-time communication, and performance tracking, making it an essential tool for retailers seeking to improve store operations and team alignment.
Solink helps simplify retail operations
Solink significantly streamlines retail operations, offering an advanced cloud video management system that integrates with other retail software. This integrated approach enhances security, provides insightful business intelligence, and improves overall operational efficiency in the retail environment.
Solink’s innovative approach to video surveillance and data analysis proves essential for modern retail businesses seeking to optimize their operations and enhance customer experiences.
To see how Solink can help your retail operations, sign up for a demo today.
Timothy Ware | 
Timothy Ware is Solink’s Content Manager. He brings over ten years of writing and editing experience to the job. When he isn’t writing about security, loss prevention, and asset protection, he’s enjoying his newest board game. His work has appeared on many B2B SaaS websites including Baremetrics, Security Today, TeamPassword, Cova, and SignTime.
