Search For Exception Reporting Sparks BI Implementation

By Integrated Solutions for Retailers magazine

The TOTAL Retail Analytics program runs on a SQL server, and information is shared across the stores using Windows SharePoint services. Bartell Drugs purchased the additional server and installed it at the company's main office. Magstar loaded the TOTAL Retail Analytics software remotely. In addition to the new SQL server that runs the TOTAL Retail Analytics software, the retailer also has a Magstar central server at the main office which polls data from each store every night. The polled data is sent to the server hosting the TOTAL Retail Analytics software, and the software can turn the data into various reports, including exception reports. The exception reports will be used to help Bartell hold employees to higher store performance standards, which will accomplish the retailer's initial goal. The retailer expects to reduce shrink at least 10% as a result of the solution, which will provide a payback on the new system in less than one year.

The TOTAL Retail Analytics software also offers customary BI reports that provide information to the retailer on daily operations, operations productivity, merchandise productivity, and item performance analysis. Information is presented in a KPI (key performance indicator) dashboard format to make it easy for users to access and view. Bartell executives and district managers will use these reports to review operations and store performance, and buyers will use them for purchasing decisions. Users can select levels of information detail for each store, as well as view comparative data from multiple stores.

Used with permission from Integrated Solutions for Retailers magazine