When choosing new in-store systems and tools, it can be difficult to define requirements, what to look for and what to ignore. What benefits will it give to my business? Which criteria are important for my business?

Look no further, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips and tricks to help get you started!

The right engagement platform should give you a number of specific benefits:

• Direct communication to all store staff;
• Increased e-learning course attendance;
• Reduced number of systems used in the chain;
• Synchronized action through integrated functionalities;
• Long-term employee engagement via effective gamification;
• Easier implementation of new initiatives, processes, etc.;
• Higher process and standard compliance;
• Overview of all store-based activities;
• Stronger culture with lower turnover.

All of them leading to better customer experiences and higher sales!

High-level selection process:

1. Clearly define the purpose of the app:
   1. How should it support your strategy and agenda for the next 3 years?
      1. How does it enable you to implement strategic initiatives?
      2. What specific problems will it help you solve?
   2. What targets will it help you achieve?
   3. What processes do you want to digitize and make mobile?
   4. What metrics should it improve?
   5. What functions at HQ will be using it? For what and how?
   6. What content should go into the app, how should it be created, and by whom?
2. Be clear on what the platform should enable you to do. Involve users (both HQ functions, area managers, shop managers, and staff) in defining needs;
3. Shortlist a few suppliers that you think meet your requirements;
4. Review capabilities vs. your needs. It is imperative to deep-dive into their systems and test all features. Not enough to see a presentation or a demo app for 1 hour. Have someone from your team sit and compare apps to get a feeling of what would work the best for you. Check references, but be sure the reference you talk to use their app the same way you intend to use yours;
5. Negotiate, but be sure to go for the best system for you, rather than the lowest price. The app will be a significant lever in scaling your success.

Key requirements for your future platform:

• Real-time performance overview with full drill-down functionality;
• Fast and painless onboarding;
• Customizable;
• Flexible (having the ability to change app elements per need);
• Horizontal and vertical scalability (Horizontally scalable means that you can add as many users as needed without impacting app performance. Vertically means that you can develop and add new modules and features easy and fast);
• GDPR compliant;
• 3rd party content interface for developing content should be available;
• The supplier should have extensive retail insight;
• Native app with push notification functionality;
• Fast loading time (store staff patience is low when it comes to loading time);
• Ability to show in-app text in different languages AND content is easily translated. Ideally, semi-automatic translation through integration with a translation platform;
• Functionalities must be deeply integrated, NOT separate functions;
• The approach to gamification must be professional and deeply embedded in the system. That means not just slapping experience points, leaderboards, and badges on the app, but using gamification mechanics in a wisely manner to engage employees to go the extra mile.

Some guerilla tips for you:

• The platform should make the life of district and store managers easier;
• It should be able to replace several systems and serve as the’ ONE APP’ used in stores for internal purposes;
• It can potentially replace other non-core tools and systems such as:
  • E-learning
  • Manual checklists
  • Emails
  • Newsletters
  • KPI reports
  • VM manuals
  • Campaign information
  • Etc.
• It should not replace core systems, but integrate with them;
• It must enable HQ to coordinate efforts to get staff to do the right things at the right times;
• Make sure the app simplifies communication and makes it action-focused;
• Do not choose a system where the stores’ value depends on the information being fed from HQ functions. When HQ departments get distracted and don’t update the information, the app has no value for store staff, and they will stop using it. The app must be designed to create value for district managers and store staff even though HQ does not push information;
• Do not be fooled by graphics. These can be easily changed in a few days. Look at the foundation, functionality, and performance. Does it meet your requirements?

While you are thinking…

Why not check out the ATOBI app? As we said before, we’ve got you covered! All you need to do is book a demo with us, and we will show you the magic of our app and all the benefits that can help you with your business.

Just press this link