RPE has built a reputation helping retailers realize the full potential of their POS, merchandise and supply chain systems. Even the best systems require ongoing maintenance to maintain stability.

RPE's Approach

RPE has developed a 5-Point Optimization Model to help retailers better understand where they can improve the management and use of their critical retail business systems. Based on initial review with key IT and business users, RPE will help determine which of the five areas of focus will best optimize the system.

5-Point Optimization Model

Answer these five questions to assess the current state of your POS, merchandise or supply chain systems. If you answer "No" to any of the questions, you many not be utilizing the full potential of your retail systems. Let RPE help you optimize your retail systems to increase performance and functionality.

1. Is the System Meeting the Functional Needs of the Users?

The key advantage to implementing an "Out of the Box" solution such as PMM is that it offers the retailer all the industry adopted "best practices" functionality required to run their retail operations. However, no two retailers operate the same and this makes it very difficult for software vendors to architect a solution to meet the unique and constantly changing business needs of every retailer.

2. Do the Business Processes Effectively Utilize the Base Functionality?

Business process design is a critical requirement when implementing a new software solution. Typically, business process design occurs in the Business Process Review Sessions conducted as part of the overall initial PMM implementation. However, business strategy changes, people come and go, and this leaves the retailer scratching their heads "How do we design/re-design our business process to fit PMM?" In some cases, it is determined that business processes do need to change, and in other cases, it turns out to be as simple as training issues.

3. Is the Database Properly Sized and Managed?

PMM does not provide any means to purge unused historical data. To some, the easy way out is to buy more disk. Disk has become cheaper over the years, but any qualified Oracle DBA will argue that this is not the optimal solution. Eventually system performance will take a hit while it tries to sift through mountains of old, unused data.

4. Is the Data Accurate and Up To Date?

Every IT Department makes it a point to maintain data integrity. How so? Easy to say in theory, but hardly adhered to in reality. Data maintenance in the back-end happens for a variety of legitimate reasons. Unfortunately, if not done properly, data integrity issues are inevitable.

5. Does the System Run Optimally?

Every retailer is different, and thus, has unique characteristics when it comes to the volume and frequency of data processing. Some have a low number of SKU's and Stores, others have a large numbers, but the critical thing to consider is that PMM was not designed to predict every type of processing load and thus the client is constrained by the performance of the base programs. It is important to note that the fault cannot be placed on the software vendor. Their systems are designed to run "Out of the Box" and cater to a wide-spectrum of retail users, both big and small.

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