Two of the most vital systems relied on by retail businesses when it comes to managing inventory, improving margins, and streamlining operations are planning and allocation. Every part of a retail business is affected by these systems—everything from getting products to the right place at the right time to reducing markdowns to improving forecasting accuracy. However, many retailers are not utilizing the full power of their software or are using outdated solutions.
RPE offers a proven solution: a Planning and Allocation Health Check, also called a system Tune Up. This focused evaluation helps U.S. retailers uncover quick wins, identify underused capabilities, and set a path for smarter system use with minimal investment. If you want to boost the value of your inventory planning and merchandise allocation tools, schedule your Health Check today by calling 813-490-7000, ext. 7004, or visiting RPE’s website to learn more.
Why a Planning and Allocation Health Check Matters
Retailers often assume their planning and allocation systems are operating as expected. But in reality, it’s easy for processes to become outdated or underutilized, especially after team turnover or system updates. Conducting a Health Check helps retailers:
- Identify where tools are not being used effectively
- Find manual workarounds that could be automated
- Reveal areas where inventory planning or merchandise allocation can be streamlined
Even without major changes, a targeted review often uncovers improvements that boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve decision-making.
RPE’s 3-Step Health Check Process
Step 1: Schedule
Contact RPE to schedule your Planning and Allocation Health Check. Call 813-490-7000, ext. 7004, or email the team directly.
Step 2: Connect
Your team grants RPE secure access to your planning and allocation systems. One of our experienced consultants will conduct a technical interview with your IT lead or designated system expert.
Step 3: Receive Your Report
Within days, you’ll receive a detailed report highlighting:
- System performance issues
- Missed features or capabilities
- Risk factors impacting reliability
- Actionable recommendations for improvement
The same process applies to both planning and allocation platforms, ensuring no part of your inventory operations is overlooked.
What You Can Gain From a Planning and Allocation Health Check
A well-executed Health Check can deliver real business value fast. Typical benefits include:
- Greater visibility into inventory planning basics and allocation performance
- Elimination of redundant manual processes
- Better alignment between system capabilities and business goals
- Empowered teams that fully understand the tools at their disposal
- A more straightforward understanding of how systems support overall business strategies
For most retailers, the return on this Tune-Up is both immediate and measurable. It’s a practical step that helps organizations work smarter without major system overhauls.
Maximize Retail Success With RPE’s Planning and Allocation Support
A Health Check is just the beginning. RPE also helps your organization:
Unlock Hidden Functionality
Training sessions help teams rediscover features that reduce workload, improve allocation accuracy, or support more dynamic planning.
Update Your Business Rules
Best practices evolve. RPE reviews your rules and assumptions to ensure your planning and allocation systems reflect today’s strategy from merchandise performance to forecasting and replenishment.
Build a Long-Term Plan
Create a strategic roadmap aligned with short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. This plan serves as a framework for IT growth and optimization, helping leadership prioritize initiatives and investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Planning and Allocation Health Check?
A planning and allocation Health Check is a focused evaluation of your retail systems to uncover inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and underused features. It helps ensure your inventory planning and merchandise allocation tools are aligned with business goals. - How do I know if my planning and allocation system is underperforming?
Common signs include reliance on manual workarounds, inconsistent inventory levels, or missed sales due to stock issues. If your team isn’t fully leveraging system features, a Health Check can identify and correct these gaps. - What’s the difference between a Health Check and a system Tune Up?
They’re essentially the same. RPE refers to it as a Health Check, while others may call it a system Tune Up. Both aim to improve how your planning and allocation platforms support your business. - What types of improvements can a Health Check uncover?
You might discover unused automation tools, outdated business rules, or better ways to integrate planning with supply chain management solutions. These quick wins can lead to faster decisions and cost savings. - How long does the Planning and Allocation Health Check take?
The complete process typically takes just a few days from start to report delivery. RPE works efficiently to deliver actionable insights without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Why Retailers Choose RPE
As a U.S.-based consulting firm with vast experience in planning, allocation, and retail IT strategy, RPE understands the unique challenges retail businesses face. We don’t just analyze systems, we help you make them better, faster, and more aligned with your goals. Our consultants work closely with your teams to uncover hidden inefficiencies and unlock the full value of your inventory planning and allocation platforms.
We also provide tailored recommendations that match your business goals, system maturity, and team capabilities. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your allocation logic or build a roadmap for long-term improvement, RPE delivers actionable insights you can trust.
Ready to schedule your Planning and Allocation Health Check? Contact RPE at 813-490-7000, ext. 7004, or download the flyer here: Retail Allocation Health Check Flyer.
