Why Your Store Should Have Retail Audit Software

There are a lot of challenges that retail store owners and retail workers face in order to keep their businesses running efficiently.

One of the greatest challenges is the store auditing process.

Retail store audits can be time-consuming and frustrating. With the help fo the right technology, though, you can make them much easier and more accurate.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of retail audit software and why your business ought to have it. You’ll also learn how to choose the best software for your store.

What is Retail Audit Software?

Retail audit software is a special tool that retail employees can use to capture data related to brand performance and product sales. It’s great for inventory management and measuring employee performance, too.

Many different retail employees can use retail audit software, including field reps, sales reps, delivery workers, and other retail employees.

Benefits of Retail Audit Software

There are lots of benefits that come with going paperless and making use of retail audit software. The following are some of the biggest perks retail workers will experience when they use this software:

Ensures Commercial Agreement Adherence

For field reps, retail audit software allows field reps to ensure retailers and adhering to their commercial agreements. For example, they can make sure that owners are placing products in the right location or presenting them in the way that they originally agreed to present them. 

Customizes Auditing Process

Retail auditing software makes it easy for retail workers to create customized audit forms. That way, they can collect information that is relevant to their specific store.

Eliminates Paperwork

There’s no need for paperwork when you’re using retail auditing software.

When you’re using the right software, retail data gets synced between the main office, field teams, and other workers. Everyone can stay in the loop in there’s no need to worry about paperwork getting lost in the shuffle.

Monitors Store Inventory Levels

Retail auditing software makes inventory management much easier. Reps and workers can check inventory levels throughout the store with the help of the right software. It helps to predict and reduce voids and ensure that products are always available when customers need and want them.

Increases Productivity

Retail workers often find that their productivity goes up when they use retail auditing software. Their data collection time decreases quite a bit, and they also don’t have to waste time with reporting since everything is collected in the software.

Reports on Competitor Activity

Many retail auditing software programs can produce helpful competitor reports. They make it easier for retailers to see what their competitors are doing and how they measure up compared to other businesses in the area or in their industry.

Prevents Fraud

There’s less of a risk for fraud when you’re using retail audit software, too. Many of these programs come with GPS monitoring and time tracking features to ensure everything is in its proper place (and everyone is in theirs).

Allows for Consistent Data Collection

Retail auditing software makes it easy to structure and streamline the data collection process. The more consistent you are, the better off your store will be.

Helps with Prioritizing Store Visits

Finally, retail auditing software helps field reps to prioritize store visits. They can use the software to figure out which stores need more attention and which stores are performing better than others.

Choosing the Right Software

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons why retailers ought to consider using retail audit software to stay on top of their business and inventory management needs. In order to reap the benefits of retail audit software, you need to make sure you’re using the right program.

Here are some questions you should ask that will help you sort through the different options out there and find the best one for your store (or stores):

Is it Mobile-Friendly?

These days, mobile-friendly software is a must for all businesses. It’s especially important for field reps who do a lot of traveling and want to be able to access their program from anywhere. Look for a software that comes with an easy-to-use app.

Can it Capture Photos?

The software should be able to capture photos, too. Photos are a big part of the retail auditing process. A program that doesn’t allow for photo capture will seriously hinder workers’ ability to do their jobs effectively.

Does it Sync in Real Time?

The software you use should be able to sync and update in real time. This ensures that everyone involved in the business has access to the most accurate information regarding inventory, store performance, and other aspects of the retail audit process.

Is it Scalable?

It’s best to invest in a retail audit software that’s easy to scale, too. Look for one that grows with your business and isn’t terribly difficult (or expensive) to update.

Is it Easy to Use?

Your retail audit software should be easy to use as well. You don’t want to have to waste time learning how to use a new program or dealing with one that requires you to jump through a bunch of hoops before you can start using it.

Can You Test it First?

How can you tell if a software program is easy to use? You need to test it out first.

When you’re shopping for a retail audit software, look for one that allows you to try before you buy. That way, you’ll know it’s a good fit before you commit to it.

Get More Business Tips Today

As you can see, there are lots of perks that come with investing in a good retail audit software.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for software to make sure you’re buying the right one for your store. 

Do you want to learn more about other types of technology that can help you run your business better? If so, be sure to check out the Technology section of our website today.

You’ll find lots of helpful articles here that will teach you everything you need to know about bringing your store into the 21st century.