Some apps only work online (“in real-time”). Others only work offline (with synchronisation). Both models have advantages and drawbacks…so why not capitalize on the advantages of both?
Store execution and retail audit software must work online and offline. Let’s find out why.
Connected is great…until you can’t connect
Here are a few situations where a user may not or cannot have a working internet connection.
Remote areas
A network or Wi-Fi signal may not be available in the area to which you are travelling. This is especially true in remote and sparsely populated areas.
Big box stores and warehouses
You are inspecting a big box store, warehouse or mall location whose construction, materials or layout interfere with network reception.
Regulatory restrictions on signal
Regulatory or security compliance prohibits the use of a network signal. For example, the use of network signals may go against company policy in the forecourt area of a gasoline distributor.
Available but unreliable
A network signal may be available but is unreliable or intermittent. Intermittent reception is arguably more disconcerting and frustrating to a user than no reception at all. Who wants to be interrupted and their data lost at random times?
You like to work online. You need to be able to also work offline.
Your ability to audit stores cannot be contingent on internet reception, reliant on best-case scenarios and ideal conditions. In the real world, internet access is expected, not guaranteed. For the sake of your retail execution programs and users, make sure your retail audit and store execution software is capable of working both online and offline.
OTHER RETAIL EXECUTION RESOURCES
Refer to Retail Execution category for how-tos and best practices for retail and hospitality execution of brand standards and programs.
