POS

Spreadsheets for Control
risks in merchandising operations

CB
Carlos Brandao
Β· January 03, 2017 Β· 1 min read
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Spreadsheets for Control: Risks in Merchandising Operations

Spreadsheets have been used for years in merchandising operations. They are versatile and familiar, but they come with serious limitations that can hurt your business as operations grow.

Larger spreadsheets mean more operational errors

As your operation scales, spreadsheets become increasingly complex. More columns, more rows, more formulas -- and more opportunities for errors. A single misplaced formula, a deleted row or a copy-paste mistake can compromise an entire dataset.

Studies show that nearly 90% of large spreadsheets contain errors. In a merchandising operation where decisions are made based on this data, errors translate directly into missed opportunities and wasted resources.

Lack of speed in processes

Spreadsheets are inherently slow. Data must be entered manually, shared via email and consolidated by someone who understands the file structure. By the time the information reaches the manager, it may already be outdated.

In modern field operations, speed is everything. Real-time data allows managers to react to stockouts, execution failures and competitor actions the same day they happen -- something spreadsheets simply cannot deliver.

Information security

Spreadsheets are difficult to secure. They can be accidentally deleted, corrupted or shared with unauthorized people. There is no reliable audit trail, no access control and no backup guarantee.

A dedicated field management platform stores data securely in the cloud, with role-based access, automatic backups and complete audit trails.

Simplify promotional and merchandising management with Promo MKT Report

Promo MKT Report (PMR) replaces spreadsheets with a purpose-built platform for field operations. GPS tracking, geolocated photos, digital checklists and automated reports -- everything you need to manage your merchandising operation with confidence and speed.

The transition from spreadsheets to a dedicated platform is one of the highest-ROI investments a trade marketing operation can make. It eliminates errors, accelerates decision-making and gives managers complete visibility into field execution.

Operations driven by data.
Not by guesswork.

PMR delivers GPS, geolocated photos and same-day automated reports. No monthly fee: you pay only for what you execute.

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