How can retailers take back more control?

The pressure is on. Thousands of retail operations have closed in the first quarter of the year with others teetering on the brink.

Weak consumer confidence, a Brexit-hit pound and soaring rent and rate increases next to wage and pension contribution increases has created a perfect storm on the high street.

A lot of these challenges appear out of retailers’ control. But there are ways to take more control and improving software tech is one of them.

We work with 7 of the UK’s top 10 retailers providing Building Information Management systems that not only keep every detail of building management organised in real time but minimises costs and ensures consistency.

Our IconSystem is a Building Information Management system which is used from concept design stage through to construction, fit out and then for on-going property management. It enables users to save time and money by storing all specifications, design standards, surveys, registers and portfolios in one easy to use, access and share platform. It can control all fixture and fitting specifications and keeps an audit trail of changes. From ensuring consistency in price and design of new openings and refurbishments to ensuring warranty details are all in one place, we can ensure every single penny is spent in the right place.

We have managed Sainsbury’s new store specifications for over 10 years. Our information is shared in real time for day to day management and roll out and refurbishment of new stores. The Specification & Standards Manger at Sainsbury’s admits that prior to this system being introduced, it was impossible to accurately track changes and associated costs.

Clive Proctor, Specifications Manager at Sainsbury’s commented

“Before the introduction of the Specs & Standards application our information was spread around various contractors and internal databases with no clear ownership. Without the system, it would be impossible to accurately track changes and the associated costs which these can incur.”

By applying best practice to building data management, retail companies can employ some protection from the cyclone whirling through the high street to ensure they are on their way to monitoring every change and more importantly, every penny.

If you’d like to learn more about the IconSystem, please contact us today.