The founders of a small (at that time) grocery retail chain approached Linoza with a number of issues that arose as their turnover and number of stores grew. The software they were using at that time could not cope with the new tasks.
Project goal
It was necessary to create and implement a software solution that would improve data exchange between the central database and local retail outlets, automate the work of the cashier and storekeeper, and improve stock accounting. There was also a need for a mobile application to perform rapid inventory counts in stores and warehouses. In other words, the client urgently needed to work with up-to-date, reliable accounting data.
Retail chain problems before automation:
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There were difficulties with promptly transferring current data from the stores to the central accounting database. This created a number of accounting risks: data could be lost, and the accounting database could become outdated, among other issues.
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There were significant problems with reporting, business process analysis, pricing and maintaining unified reference information. The order and organisation of accounting needed serious work and comprehensive consulting to build precise algorithms of interaction between the company’s departments.
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The workstations of the cashier and storekeeper urgently needed to be modernised to improve customer service quality and increase sales efficiency. They no longer met the requirements of trade processes, which had become much more complex and dynamic as the network expanded.
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The workstations of the cashier and storekeeper urgently needed to be modernised to improve customer service quality and increase sales efficiency. They no longer met the requirements of trade processes, which had become much more complex and dynamic as the network expanded.
Project description
Our team of software engineers analysed the situation in the retail chain. After a detailed assessment, we selected the optimal software foundation and implemented custom enhancements with precise business algorithms. The software suite we developed takes into account the specifics of the sector and the client’s requirements. It includes both standard solutions and unique developments by the Linoza team.
The software suite we developed takes into account the specifics of the sector and the client’s requirements. It includes both standard solutions and unique developments by the Linoza team.
We implemented and customised the 1C:Enterprise system, set up integration between the 1C accounting system and Agent+, developed our own driver for the fiscal device, and synchronised the operation of the retail hardware with the accounting software. On the basis of industry solutions, we created individual algorithms tailored to this particular retail enterprise. Process automation was also based on barcode technology and scanning products using the camera of a mobile device.
We also developed and implemented: accounting for surplus/shortage of goods, weight-based items and small in-house production (coffee and drinks); automation of electronic scales in the cashier workstation, including label printing for weight-based goods; and a customer loyalty bonus system for the retail network. New user roles were created in the 1C accounting system, new consolidated management reports were implemented, a mechanism for migrating accounting data was introduced, and the procedure for forming product prices based on supplier prices was simplified, including the ability to manage centralised price setting.
There were no difficulties or conflicts with this client – only productive and close cooperation. On the client side we worked with a task owner who understood both the methodology and the nuances of the retail process. He provided us with the maximum amount of information needed to build a high-quality software solution.
Thanks to the creative work of our developers and the involvement of the client’s representatives, the Linoza team not only created exclusive software solutions, but also successfully implemented them. We also trained staff, who quickly mastered the new tools due to their intuitive functionality.
Key project factors
The implementation of software solutions and automation of key business processes enabled the retail chain to grow and increase its profit. The network not only expanded the number of stores but also diversified its business activities.
Project results
As a result, the business processes were fully automated. Warehouse accounting and retail operations were systematised. Information from local outlets is now transmitted to the central accounting database quickly and consistently. Inventory and shipment of goods are carried out rapidly and without errors.
Links to publications / examples / testimonials
Review on https://linoza.com/ from Serhii Tykhonov, founder of the “Argos” grocery retail chain.