This article explores the challenges suppliers face when retailers update their data systems and how Crisp SKUtrak helps them adapt.
Having accurate and reliable data is essential in retail – without it, the impact is immediate, leading to missed opportunities and lost sales. With major transitions underway at retailers, suppliers are facing disruption but automation offers a way to stay resilient and in control through the change.
To understand more, we spoke to Adam Booth, Product Director at Crisp SKUtrak.
Q. How does Crisp SKUtrak simplify data management for suppliers?
A. Crisp SKUtrak automates data collection, bringing together sales, forecast, stock and service data from multiple retailers–every day, without manual effort.
This gives suppliers a single, reliable view of their performance, saving time and reducing the complexity of managing their retailer data.
With built-in analytics, predictive insights and easy integration with internal systems, Crisp SKUtrak helps suppliers make better decisions and respond more quickly to shopper demand–even when retailers change their systems.
Q. How frequently do retailers update or replace their data systems?
A. Retailers update their reporting tools all the time. Small changes–like tweaks to reports or new data fields–happen frequently. On their own, these might seem minor, but they add up over time, providing a constant distraction to data teams whose time is better spent providing valuable insights to the business.
Larger overhauls are less common, but when they happen, they can be highly disruptive. Over the past year, Asda has undertaken a major system transition, replacing its Walmart Retail Link DSS reporting system with the new Asda Data and Reporting (ADR) application. This shift, similar to recent changes at Tesco and Sainsbury’s, presents challenges in aligning old and new data structures.
That said, these changes are usually a step forward. Retailers invest in new systems to improve visibility and share better data with suppliers. The challenge for CPGs is mitigating the disruption while taking full advantage of these improvements.
Q. What challenges do suppliers face when retailers change their data systems?
A. Major retailer system changes create a series of challenges for suppliers, requiring careful planning to avoid disruption, including:
- Rebuilding data collection processes – If suppliers have automated data downloads, these often need to be rebuilt from scratch. Some changes bring extra complexity, like requiring different collection methods or new security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). If data isn’t automated, internal teams must update their processes to match the new system.
- Changes to data formats and metrics – Retailers often introduce new data structures, which can make it difficult to blend historical data for a complete view of performance. Matching new metrics with old ones takes time and can lead to inconsistencies if not handled carefully.
- Updating downstream systems and reports – Any tools or reports that rely on this data must be adjusted to reflect the changes. This becomes even more complex for suppliers without a conformed data model, as retailer-specific differences can exist in multiple places, making updates harder to manage.
- Managing the transition period – During migration, suppliers often have to work with data from both the old and new systems at the same time. If the rollout happens in stages—such as certain stores moving first—this creates an extra challenge. For example, with Asda’s ADR rollout, migrated stores now use ADR, while others still rely on Retail Link. To get a full picture, suppliers must combine data from both systems daily.
- Handling shifting timelines and resources – Retailers don’t always provide clear timelines, and delays are common. Suppliers must be prepared to allocate resources at short notice, often keeping teams on standby while juggling other business priorities.
Q. How does Crisp SKUtrak help with these changes?
A. Retailer system changes can be complex, but Crisp SKUtrak ensures suppliers experience minimal disruption by:
- Reacting immediately – With dedicated resources focused on system changes, we adapt quickly. Even when retailers give little notice, Crisp SKUtrak customers rarely experience disruptions.
- Handling all data updates – Our team manages the entire process, from adjusting data collection methods to ensuring seamless integration with the new system.
- Mapping new data fields and standardising them – Our conformed data model means that once the new data is integrated, suppliers don’t need to worry about formatting differences or missing metrics. Everything appears in a consistent, familiar structure.
- Working directly with retailers – By engaging with retailers early, we help smooth the transition.
- Keeping suppliers informed – Transparency is key. We provide regular updates on progress and potential disruptions, so suppliers can plan with confidence.
Q. What additional support do Crisp SKUtrak users receive?
A. Crisp SKUtrak provides lots of hands-on support to help suppliers navigate system changes smoothly. We keep users informed with retailer status alerts and regular updates, so they’re never caught off guard. Our product guides and resources offer clear, practical guidance, helping suppliers adapt quickly. Meanwhile, our dedicated Customer Success team is always on hand to assist with any challenges along the way.
Retailer systems will continue to evolve. With Crisp SKUtrak, suppliers aren’t just reacting to change – they’re staying ahead of it. Speak to your Customer Success Manager or contact us today to stay ahead.