How Are Retail Managers Automating Tasks With Process Management Platforms to Improve Efficiency?
Some U.S. retailers are relying on paper-based processes for daily checks, leaving many stores open to unresolved mistakes. Paper-based processes, such as fridge temperature lists, are untraceable, making it impossible for store managers to confirm whether they were completed correctly.
Many leading retail officials claim that paper-based processes for in-store checks leave no time for managers to focus on critical tasks to enable a store to function efficiently. Retail managers are shifting their focus to digitizing with process management platforms as they look to manage store compliance and save time.
But what does this look like? What automated benefits are such systems bringing to retail stores, and how is this changing retail management?
Keeping on Top of Compliance
Store managers don't have the time to complete daily checks, which often leads them to offload the task to senior colleagues. Paper checks are often signed, placed in a folder, and not audited for six months. As a result of limited time, issues may have arisen with checks and festered from staff members stating they completed checks but may not have. This leaves retail managers in a tough situation with paper checks, leaving a lack of evidence on whether checks have been completed when delegated.
The introduction of process management platforms provides managers with a simple-to-use application enabling them to complete checks on a digital device. Through this, managers can prove and track checks with location and signature tracking. Digital dashboards allow managers to pinpoint areas where compliance is lacking and resolve issues before they escalate, saving time and avoidable fines.
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Automating Tasks
Process management platforms are paving the way for task automation, improving in-store efficiency by establishing onward tasks. Retail managers can resolve disputes as soon as they occur through digital platforms. For example, if a retail manager spots a piece of faulty equipment, they can automatically log it digitally and create a job for the in-store maintenance team. This streamlines processes and ensures the correct amount of team members are allocated to specific jobs. This also relates to spillages in stores and sudden rises in fridge temperatures.
Time is of the Essence
Time is of the essence in retail stores, with managers often needing to be in multiple places at once. Digital process management platforms alleviate the pressure on store managers, reducing the time it takes for issues to be resolved and the number of staff needed to complete simple tasks.
When it comes to compliance, managers can actively review reports on a digital device, whether on a tablet or phone, to identify all the noncompliance in stores. This saves time and prevents a future compliance domino effect, enabling managers to identify those who have completed the correct checks.
Technological innovation across the retail industry continues to evolve; retailers must recognize this and support their store managers. Outdated paper-based processes are halting efficiency and generating compliance complications, with staff members taking advantage of not being monitored. In 2025, retail managers will benefit from digitizing compliance processes, checks and in-store job allocations by automating tasks for their employees and making their stores more efficient and compliant.
Fred Whipp is the vice president of business development at mpro5, the process management app and customer-first solution trusted by food service, retail and facilities management.
Fred Whipp is the vice president of business development at mpro5, the process management app and customer-first solution trusted by food service, retail and facilities management. As an experienced business development executive who leads sales conversations with data, Fred is an expert on best practices and digital transformation in facilities management.