Author’s Note: This article was originally published on July 10th, 2019. We’ve updated it with new information on the key features operators need from their micro market software.
What’s the secret ingredient to a successful micro market business?
Well-integrated software.
As an operator, you know that a micro market is more than an arrangement of shelves and coolers with a self-checkout kiosk to handle payments. You should also know that your micro market software should be able to handle anything from scheduling to pre-pricking to reporting. The right management tool can help you simplify operations across the board.
Here are the four features you should look for in your micro market software:
1. Tools that optimize every aspect of your business
To effectively plan for future growth, you know that you need to prioritize efficiency today. Your micro market software, then, should be able to:
- manage inventory
- schedule routes
- plan warehouse pre-picking
- run reports
And so much more. By integrating micro market management tools into a single platform, you can quickly simplify your operation to manage your micro market locations the same way you do your vending machines. Look for cloud-based micro market software that offers a standardized set of tools so that you and your staff can work from any device. That way, you can rapidly optimize day-to-day processes that will save on time and labor, which opens up opportunity for strategic growth.
2. Simplified route planning
The most critical logistical process that your micro market software should address is driver routing. With the ability to manage route schedules on software that is integrated with your vending management system, your operation can avoid wasting trips to locations that might not need servicing. You should also be able to schedule hybrid routes, so that a single driver can service your micro market, vending, office coffee services (OCS), and pantry locations all in the same interface — decreasing total routes and optimizing driver efficiency.
3. An integrated app for drivers
Your micro market software should have a mobile app that makes it easier for drivers to service each location. No need for separate apps between your market, vending, or OCS locations. And since the app connects directly into your micro market software, you can direct your driver to service only the specific sections of your markets that require attention — reducing physical inventory down to 10 minutes or less.
4. Streamlined reporting
Your micro market software solution should offer a single dashboard for financial reporting across your separate lines of business — allowing you to compare performance for your micro market, vending, and OCS locations. Streamlined reporting also simplifies your back-office operations by eliminating the need for multiple systems.
From optimizing logistical processes to generating consolidated reports, your micro market software should be doing much more than enabling self-checkout and payment processing. A tool like Seed Markets offers easy-to-use, cloud-based micro market management tools, empowering operators like you to run and grow your micro market, vending, and OCS business.