Looker

Automated Data Ingestion

The ability to automatically ingest point of sale (POS) data from major retailers/customers.

Automated Customer Data Ingestion and Harmonization

The ability to automatically ingest customer POS data, and normalize for variables such as different fiscal calendars.

Demand Forecast Integration

The ability to feed the demand signal (POS history) into the demand and sales forecasting process.

Promotions Management

The ability to understand lift and gain from in-store promotions, and in-store events (i.e. Black Friday, display change, etc.)

Low-Code Report Construction

The ability to generate reports based on supply and demand data. Preparation of these reports does not require significant technical know-how.

Native Business Intelligence Interface

The ability to execute analysis within the solution without a need to export data to a separate application.

Business Value Created

Software needs to create value for employees, customers, partners, and, ultimately, shareholders. This data expresses user satisfaction - or lack thereof - with the product's business value.

Ease of Data Integration

Use this data to determine whether the product will cause headaches or make data integration easy.

Ease of Customization

Don't get bogged down in a difficult customization; use this data to make sure you can easily achieve the functionality you need for your particular situation.

Ease of Implementation

Successfully implementing new software is necessary to realize its full value and promote end user adoption. This data indicates whether or not the product is easy to implement.

Vendor Support

The importance of vendor support will vary for each organization depending on internal capabilities, but there will always be issues that only the vendor can resolve.

Usability and Intuitiveness

End user learning curves cost the organization money. Pay attention to your end users' technical ability to determine how important UX is in your purchase.

Quality of Features

Feature quality is just as important as quantity. Use this data to determine if this product will do what you're purchasing it to do, easily, intuitively, reliably, and effectively.

Breadth of Features

Users prefer feature rich software that enables them to perform diverse series of tasks. This data expresses user satisfaction with the product's breadth of features.

Availability and Quality of Training

Effective and readily available training enables users to get the most out of the software you've chosen. Use this section to make sure your vendor's training programs and materials measure up.

Ease of IT Administration

This data indicates whether IT personnel will be able to resolve issues and perform configurations efficiently and effectively.

Product Strategy and Rate of Improvement

Vendors who don't stay on top of emerging needs and trends won't enable you to meet your business goals. Use this data to separate innovators from imposters.