Compass, a new app created by Australian retailer Woolworths, allows its suppliers to directly monitor the performance of their products in each individual store.
The app – which comes at no cost – will generate alerts if sales drop below expectations and allow suppliers to fix out-of-stocks or merchandising issues.
Woolworths said the introduction of the Compass app has the potential to recoup millions in lost sales while improving availability for customers.
Paul Harker, director of fresh foods and replenishment at Woolworths said the company is proud to be the first Australian retailer to invest in a free lost sales monitoring platform for its suppliers.
“We see it as a genuine win-win because a lost sale for a supplier is a lost sale for Woolworths, and most likely an unsatisfied customer,” he said.
“Drawing on smartphone technology and a spirit of collaboration, we’re confident Compass will drive a step change in availability and merchandising standards for our customers.”
More than 10,000 third-party merchandisers visit Woolworths stores each month and the app has been designed to streamline their jobs, with additional functions like the ability to print shelf labels and tickets.
During its development, Compass was trialled by field sales agency Crossmark, which maintains merchandising for suppliers like Twinings, Blackmores and Lion, and was met with a positive response.
