Software solutions | ART Software Group https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com The ART of Experience in Software Tue, 14 May 2024 13:45:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-art-icon-32x32.png Software solutions | ART Software Group https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com 32 32 Is email traffic a reliable measure of productivity?  https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/is-email-traffic-a-reliable-measure-of-productivity/ Tue, 14 May 2024 13:36:11 +0000 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=8083 In light of Manchester United Football Club’s office staff being summoned back to the workplace five days a week, Raconteur published an interesting opinion piece debunking the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rationale – using email traffic as the metric for productivity.  Aside from the fact Ratcliffe works remotely from Monaco, Raconteur focuses frustration […]

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In light of Manchester United Football Club’s office staff being summoned back to the workplace five days a week, Raconteur published an interesting opinion piece debunking the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rationale – using email traffic as the metric for productivity. 

Aside from the fact Ratcliffe works remotely from Monaco, Raconteur focuses frustration on the failure of simplistic evaluations to measure personnel productivity: 

In his message to staff, Ratcliffe cited a 20% drop in email traffic at one of his other businesses when it experimented with working at home on Fridays. His comments highlight the fact that too many businesses focus on the inputs, rather than the outputs of desk-based workers. An employee’s value can’t be determined by the number of emails they fire off. In fact, having to constantly respond to messages often gets in the way of people being able to perform the more important parts of their job.

Sam Forsdick, Raconteur

Quoting research from Stanford University, the available data actually points to an increase in productivity when companies implement hybrid working, albeit a very slight one. Either way, a preoccupation with emails does not fully reflect where the work of today and tomorrow will be effectively performed. 

Technology, AI and augmented analytics are also rapidly influencing how we work. For example, we have implemented tools in our insights platforms, such as Retail Advantage, to support collaborative work, no matter where your teams are based. One new feature is “in-context chat”, which runs alongside interactive visualisations of multiple datasets. This collaborative tool not only boosts efficiency but also encourages idea generation, user experience and contribution.

Whether you manage a Premier League football club or a portfolio of Retail Destinations, measuring productivity effectively to improve performance is key. Read the Raconteur article here, and get in touch to see tools like Retail Advantage in action. 

Book a demonstration to explore how our data experience platforms are making a difference

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Optimise with a Digital De-clutter  https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/optimise-with-a-digital-de-clutter/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:40:38 +0000 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=7703 September is that time of year when we get back into a routine, which means it is a key time to check in on the systems in place in the lead-up to the biggest season for retail and leisure.  See our top tips to optimise your retail destination’s digital strategy and de-clutter where necessary. 1. […]

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September is that time of year when we get back into a routine, which means it is a key time to check in on the systems in place in the lead-up to the biggest season for retail and leisure. 

See our top tips to optimise your retail destination’s digital strategy and de-clutter where necessary.

1. Think accessibility  

It’s important to make sure that you are getting the most out of the data you collect and that it delivers value to the people and brand partners working across your retail destination. 

Reviewing the data different partners and teams can access may help de-clutter hurdles that make the analytics less timely and the insights less actionable. 

Data can be very siloed, so through Retail Advantage, we structure data to be consistent. This way, analytics are presented dynamically to different teams, but still working to the same defined standards. This is essential for a portfolio of centres, but it is equally important for individual retail and leisure destinations so that different teams can access the data in real-time. 

2. Prioritise accuracy 

It is no surprise that destinations thrive on accuracy. It is essential to have the most reliable data you can. If you don’t have accurate data then you are making decisions based upon anecdotal information or simply guessing. Data gets old quickly, so it is essential to swiftly collect, incorporate checks and connect the right data points. Understanding the truth about your traffic and the impact of campaigns and other influences gives you the accuracy to target sales and increase performance. 

3. Be active 

Data only drives impact when you use the learnings.  Whether you are measuring the performance of a destination, street or store, get active about what you are measuring and what you aren’t and why. When building a picture of what is happening at a retail or leisure location, it is good to ask:

  • What questions does the data answer? 
  • What else would you like to know and are there any information gaps? 
  • How can you add value for brand partners with a data sharing strategy that helps support shared goals? 

Looking for a digital de-clutter and support with your data strategy? Get in touch or meet us at Completely Retail Marketplace in London on 27 September 2022. If you are attending, we would be delighted to share our experience and demonstrate Retail Advantage at our Stand 114. 

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What we can learn from Tik Tok star Miss Excel https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/what-we-can-learn-from-tik-tok-star-miss-excel/ Wed, 23 Mar 2022 16:55:25 +0000 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=7559 Raconteur just featured Kat Norton’s fundamentals of teaching tech, and it caught our eye as our experience confirms that user engagement is essential for software and the people using it to thrive. Known to her followers as Miss Excel, Norton offers video-based learning for Microsoft packages and selected Google applications. Dance moves and popular tunes might indeed […]

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Raconteur just featured Kat Norton’s fundamentals of teaching tech, and it caught our eye as our experience confirms that user engagement is essential for software and the people using it to thrive. Known to her followers as Miss Excel, Norton offers video-based learning for Microsoft packages and selected Google applications. Dance moves and popular tunes might indeed account for a large percentage of her audience (over a million followers across Instagram and Tik Tok), but her courses are marketed to both businesses and individuals that want to feel “more comfortable and empowered” by improving their understanding of the software.

Miss Excel has become a seven-figure business by energetically teaching people tech. Norton promises her clients “less time fumbling with spreadsheets & more time doing what you love.” This resonates well with the technology we designed to serve the retail and leisure industry, so we wanted to share some of her teaching tech fundamentals:

1. Creativity is crucial for any CIO

By adopting industry-specific technology, Chief Information Officers and Customer Experience Managers can ensure that the information resonates with retail teams. Access to quick and creative data visualisations that are relevant to specific roles or tasks allows people to easily digest and flexibly utilise the learnings to enhance performance.

2. Automate!

Once you have discovered reliable 1-click analysis you won’t go back. Our highly versatile reporting tools are industry leading, and provide that essential time to use data insights strategically and put your plans into action – or what Norton might call “more time doing what you love.”

3. Bite-sized training sessions

We help everyone across your retail and leisure community to be updated and engaged by tailoring our training sessions, from property managers to brand partners. Our team successfully launches Retail Advantage with digestible sessions and bite-sized tips, which move intuitively whenever you want them across your app and management platform.

We would like to hear from you, and share our experience with tools that deliver agility for people and the retail and leisure places they operate. 

Get in touch to discuss or demo Retail Advantage

Read the article on Raconteur

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Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/talent-wins-games-but-teamwork-and-intelligence-win-championships/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:54:04 +0000 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=6568 From the larger issues to the everyday changes, the corona crisis will undoubtedly alter the retail and leisure industry. Once we shift back to normality, it will be important to learn from the experience and unity we created when faced with a call to action. At ART we feel it is important to prepare for […]

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From the larger issues to the everyday changes, the corona crisis will undoubtedly alter the retail and leisure industry. Once we shift back to normality, it will be important to learn from the experience and unity we created when faced with a call to action.

At ART we feel it is important to prepare for a faster recovery than expected. Although the timeline is difficult to predict, recovery planning takes time and must start whilst businesses are reacting to the situation as it progresses day by day.

As retail maps its road in the recovery we are sharing insights from people with experience in their field: “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships” – Michael Jordan

Retail is at the forefront of inspiring teamwork – helping customers to get essential items in their baskets during this challenging time. Immediate access to data is also helping landlords and tenants with the timely intelligence they need.

Reaching partners and customers with reliable, relevant information is invaluable in normal times to improve operations and profitability, and it is proving particularly crucial now for critical communications. Business models will inevitably incorporate more technology and intelligence beyond crisis management.

Get in touch to discuss the architecture we can help you implement for recovery

Image courtesy of Creative Commons Flickr

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MAPIC 2019 Insights – Analytics in the age of sharing https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/mapic-2019-insights-analytics-in-the-age-of-sharing/ Wed, 27 Nov 2019 17:35:13 +0000 https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=6461 This year’s MAPIC is a good opportunity to look back on 2019, a year of exciting leisure opportunities in retail developments, buoyancy in the designer outlet sector and analytics in the age of sharing. Although the concept of connected retail is widely accepted, the industry is still managing the transition to build and reshape data […]

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This year’s MAPIC is a good opportunity to look back on 2019, a year of exciting leisure opportunities in retail developments, buoyancy in the designer outlet sector and analytics in the age of sharing. Although the concept of connected retail is widely accepted, the industry is still managing the transition to build and reshape data strategies to suit the changing face of retail.

This year’s MAPIC theme was Retail Remixed – Rethinking spaces & places. The trend toward mixed-use environments is definitely breathing new life into developments, but it invariably increases complexity when managing and measuring what is and isn’t working. We have seen and worked closely with developers, owners and managers as the market has matured, so we started the conference with the Outlet Summit to share insights through the example of London’s Wembley Park.

Based upon our longstanding experience in destination intelligence tools, the asset & property manager, Realm and developer, Quintain gave us the opportunity to apply our retail performance suite to broaden insights. We have been working with this hybrid regeneration scheme since the launch of London Designer Outlet in 2013.

One of the main industry-wide changes to impact the retail property sector is diversification. Previously sidelined, out of town and away from traditional retail, outlet shopping is now trending. This has paved the road to the heart of the city with the emergence of new urban outlet centres alongside traditional retail, restaurants, hotels, apartments and co-working spaces.

We are seeing these sites perform exceptionally well in the new retail landscape, acting as cornerstones of community in cities. But just because you make the place for it, this doesn’t mean community just happens, so we shared examples with delegates about how data can power community.

Our Retail Advantage software is designed not only for the management of community destinations, but also for connected working. The platform gives users across the business access to analytics and the communications they need. Often there is a lot of importance given to leveraging the consumer relationship, their loyalty and maintaining that. However, we also see a need – and believe this is becoming a more widely held view across the industry – to deliver community access for staff and industry professionals. Those managing retail assets rely on visibility and strategic tools are essential to give brand-partners the information they need to capitalise and convert sales.

ART’s director, Gareth Jordan delved into tools to track the evolution of different metrics, exploring how to capitalise on London Designer Outlet’s strengths as a destination for tourists, and analysing the impact of events. We also unveiled our newest 3D mapping tool, which is tailored to manage projects such as the extension of Wembley Park for what will be an 85-acre neighbourhood, offering 8.8 million sq. ft of mixed-use development, including over 500,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Today we really understand the value of data, which makes it even more frustrating when it is not used properly and cannot live up to its potential, so we also shared some key points to achieve a better ROI from your data at MAPIC’s Innovation Forum.

Innovation in retail was a dominant theme throughout the conference as technology and new uses continue to radically change retail and leisure destinations. Data is integral in these changing times to allow us to experiment and test things that have never been done before. 

Please get in touch to start a discussion about your data strategy.

Conference images courtesy of MAPIC & the Wembley Park image is courtesy of Quintain.

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Big data = Big stories https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/big-data-big-stories/ Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:59:27 +0000 http://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=5662 Long before the inception of Instagram, sharing stories has been an important tradition. Humankind responds to stories. We can more easily make discoveries and actions when key elements of pattern-seeking and intelligence are connected. Our solution, Retail Advantage builds on more than a decade in retail analytics and helps businesses explore large data sets to […]

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Long before the inception of Instagram, sharing stories has been an important tradition. Humankind responds to stories. We can more easily make discoveries and actions when key elements of pattern-seeking and intelligence are connected.

Our solution, Retail Advantage builds on more than a decade in retail analytics and helps businesses explore large data sets to draw the bigger picture and a faster understanding of retail performance.

It is common for businesses to invest in obtaining a lot of information, but in many cases it sits in vast data silos, gathering virtual dust. Our experience shows that new ideas and opportunities come from engaging with multiple data sources, so it is vital not only to collect, but connect the data. Consumers no longer compare their purchases simply by category, but rather measure the service they receive when shopping for jeans to say booking their Airbnb. Now, it is not only possible, but important to easily layer different data types so that you don’t leave blind spots open to disruption from competitors.

The right tools and coaching help retail teams or tenants achieve better results by facilitating the best paths of action. Property owners and brands that utilise retail intelligence can build a more transparent relationship through consistent reporting and shared access to accurate data. Once the process of effective information sharing begins, a whole range of business benefits are within reach. This enables the full story behind their customer movements and intrinsic links between spending patterns, property revenue and promotional campaigns.

Every business has its own story and its own data strategy, but it helps to partner and arm your professionals with tools that show, rather than tell.

Request a demonstration

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MAPIC 2018 Insights – The Future is Connected Retail https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/mapic-2018-insights-the-future-is-connected-retail/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:39:02 +0000 http://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=5597 When MAPIC gathers over 8000 people in the retail property market from more than 80 countries, of course the name of the game in Cannes is connections.  This year’s theme was Transforming Reality – Physical in the age of digital, which translated to a resounding shift toward sharing.  From sharing data insights to sharing experiences, the future is […]

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When MAPIC gathers over 8000 people in the retail property market from more than 80 countries, of course the name of the game in Cannes is connections.  This year’s theme was Transforming Reality – Physical in the age of digital, which translated to a resounding shift toward sharing.  From sharing data insights to sharing experiences, the future is connected retail.

We started MAPIC 2018 early at the International Outlet Summit, where ART Software Group director, Gareth Jordan took the stage for a panel discussion on The Connected Consumer Experience in Outlet Destinations.  The lively debate hosted by Mark Faithful, editor of Retail Property confirmed the importance of sharing information and connected working in order to satisfy the new connected customer.

Neinver’s European marketing and retail director, Sebastian Sommer commented “We need to provide a stage where guests and consumers want to be loyalty customers… This requires a lot of data sharing between outlets and retailers. We cannot underestimate how important this will be.”

There was also discussion about connections between outlet and full-price retail.  Nike’s senior director of real estate, construction and facilities EMEA, Fabien Stultz said the company was redefining its outlet store model and becoming more experience-led. “Discounts are no longer just in outlet centres,” he added.

ART’s director Gareth Jordan also commented on how changes in consumer patterns, with more focus on positive experiences are changing the way outlets and traditional retail portfolios are interacting with brands: “The gap and the difference between outlets and full-price retail is changing now. Brands that are in full-price retailing are more willing to work with shopping centres to share data. But the key is not how much you have to share – it’s what you do with it.”

Gareth elaborated on this point at the Innovation Forum on the opening day of MAPIC – showcasing ART’s data analytics and management solution Retail Advantage.

In this session, Gareth spoke about data with purpose: “Retail environments have access to more data than ever. In theory, this should be fuelling insights and informing decisions, but you have to treat it with purpose.” He expanded on the importance of connecting the right person with the right information at the right moment. 

“There has rightly been a huge push to deliver a connected customer experience. Retail Advantage expands this concept, communicating and sharing live information to create connected stores; supporting retail efforts. The aim is to help create a community where shopping centres and outlets can work together with tenants to get the best performance based on up-to-date information,” Gareth added. 

Reiterating the mood across MAPIC 2018 that tech may be transforming our reality, but it is also transforming our culture as we move into the future of connected retail.

Request a demonstration

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2 become 1 – How to leverage O2O https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/2-become-1-leveraging-o2o/ Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:21:21 +0000 http://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=5566 Data lays the foundation for creating more effective marketing campaigns, engaging signage, promotions and customer experiences. Through quality data, the online and offline worlds can truly become one. We have reached a point where the quantity of connected devices means the ‘connected customer’ is really just the customer again. Online to offline or O2O is […]

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Data lays the foundation for creating more effective marketing campaigns, engaging signage, promotions and customer experiences. Through quality data, the online and offline worlds can truly become one.

We have reached a point where the quantity of connected devices means the ‘connected customer’ is really just the customer again. Online to offline or O2O is all about driving customers from their screens to stores.  Food and leisure activities are naturally enticing because they invite emotions that can only be fulfilled in the real world.  Customers want to connect with brands and products in a traditional physical way too, but that does not mean leaving their digital savviness at the door. Uniting data collection from online to offline is essential in a market where customers switch between channels.

O2O is often about streamlining service, but leveraging the unique opportunity in physical spaces relies on live events and the emotional side of the buying experience. Data can yield powerful actionable insight to help achieve positive emotional responses, but it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.

Experiences are also about quality, so decision-makers need tools to innovate and investigate which events, promotions and environments work and why.  

Analytics help refine marketing activities and tenant coaching with genuine insight into the impact on traffic and revenues. Exploring the value of an investment is far easier with a more transparent view on progress with the ability to dive directly into key areas of your business data and KPIs.

From sales to footfall, social media to staff commentary, weather to WiFi; O2O is about connecting and leveraging data from across the business.  Put all of the channels you have to good use and both you and your customer will benefit.

Request a demonstration

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Connected and in Control – 3 ways to be a real-time business https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/connected-and-in-control-3-ways-to-be-a-real-time-business/ Wed, 16 May 2018 13:42:47 +0000 http://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=5551 Customers are more connected than ever and companies are still playing catch-up.  You can benefit greatly from the wealth of data generated by connected customers, but not all data is equally useful.  By connecting data sources in an efficient way you can benefit with a live view of changes, generate value and be a real-time […]

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Customers are more connected than ever and companies are still playing catch-up.  You can benefit greatly from the wealth of data generated by connected customers, but not all data is equally useful.  By connecting data sources in an efficient way you can benefit with a live view of changes, generate value and be a real-time business. 

1. Control more through your smartphone

This is not only the era for the connected customer, we are also able to control more and more of our work through our smartphones.  Do away with multiple spreadsheets that require constant attention from staff. Live and accurate data that can be accessed from your tablet or mobile gives genuine insight on your situation at a glance, allowing you to make fast, informed decisions.

2. Provide views on data designed for different roles across your business  

Our experience shows that businesses benefit by expanding access to data with views tailored to a variety of roles and users.  From summaries that can be understood at a glance, to data views that can be manipulated to extract deeper understanding –   real-time reporting becomes really beneficial when there is versatility in analysis.

3. Tailored real-time communication 

Big data, small data, internal, external, observational – information comes in many ways.  The best intelligence tools translate data into insights that suit your needs at the time of access. Our management platform Retail Advantage not only collects and verifies data, it provides a toolset for communication that instantly arms colleagues and clients to make informed decisions with confidence.

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Customised Products Will Prosper https://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/customised-products-will-prosper/ Thu, 01 Feb 2018 08:24:16 +0000 http://www.artsoftwaregroup.com/?p=5514 If forecasts for the next big consumer and retailer disruption trends do it for you, then you will be as excited as us for the Shopping Centre Management Conference and Revo ACE Awards next month. We have a hunch that the trend for customisation will continue to redefine retail.  When customers purchase a product they […]

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If forecasts for the next big consumer and retailer disruption trends do it for you, then you will be as excited as us for the Shopping Centre Management Conference and Revo ACE Awards next month.

We have a hunch that the trend for customisation will continue to redefine retail.  When customers purchase a product they want choices beyond personalising it with their name. They want it to truly fit and enhance their lifestyle.

The same can be said for retail intelligence solutions.  Sure it is nice to see a management platform with your branding, but retail is being redefined by solutions that fit and enhance your brand and business culture.  Not just a front of house phenomenon, retailers, centre managers and investors should be offered customisation too.

Picture a plain pair of trainers and all the colours in the rainbow to choose from.  Now add laces, a different midsole, then choose a colour for the tongue text logo, and okay, okay, sometimes too many choices can be overwhelming.  Building business intelligence solutions for shopping malls, outlets and retail portfolios has given us the experience to provide a management platform with 1-click preset reporting, but it also comes with a plethora of choices and versatile data-mining tools.

Customise your dashboard or visualisations to get data delivering for you.  Retail Advantage is helping our clients achieve a better ROI from multiple data sources with the best view on data personalised to each business role.  From trainers to tech solutions, customised products will prosper. 

See us at SCMC 2018 

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