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Store operations architecture

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According to a WTI Special Report, 60 percent of frontline retail workers are excited about the job opportunities tech creates, yet more than a third feel as though they need the right tools to do their job effectively. What does this mean for retailers? A wide playing field to equip an eager workforce with tools to improve communication and collaboration while driving task and workflow efficiency.

Microsoft Cloud for Retail offers Store operations that provides store associates with access to data and insights into their workflow. The solution enables retailers to:

  • Improve bottom line by driving efficiency of store operations.
  • Improve customer experience by connecting store associates with customers.
  • Give store associates tools for assistive selling.

Reference architecture for Store operations.

Store operations is built using Model Driven App (MDA) architecture, has a full development life cycle, is suitable for complex business scenarios that involve sophisticated data models, and also delivers seamless upgrades to customers. The app has a responsive UI with ability to create modern UI interactions such as swipe card actions using Power Apps Component Framework(PCF).

Store operations is deployed from Microsoft Cloud Solution Center into a Microsoft Power App environment with Microsoft Dataverse as storage. It deploys two apps, Store operations Admin and Mobile.

  • Store operations Admin: Store operations Admin gives district managers and store managers the tools they need to manage store operations. They can digitize and automate store operations such as cash operations, physical inventory, people management, supply chain, store layout, master data management, promotions, and pricing, integrating with LoB systems. Power Apps with embedded Power BI visualizes data for advanced reporting within Store operations Admin. The security roles for this app are the retail master data manager, retail store manager, and retail district operations manager.

  • Store operations Mobile: Store operations Mobile offers store associates a self-service tool to remain productive during their shifts. The store associates use this app to access store data and insights, conduct store operations, support customers, and sell products and services. The app enables store associates to establish long-term relationships with customers based on data about their preferences, behaviors, and purchases. The security role for this app is the retail or store associate.