Check, Fix and Influence - The Secret to In-Store Success

Using the principle of Check, Fix and Influence IMS are able to maximise the availability of your product(s) at store level, resulting in sales maximisation and increased profit. The Check, Fix and Influence process can be summarised as follows:

Check (Auditing)

· IMS check that all nominated lines are available on shelf and that correct SELs are in place (the importance of SELs can not be underestimated as they indicate key stocking information to store staff).

· IMS take a count of all the stock on shelf and in the warehouse, then compare it with the figure in the stores stock-control system.

· IMS record information about the in-store situation.

· IMS check that any promotions that are running at the time of the visits are correctly implemented.

Fix (Merchandising)

· IMS replenish shelf stock from the outlets' warehouse.

· IMS replace SELs where required in order to ensure future availability is maintained and OOS issues do not continue.

· IMS correct the amount of facings allocated to each product.

Influence (Educating)

· IMS explain to store staff what issues were present during the visit and what remedial action needed to be taken to prevent these issues from arising in future.

· IMS educate store staff about any forthcoming promotions and ensure that relevant increases in stock levels were actioned.

· IMS make store staff aware of the USPs of your product(s).

The following diagram shows all the potential elements that can be involved in check, fix and influence activity: