Thanks to current product data, Bike Totaal Thijs Brand works faster and more efficiently. Owner Dennis Brand sees how reliable product information assists in purchasing and sales. With over two million products linked to the point-of-sale system, Dennis Brand is satisfied. Nevertheless, he still identifies several points for improvement within the chain.
“In 2005, we moved to this premises in the center of Leidschendam, and our turnover has only increased since then,” says owner Dennis Brand. During a tour, he proudly shows the various expansions, where every square meter is utilized optimally. Parts have been built onto and even on top of the store. For example, to provide more space for second-hand bicycles and for a shop-in-shop. Additionally, the workshop was significantly enlarged, featuring a unique separate parking area for electric cargo bikes outside, so these voluminous bicycles do not take up valuable space. “Virtually every part of the business has been expanded and optimized. More and more customers are finding their way to us, which is why we want to work as efficiently as possible.”
The importance of product data
For purchasing and also for processing sales, reliable, current product data is a must for Dennis Brand. “It ensures fast processes. To make usage of it, it must require little effort for us to process it.” Through a link between the product data from DST and their point-of-sale package, the entrepreneur has access to over two million products and descriptions. “Where previously the same EAN code was used for different products, this is now much better. That provides more clarity and works faster. Furthermore, more and more products contain good content and images, which is particularly useful for online. The accompanying commercial description is handy, but could sometimes be improved. For instance, the category under which a product is placed is sometimes incorrect.”
Through a link between the product data from DST and their point-of-sale package, the entrepreneur has access to over two million products and descriptions.
Combination of data and fingerspitzengefühl
“We also use this data to gain insights, but that is not always easy. Due to incorrect categorization, it is difficult for me to generate reports, for example, for a shelf reorganization. It would be beneficial if brands and suppliers used the correct main and subcategories for this. Regarding data: at DRG, the numerical side is very well organized. But to combine one or more products, you need fingerspitzengefühl. Entrepreneurs know that. That combination of figures and intuition is very valuable.”
Additionally, Dennis Brand would like to see bicycles and their corresponding accessories entered more quickly by a manufacturer. “We cannot register the product then, unless we do it manually ourselves. But that takes time, whereas you want speed. Also, manual entry can cause confusion later when the new product eventually appears in the system. Currently, the result is that such a new model is set aside. This means it is not on the shop floor. A missed opportunity, especially since an introduction is often promoted.”