Solving Three Key Challenges to Profitable Category Management

Managing product categories for optimal performance in foodservice presents three key challenges that category partners need to solve: how to manage data reporting and analysis, conduct effective selling logistics, and close the sale. This post examines these three problems and identifies practicable solutions for manufacturers in collaboration with their distribution partners.

Data Reporting, Management and Analysis

Manufacturers often do not have regular, dependable access to sales data. Transaction information typically resides downstream, so the manufacturer must negotiate with its distribution partners to establish a mechanism for information sharing. Assuming such agreement is reached, the process may give rise to a variety of data problems. Data integrity issues are prominent among these. It is unlikely that the manufacturer will receive specially prepared sales reports – information more probably will come in the form of raw data untreated for accuracy, correctness or clarity. Readers of these reports will find it hard to obtain insights in them from which to take action on a timely basis. Continue reading →