A Super Platform for the Modern, Omni-Channel Store

A Super Platform for the Modern, Omni-Channel Store


This IDC Perspective defines a framework for a modern technology "super platform" for the store that allows retailers to become more agile and able to innovate faster in their never-ending quest to improve business performance by better serving customers and engaging their workforce. In addition to defining the necessary components of this super platform, this document looks at the design principles technology builders should follow. The store super platform is a composable technology ecosystem that is founded on certain essential layers of functionality, architected in a way that allows retailers to innovate quickly and cost-effectively. This model is data-and-insight driven, makes full use of hybrid cloud/edge strategies, and leverages composable architecture to ease the development and optimal deployment of store applications. "Modern retailers face a complex array of internal and external pressures that are driving them to invest in technology at an increasing rate to meet threats head on and to take advantage of new opportunities. A simplified, unified technology super platform approach for the store will open channels for innovation and iteration, reducing the technology debt burden on retailers overall," said Leslie Hand, GVP, IDC Retail and Financial Insights."Now is the time to rethink the optimal balance of cloud and edge/on premises for your operations, along with enhanced connectivity needs to better support the technologies and solutions needed for data-driven, secure, seamless omni-channel retailing," said Margot Juros, research director, IDC Retail Insights.

Please Note: Extended description available upon request.


Executive Snapshot
Situation Overview
Modern Retail Demands Agility and Simplification
Disconnected Siloed Systems Create Roadblocks
A New "Super Platform" for Retail Is Needed
The Store Super Platform as Proposed
What Do We Mean by Super Platform?
The Composable Store Operations Layer of the Store Super Platform
Design Principles That Enable Composability
The Foundation Layers of the Store Super Platform
Hybrid Infrastructure (Cloud, Edge, and Networks)
Challenges
Solutions
Control Plane (Device/Application Management, Security, Orchestration, Governance, and External Services)
Challenges
Solutions
Enterprise Applications (Product/Catalog, Supply Chain, Order Management, Inventory, Marketing, CRM/CDP, Loyalty, Payments, Finance, and HCM)
Challenges
Solutions
Data Management and Integration
Challenges
Solutions
AI Services and Analytics
Challenges
Solutions
Who Will Drive the Evolution of the Store Super Platform?
Advice for the Technology Buyer
Learn More
Related Research
Synopsis

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