5 Reasons to Rethink Building Your Own Retail Execution Software

Rethinking building your own retail execution software is crucial in today’s fast-paced retail landscape. For consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, investing in custom software development might seem appealing at first. However, it often leads to inefficiencies and unexpected costs. Instead, opting for a specialized platform designed specifically for your industry can optimize sales, streamline processes, and enhance retailer relationships. Here are five key reasons why a purpose-built retail execution (RetEx) solution is a smarter and more efficient choice.

1. Tailored for the Unique Needs of CPGs

Many businesses attempt to create custom solutions using general-purpose programming tools. While this might work for some industries, CPG companies face unique challenges that require specialized tools for retail audits, trade promotions, and field sales tracking. Purpose-built retail execution software, however, is designed specifically to address these needs, ensuring seamless integration with the complexities of CPG workflows.

A common challenge faced by companies opting for custom-built software is the difficulty of predicting every requirement up front. As the software evolves, adjustments are often needed, leading to scope creep, extended timelines, and inefficiencies. Purpose-built RetEx solutions already offer robust functionality based on industry best practices, reducing the need for constant revisions.

2. Faster Implementation, Quicker ROI

Custom software development is typically a lengthy process involving trial and error to achieve the right functionality. Whether you outsource the project or rely on internal resources, it takes significant time, energy, and cost.

Conversely, purpose-built retail execution platforms can be implemented much more quickly. While some customization and configuration are still necessary, the process is far less cumbersome with vendor-assisted enablement and ready-made features. Many vendors offer comprehensive training resources—both online and in-person—allowing you to accelerate the software adoption process and begin seeing value sooner.

3. Continuous Updates and Improvement

Building your own retail execution system means constantly investing in maintenance, updates, and scaling as your business grows. With the fast-changing retail landscape, in-house solutions can quickly become outdated, requiring ongoing investment to keep up with security threats and industry changes.

When you choose a purpose-built software solution, innovation is part of the deal. Software vendors regularly roll out updates, new features, and security enhancements as part of their service. Plus, these vendors stay attuned to emerging retail trends, ensuring that your solution evolves alongside industry shifts. Customer feedback drives improvements, so you're always using a solution that reflects real-world experiences from CPG businesses nationwide.

4. Predictable Total Cost of Ownership

Developing a custom retail execution software can be a costly endeavor. With an average cost of $1 per line of code, large-scale software projects can easily climb into the millions. On top of that, there are costs for developers, consultants, and project managers, not to mention ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and unforeseen expenses.

Purpose-built retail execution software typically comes with a more predictable total cost of ownership. Most vendors offer subscription-based pricing models (SaaS), which means you know exactly what to expect financially each year. Maintenance, updates, and support are included, saving you from unexpected costs and the headaches that often come with maintaining an in-house solution.

5. Proven Results Backed by Real-World Data

One of the key advantages of purpose-built retail execution software is the track record of success. These platforms are used by hundreds, if not thousands, of CPG brands, with measurable outcomes to demonstrate their effectiveness. For example, studies show that businesses that transition to purpose-built solutions often experience significant improvements in efficiency, better retail execution, and reduced operational burdens.

Here are just a few examples of measurable results achieved with purpose-built RetEx software:

• A global CPG brand increased field team productivity by 30%.
   
• A North American pet food brand improved store visit rates by 50%.
   
• A CPG brand successfully launched a new product in just 2.5 weeks using a pre-built retail execution platform—something that would have been impossible with a custom-built solution.

The Bottom Line: Let Experts Handle the Software, While You Focus on Your Business

There was once a time when building your own retail execution software was the only option for CPGs looking to enhance their operations. However, those days are long behind us. Today, specialized, purpose-built solutions are available that offer scalability, innovation, and long-term value—allowing you to focus on growing your business while leaving the complexities of software management to the experts.

By selecting a proven, purpose-built retail execution solution, you’ll be able to optimize your retail operations without the headaches of custom development, ongoing maintenance, and unexpected costs. The choice is clear: let the professionals handle the software, so you can focus on what really matters—driving success for your brand.