New feature to help retail brands with better location intel

With GapMaps Connect, brands can capture and upload field data in and around a physical location to inform and plan their location decisions.

Location intelligence company GapMaps has announced that it has added a new feature called GapMaps Connect, which enables brands for the first time to collect a range of important field data in and around a store location via a mobile device.

Available as a mobile app to GapMaps Live customers, GapMaps Connect allows for on-site data such as photographs, notes or files to be updated in GapMaps Live in real-time, helping to support a brand’s network strategy and location decision making process. 

Some common use cases with GapMaps Connect may include: 

• Managing store assets/maintenance – brands can get an accurate view of the assets being used across all their locations and record important details such as age, make/model and serial numbers to easily identify when upgrades or maintenance visits are required 
• Understand Store attributes – brands can use intelligence collected from the field to help make decisions on when internal and external enhancements are needed to improve store performance. This also ensures a better understanding of each store's existing attributes. For example, quick service restaurant brands can validate whether external signage is easily visible to the public, whether there is enough car parking available, or if more drive-thru lanes may be needed
• Field notes – brands can also capture field notes and other observations in and around their existing or proposed physical locations 

“One of the biggest issues we consistently hear from our clients managing a large store network as they struggle to get accurate intel on what assets are being used, the condition of those assets and when they may require maintenance,” said Anthony Villanti, GapMaps Founder and MD. 

“They also need to understand which stores don’t have the required attributes needed to optimise store performance - for example, fast food brands want to know how many self-service registers each store has, where the signage is positioned, if there is a drive thru, what the seating layout is and how many car parks are available. A key point of difference for GapMaps is in the calibre of information in the GapMaps Live platform, so a new feature like GapMaps Connect that helps customers ingest a wealth of important information in and around a location to make better and faster decisions further enriches the platform, “ he added.

“As network planning teams visit existing physical locations or new potential developments, GapMaps Connect gives them the opportunity to capture insights about that location which can then be used later in their decision-making process,” Anthony said.

GapMaps’ clients include brands like Domino’s, KFC, Starbucks, Burger King, Subway, Mcdonald's, Anytime Fitness and Goodyear.