Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

• What is Scan Based Trading (SBT)?

  Scan based trading (also known as SBT) is a process that existed for decades, yet recently has seen tremendous growth. The essence of SBT is retailers and suppliers agree to payment terms based on purchases scanned at the point-of-sale register, instead of traditional invoicing based on quantities shipped or received. In an SBT relationship, the supplier maintains control of the inventory on the shelf. Because the supplier controls the inventory, the supplier benefits from greatly expedited back door receiving, increased merchandising time at the shelf, faster payment terms, improved placement and planogram management, and better, more timely reporting to optimize production and grow sales.

• What is direct store delivery (DSD)?

  Direct store delivery, or DSD, is a distribution method used by manufacturers to deliver goods directly from the production facility to the point of sale, bypassing the retailer's warehouse. Examples of DSD products include perishables like bread, milk, ice cream, frozen foods, as well as beverages, salty snacks, newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, propane, international/ethnic foods, and health and beauty items. DSD items are delivered to the "back door" receiver on site at each store by the manufacturer, or can be drop-shipped via UPS/FedEx to the store directly. In contrast to direct store delivery is the centralized distribution center (CDC) model. In CDC models, the manufacturer will deliver the product to the retailer's warehouse, and then the retailer will aggregate various products onto a truck in their own fleet and then make deliveries to their stores.

• What products are tracked in SBT?

  SBT products are traditionally ones that fall into the DSD categories mentioned above. Oftentimes, these products can be found around the perimeter edges of a retail store (because as perishables they often require refrigeration or other controls).

• What is Business Intelligence?

  Business intelligence (BI) is the ability to apply systems and methodologies to a set of data with the goal of solving a problem or identifying a new opportunity. By analyzing data points, trends and insights emerge that enable our customers to become more efficient and more profitable by increasing sales and lowering costs.

• Can iControl provide Business Intelligence separate from SBT?

  Yes! iControl offers a variety of Business Intelligence (BI) solutions including data management and warehousing, reporting, and analytics to positively impact sales, optimize inventory levels, synchronize pricebooks, and reduce shrink. These solutions can be customized to the needs of suppliers and retailers, and can be offered independent of scan based trading (SBT).

• Where does iControl get their data?

  iControl receives data feeds from both retailers and suppliers. By marrying the data feeds into our database, we are able to glean insights into sales and inventory levels, helping improve efficiency at both ends of the supply chain.

• How does the data integrate with our price book?

  A key component of the iControl program is pricebook management -- ensuring that the retailer and the supplier have the same cost and retail values for each UPC/store combination. New items, cost changes, promotions and zone pricing affect pricing daily, and our job is to maintain synchronicity.

• Who can see my data?

  iControl is a collaborative platform, meaning a supplier and a retailer who trade together can see each other's data (but not competitor's data). iControl maintains confidentiality of data and does not share supplier specific data across competing partners. We provide data and business intelligence solutions in a transparent manner, with a laser-like focus on improving efficiency and profitability for both parties. iControl maintains its data warehouses in state-of-the-art facilities, using the most advanced security protocols while maintaining continuous uptime with full redundancy.

• Is there software to download or licenses to buy? What technical resources do I need?

  There is no software to purchase, and advanced technical skills are not required. iControl is a SaaS (software-as-a-service) solution, cloud based system. The only thing a user needs is a web browser and internet access. We also have a free app that is iOS compatible. We’re so flexible that we can even accept "snail mail" from the post office and transform that into useful data!

• What data formats does iControl use? Do I need to use EDI?

  iControl is able to accept virtually any data format, ranging from paper reports and invoices (that are manually transposed into our database), to EDI x12 compatible files. We also accept Excel files and delimited flat files. Data can be sent to iControl by mail, fax, email, FTP, or by using secure AS2 protocols.

• How many end users can I setup?

  With iControl, retailers or suppliers can setup unlimited users, with customized logins and passwords for each user. We can allow certain users access to certain items, as well as view/edit privileges can be restricted based on user credentials.

• Are there set-up fees? How much does it cost?

  Please contact your iControl salesperson for more information at sales@icontroldsd.com or go to our online form for more information.

• How can I find out more?

  Simply call us at 301.816.4490 or email us at sales@icontroldsd.com today.