An Advanced System for Supporting the Decision Process within Large-scale Retail Stores

• Published in: Simulation (San Diego, Calif.) Calif.), 2010-12, Vol.86 (12), p.742-762
• Main Authors: Bruzzone, Agostino G., Longo, Francesco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Architecture; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Decision theory. Utility theory; Dynamical systems; Dynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Information systems. Data bases; Logistics; Management; Memory organisation. Data processing; Monitoring; On-line systems; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Retail stores; Simulation; Software; Stores
• ISSN: 0037-5497; 1741-3133
• DOI: 10.1177/0037549709348801

This paper proposes an advanced decision system, called Virtual Dynamic Store (VDS), for supporting retail store management. The VDS architecture supports the decision processes within retail stores by providing users with three main functionalities: store layout analysis, item and shelf management, and store monitoring and control by real-time simulation (or remote control by on-line simulation). As additional functionality, not related to the decision process within a retail store, the VDS architecture could also be used as a virtual web shop for e-commerce. To provide evidence on the relevance of the VDS, the architecture is tested within a real store by proposing four different application examples that show the potential of the VDS as an advanced decision support system.