Evaluate the digital transformation of a multi-site retail network
Note: The client's name and certain details have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
1. Client Profile
“SuperMarché Suisse” is a medium-sized supermarket chain located in several areas of French-speaking Switzerland. Known for its closeness to local producers and its human customer relations, the company is experiencing continuous growth.
In light of this dynamic, management wanted to anticipate future challenges related to multi-site management, the evolution of its IT infrastructure, and the standardization of operational processes. It is in this context that it commissioned Meta4 Technologies to conduct a feasibility study on the implementation of a unified ERP.
2. Identified Issues
During the initial audit phase, several structural limitations were identified:
- Fragmentation of tools (POS, accounting, inventory).
- No real-time visibility into inventory or cash flow.
- Strong dependence on Excel for critical operations.
- Slow and unreliable financial consolidation.
- Risks of human errors and supply chain disruptions.
3. Objectives of the study
The mandate entrusted to Meta4 aimed to:
- Validate the suitability of Odoo ERP for the specific needs of Swiss retail.
- Design a functional prototype covering the key operations.
- Provide complete visibility into critical processes (sales, inventory, finance).
- Test the resilience of a multi-site, multilingual, and offline-capable POS solution.
- Simulate a multi-enterprise architecture suitable for future expansion.
4. Our approach
Meta4 Technologies delivered a comprehensive validation solution in agile mode, including:
- A quick, bilingual Point of Sale module that can be used in case of network outages.
- Real-time inventory management, integrated across multiple sites and suppliers.
- A "multi-branch" testing environment with centralized data.
- A compliant Swiss accounting setup (VAT, BVR, bank reconciliations).
- Dashboards for essential KPIs: sales, margins, inventory level.
The entire set was presented to the client through short sprints with regular demonstrations.
5. Key Moments of the Project
- Design of an offline-first POS architecture.
- Multi-company and multi-user configuration.
- Validation of the accounting model with the client's accountant.
- Accelerated training of key users on the prototype.
- Complete delivery of technical and functional documentation.
6. Results
The feasibility study was delivered on time and allowed for:
- To demonstrate the robustness of Odoo ERP for the needs of Swiss retail.
- To provide the client with a concrete, quantified, and operational vision of their future system.
- To identify the internal adjustments to be made before a large-scale deployment.
The project is currently on hold due to an internal reorganization within the client's management. However, the prototype remains fully reusable, and the recommendations provided serve as a basis for future implementation.
7. Lessons Learned
- A well-structured feasibility study delivers value in a few weeks.
- The adoption of an ERP system depends not only on the solution but also on organizational maturity.
- Anticipating the human factor is just as important as the technical aspect.
- The "functional pilot" format is ideal for limiting risks before a large-scale commitment.
8. Why Meta4
💼 Local & sector expertise: Knowledge of retail realities and Swiss requirements.
⚙️ Modular and agile approach: Rapid delivery of an operational business prototype.
🤝 Strategic support: A partner posture, not just an integrator.
📞 Want to validate your digital transformation without taking any risks?
Make an appointment with one of our Odoo experts for a free consultation.
Contact Meta4 Technologies to discuss a feasibility study tailored to your business.
