Retail Execution Uncovered: Top Questions & Insights from Our Mondelez Webinar 

Retail Execution Uncovered: Top Questions & Insights from Our Mondelez Webinar 

Retail is undergoing a major transformation. Inflationary pressures, evolving shopper expectations, and the meteoric rise of retail media are reshaping the way brands approach execution. For consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands, the shelf isn’t just the endpoint of the shopper journey, it’s the frontline of competition. Winning here takes more than flawless execution; it demands agility, cross-functional collaboration, and the right mix of human expertise and artificial intelligence (AI). 

At Trax, we understand that the retail landscape requires bold strategies and actionable insights… and it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. It’s no longer just about meeting planogram compliance or the needs of ‘management’. Success is built on real-time visibility, smarter decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These principles were at the core of our recent webinar with Mondelez, where we shared actionable insights on cracking the code of today’s retail challenges. 

Insights from the Webinar: Key Questions and Answers 

The webinar offered a deep dive into retail execution strategies, featuring Mondelez’s VP of Executional Excellence, Sree Rajagopalan, and Trax’s Sales Director, Sean O’Dowd. The interactive session highlighted key questions that reveal how CPGs are leveraging technology to transform execution into a strategic advantage. If you missed it, you can watch the full recording here. 

The audience didn’t just attend the webinar, they were engaged!! And those are our favorite types of webinars. Here are some of the thoughtful questions that were asked throughout.  

Q: Are you using AI or analytic tools to process data from image recognition and generate insights? 

A: Absolutely – and frankly, we’d be silly not to with today’s advances in technology. AI plays a pivotal role in turning image recognition data into actionable insights (and not just saying AI as a buzzword). We link shelf conditions, such as planogram compliance and on-shelf availability, directly to sales performance. Through advanced dashboards, we help CPGs move from raw data to informed decisions that drive growth and improve execution quality. This is our bread and butter.  

 Q: Is image recognition being used only for data collection, or does it have in-store applications? 

A: It’s both. You won’t be successful with one, without the other. Image recognition powers large-scale data collection but also creates immediate value during store visits. Field reps can capture images in real time (through the cloud or augmented reality) and receive actionable guidance on corrective measures. This enables faster issue resolution and transforms shelf data into a practical, execution-first tool. 

 Q: What quantifiable results has image recognition delivered in efficiency and sales? 

A: The impact has been significant for Mondelez, specifically. In one instance, image recognition revealed that display compliance was at 40% versus the expected 70%. By acting on these insights, corrective actions were implemented in just 40 days, closing the gap and driving measurable improvements in both efficiency and sales. 

 Q: How does Trax address privacy concerns with image recognition in stores? 

A: Privacy is foundational to our technology – and should be to every service provider. We comply with global privacy regulations and implement safeguards to ensure personal images are excluded from our data collection processes. Our focus is entirely on product conditions, not people, ensuring responsible and secure data practices. 

 Q: How do you measure success beyond sales lift? 

A: While sales are a key metric, we prioritize execution KPIs like consistency, speed to shelf, out-of-stock reduction, and display compliance. These metrics align execution with broader business goals while helping field reps meet Perfect Store standards. 

The Role of Image Recognition in Retail Execution 

Image recognition is revolutionizing retail execution by creating both large-scale visibility and real-time value. Trax leverages this technology to collect extensive shelf data, including planogram compliance and on-shelf availability, across thousands of stores. 

But image recognition goes beyond data collection, it’s a game-changer for in-store operations. Reps use it to capture real-time images and instantly receive actionable Next Best Actions. Whether it’s fixing out-of-stock issues or improving compliance, these insights enable faster corrective measures… which means more sales for you and happier, long-term customers, ready to buy more! 

Aligning Incentives and Motivating Field Reps 

Motivating field reps is critical to achieving executional excellence. Trax helps align incentives by tying KPIs to what reps can directly control, like Perfect Store compliance and on-shelf availability. 

Gamification is another powerful tool – who doesn’t like a game, especially while working? Many of our customers run contests or seasonal challenges fueled by Trax data, encouraging reps to engage more actively in their daily tasks. Real-time dashboards also keep reps informed about their impact, connecting their efforts to broader business outcomes. Internally, we’ve even positioned a race against our collection before your morning cup of coffee was ready… Trax won.  

By aligning incentives, providing transparency, and fostering engagement, Trax helps field teams maintain focus and energy, even when execution challenges become repetitive. 

Emerging Opportunities in Shopper Engagement 

Retail execution isn’t just about shelves, it’s also about shoppers. You can have perfect shelves, but if no one is buying, there’s not point. Emerging technologies are opening new doors for connecting execution to shopper engagement. For example, Trax is piloting integrations with mobile wallets to deliver promotions in real time, directly at the point of decision. 

 In parallel, platforms like Trax’s engagement solution, Shopkick are helping brands better understand shopper behavior while enhancing engagement. These innovations point to a future where retail execution seamlessly integrates with shopper touchpoints, driving deeper connections and more personalized experiences. 

Closing Thoughts on Retail Execution Excellence 

Retail execution has evolved, it’s no longer just about hitting compliance targets. To succeed in today’s market, brands need agility, visibility, and alignment. At Trax, we combine cutting-edge technology with actionable insights to turn execution into a competitive advantage. 

We’re here to help CPGs take their operations to the next level, leveraging image recognition, AI, and gamification to empower teams, drive accountability, and fuel growth. Ready to transform your retail execution strategy? Explore Trax’s solutions today.