GK Software Consulting
and Implementation Partner
ThynkActive, Your Retail-Focused GK Partner
GK Software SE (GK) is a renowned global leader in cloud services for retail, setting new standards for customer experience and driving growth and sustainability for retailers. According to RBR Data Service’s “Global POS Software 2023” report, GK accounted for around five percent of all new U.S. POS installations in 2023, and more than one in four in the grocery segment.
GK’s comprehensive retail platform supports essential services for unified commerce, providing retailers with native solutions for seamless omnichannel processes. These include mobile customer loyalty, mobile store merchandise management, AI-enabled personalization, and much more.
ThynkActive, a retail-focused GK partner, is dedicated to guiding clients through their key transformational strategies. Our talented and experienced team is equipped to support retailers throughout the entire program, from strategy to implementation and ongoing support.
Proven Expertise in GK Solutions
Since 2019, our GK practice has been a recognized partner. We have developed an internal training program following our participation in the GK Academy, covering UCON, Store Manager, POS, Portal, CPD, and LaunchPad. Our team consists of seasoned professionals, including Project Managers, Business Analysts, Quality Assurance experts, and technical resources adept at handling integration and custom development activities.
GK Services
ThynkActive provides a comprehensive range of services to support our clients:
- Retail Systems Strategy & RoadMap
- Enterprise Integration
- Solution Architecture
- POS Implementation and Support (L2)
- POS Change management
- POS Deployments
- POS Solutions
- Custom Development / Enhancements outside of base code
- Manual Testing and Test Automation
- Experienced Resources for retailers
- Project Management (PM)
- Business Analyst (BA)
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Technical Analyst (TA)
- Digital Commerce (DC)
Success in Action
ThyActive has worked across a variety of retailers to successfully support GK engagements. These include Grocers, Specialty Retailers etc.
Success Story 1 – Transforming Retail: A Grocer’s Journey to Modernization and Efficiency
Client Overview
The client offers customers fresh produce, quality meats, groceries, and more than 3,000 club-sized items to fit every budget and need. They are a smaller, faster grocery warehouse store, offering the benefits of bulk shopping without the membership fee. They operate 255 stores across California, Nevada, and Arizona, employing over 11,000 associates.
Business Challenges
The Grocer faced the challenge of modernizing their outdated, 20-plus-year-old legacy systems. Competitive benchmarking revealed the necessity for a modern technology suite to enable omnichannel functionality, including:
- Order Online – Pickup In Store
- Order Online – Delivery
- Mobile Applications
Additionally, the company aimed to reduce annual maintenance and support costs, which were significant with their old systems.
Solution:
To address these challenges, the Grocer engaged ThynkActive, a consulting team, to lead their digital transformation. The approach involved several key steps:
- Discovery Process:
ThynkActive facilitated a comprehensive discovery process to define the specific requirements, tools, and support organization needed for the transformation. - Selection Projects:
The consulting team led multiple selection projects to identify the best solutions based on the discoveries and roadmap activities. This ensured that the chosen technologies would meet Smart & Final’s specific needs. - Program Governance and Change Management:
ThynkActive was further engaged to provide ongoing program governance and manage change processes throughout the lifecycle of the project. This included overseeing the implementation and ensuring smooth transitions. - Comprehensive Solutions:
The solutions provided by ThynkActive included:- A new point of sale system
- An integration layer for multiple systems
- A digital commerce platform
- A robust support organization
- Resource Allocation:
Leveraging their depth of experienced associates, ThynkActive brought in the necessary resources as required throughout the project. This ensured that Smart & Final had the expertise and support needed at every stage of the transformation.
Results
Through this engagement with ThynkActive, the Grocer successfully replaced their outdated systems with a modern, efficient technology suite. This transformation enabled the company to offer enhanced omnichannel services to their customers while significantly lowering maintenance and support costs. The comprehensive and carefully managed approach ensured minimal disruption and a smooth transition to the new systems, setting Smart & Final up for continued success and growth in a competitive market.
Case Study 2: Modernizing Customer Loyalty Programs for a Personal Care Products Leader
Client Overview
The client is a leader in the personal care industry, specializing in cosmetics, skincare, hair color, perfumes, hair care, and sun protection products.
Business Challenges
The client faced several challenges and opportunities, including the need to:
- Consolidate and harmonize their Customer Loyalty program across different platforms throughout Omni Channel stores to allow the use of loyalty points as payment.
- Stabilize, modernize, and advance their existing operations.
- Enhance the customer’s buying experience in both online and in-store retail locations.
Solution:
- Evaluation of Existing Systems
ThynkActive conducted a thorough evaluation of the client’s existing Customer and Loyalty program to identify areas for improvement and integration. - Introduction of a Loyalty Rewards Program
We introduced a new Loyalty Rewards Program designed to attract potential new customers and increase engagement with existing ones. - Creation of Points Tender Program
ThynkActive developed the Points Tender program in GK POS, enabling stores to accept loyalty points as payment. This program ensured that store sales were accurately reflected in the Loyalty System. - Integration with Rewards System
We integrated the POS with the Rewards system, allowing it to accept loyalty points for payment and update the system via posLog. This integration ensured seamless transactions and accurate tracking of loyalty points across all platforms.
Results
- Enhanced Customer Brand Experience
The new systems improved the in-store customer experience, making transactions smoother and more rewarding for customers. - Better Omnichannel Engagement
The harmonized loyalty program facilitated better engagement with customers across online and in-store channels, providing a consistent and unified shopping experience. - Increased Customer Attraction
The introduction of additional reward programs attracted new customers and incentivized existing ones, boosting overall customer loyalty and satisfaction.
By modernizing their Customer Loyalty program and integrating it seamlessly across platforms, the client was able to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive greater engagement and loyalty.
Conclusion
ThynkActive’s experience and resources enable us to support retailers in various ways, ensuring successful transformations and continued operational excellence. Whether you need strategic guidance, implementation support, or day-to-day operational assistance, ThynkActive is your trusted partner for GK solutions