ResourcesData gaps, disconnected systems, and 73% of SMB retailers paying the price
Jun. 12, 2025
Retail Management

Data gaps, disconnected systems, and 73% of SMB retailers paying the price

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Retailers today operate in a world where real-time data isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. From forecasting and fulfillment to finance and customer service, every department relies on accurate, synchronized information to function effectively. But for most retailers, that’s still out of reach.

In our recent survey of 300 U.S. SMB retail leaders, 73% said they struggle with data inconsistency due to fragmented systems across finance, inventory, and POS. Only 27% have a single software solution that integrates all three.

The result? Disconnected operations, inaccurate reporting, and a customer experience that’s anything but seamless.

Why data consistency matters more than ever

When key systems — like back-end ERP, supply chain tools, and customer-facing POS — don’t communicate, the business suffers in ways that touch every team:

  • Inventory teams can’t trust the numbers
  • Finance departments face delays and errors in reporting
  • Store associates lack real-time insights to help customers
  • Marketing and loyalty programs rely on outdated or partial data

And customers? They feel the disconnect — in the form of out-of-stock items, inaccurate delivery timelines, or promotions that don’t work across channels.

This issue is especially severe for brick-and-mortar retail chains, where 85% report challenges with data consistency. Even among omnichannel retailers, 65% face similar issues, highlighting just how widespread this problem is in modern retail.

The case for integration: What retailers stand to gain

We also asked retail leaders what they could achieve by adopting a unified solution for inventory management. Their top responses:

  • 34% cited accurate forecasting
  • 25% pointed to improved inventory visibility

That’s because with a centralized system, retailers can:

  • Anticipate demand more effectively using real-time data
  • Eliminate overstocking and stockouts
  • Optimize stock movement across stores and channels
  • Free teams from endless manual reconciliation

In short, accurate forecasting and inventory visibility start with integration.

The state of software solutions for mid-sized retailers

Discover how mid-sized retailers are planning on modifying their tech stacks to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond

See what Priority can do!

Schedule a no-obligation call with one of our experts to get expert advice on how Priority can help streamline your operations.

What’s holding SMB retailers back?

Many retailers have built their tech stack over time — adding systems as needed without fully integrating them. This patchwork of disconnected tools leads to:

  • Conflicting data across systems
  • Time-consuming workarounds to cross-reference reports
  • Inefficiencies that slow down decision-making

And as retailers scale — especially those with multiple locations or growing online operations — these issues only multiply.

The solution: One retail platform, one source of truth

To overcome data inconsistency, retailers need a single, integrated system that connects all mission-critical functions: POS, inventory, finance, supply chain, and customer engagement.

A unified retail ERP allows you to:

  • Sync data in real time across departments
  • Make decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information
  • Improve forecasting and operational planning
  • Deliver a consistent, responsive customer experience

For growing or omnichannel retailers, this kind of integration isn’t just convenient — it’s essential.

Don’t let your data work against you

As retail complexity grows, fragmented systems are no longer sustainable. Whether you’re operating five stores or fifty, if your POS, inventory, and finance tools aren’t speaking the same language, your teams — and your customers — will feel the disconnect.

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In our survey of 300 U.S. retail leaders, 87% ranked it as a high or very high priority.

See how Priority works for you


Frequently Asked Questions

Core Problems & Pain Points

What are the main data challenges faced by SMB retailers?

According to a survey of 300 U.S. SMB retail leaders, 73% struggle with data inconsistency due to fragmented systems across finance, inventory, and POS. Only 27% have a single software solution that integrates all three, resulting in disconnected operations, inaccurate reporting, and a poor customer experience. (Source: Priority SMB Retail Survey, Jun. 2025)

How does data inconsistency impact retail operations?

Data inconsistency leads to inventory teams not trusting numbers, finance departments facing delays and errors in reporting, store associates lacking real-time insights, and marketing relying on outdated data. Customers experience out-of-stock items, inaccurate delivery timelines, and promotions that don't work across channels. Brick-and-mortar chains are especially affected, with 85% reporting challenges, and 65% of omnichannel retailers facing similar issues. (Source: Priority SMB Retail Survey, Jun. 2025)

What problems does Priority solve for retailers?

Priority addresses poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, outdated systems, manual processes, limited flexibility, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. It provides real-time traceability, centralized data, optimized inventory, automation, and a single source of truth for all operational and customer data. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

Features & Capabilities

What features does Priority offer to solve data inconsistency?

Priority provides a modular, all-in-one solution that integrates POS, inventory, finance, supply chain, and customer engagement. Key features include real-time data synchronization, centralized data repositories, advanced analytics, no-code customizations, built-in automation, and industry-specific modules for retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

How does Priority support inventory management and forecasting?

Priority enables accurate forecasting and improved inventory visibility through centralized, real-time data. Retailers can anticipate demand, eliminate overstocking and stockouts, optimize stock movement, and free teams from manual reconciliation. 34% of surveyed retail leaders cited accurate forecasting and 25% improved inventory visibility as top benefits of adopting a unified solution. (Source: Priority SMB Retail Survey, Jun. 2025)

Does Priority offer automation and AI-driven workflows?

Yes, Priority includes built-in automated workflows and AI recommendations to reduce manual errors, improve operational efficiency, and streamline repetitive tasks. These capabilities help businesses boost productivity and free employees to focus on higher-value activities. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

Can Priority be customized without IT support?

Priority offers no-code customizations, allowing businesses to adjust field names, screen layouts, and workflows without IT involvement. This flexibility enables rapid adaptation to changing business needs and reduces reliance on technical expertise. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from using Priority?

Priority is ideal for CFOs, IT Directors, Operations Leaders, and organizations seeking a reliable ERP system that avoids extensive customization and risks associated with end-of-life software. It is especially suited for businesses looking for scalable, future-proof solutions to streamline operations and improve efficiency. (Source: Priority ERP Overview)

What business impact can customers expect from Priority?

Customers can expect enhanced operational efficiency, cost reduction, improved decision-making, long-term adaptability, and increased customer satisfaction. Priority's integration simplicity, automation, advanced analytics, and scalability help businesses achieve measurable results and long-term value. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

What feedback have customers shared about Priority's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Priority for its flexibility, high level of customization, and intuitive interface. Allan Dyson (Merley Paper Converters) noted full process automation and ease of use; Martyn Young (Cherwell Laboratories) found Priority matched their needs out of the box; Tomer Lebel (Cyberint) stated Priority is much easier and simpler than other leading ERP solutions. (Source: Priority Case Studies)

Who are some of Priority's notable customers?

Priority is trusted by leading companies across industries, including Ace Hardware, ALDO, Kiko Milano, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Adidas, Hoka, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, Electra, IAI North America, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, Gevasol, Checkmarx, GSK, and Teva. (Source: Priority Customer List)

Competition & Comparison

How does Priority compare to other ERP and retail management solutions?

Priority stands out by offering a modular, all-in-one solution that eliminates complex integrations, maintains a single source of truth, and provides industry-specific features. Unlike competitors that require multiple systems and heavy customization, Priority delivers seamless workflows, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, and cloud-based scalability. It is recognized by Gartner and IDC and trusted by leading companies. (Source: Priority Knowledge Base)

Why should a customer choose Priority over alternatives?

Customers should choose Priority for its integration simplicity, centralized data, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, industry-specific features, built-in automation, and proven recognition by analysts and leading companies. These strengths deliver efficiency, adaptability, and long-term value. (Source: About Priority)

Implementation & Support

How long does it take to implement Priority?

Implementation times vary: industry-specific off-the-shelf solutions can be deployed within a few weeks, while tailored workflows, multi-site setups, or legacy data migration typically take 1-6 months. Priority provides professional services, configuration, data migration, and training to ensure a smooth process. (Source: Professional Implementation Services)

What support is available after purchasing Priority?

Priority offers comprehensive post-purchase support, including troubleshooting, system optimization, updates, customizations, access to Priority Xpert (knowledge base, video tutorials, self-service tools), professional services, and multilingual support resources. (Source: Priority Support)

How does Priority handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Priority provides automatic software updates and zero-downtime maintenance for aiERP. SaaS customers receive updates outside work hours, with upgrades tested before deployment. On-premises customers install updates themselves. Troubleshooting and fault remediation are available for the latest versions, with extended support for older versions for an additional fee. (Source: Priority Support)