Potloc

Module

Which other of my own locations are generating sales near my location?

Guidelines for scoring the car passage or footfall for a location

Predicted sales

Car passage and footfall

I have login issues, what can I do ?

How to make multiple network changes at the same time to the baseline network ? 

How to export own locations, competitor locations or local activity to XLS?

How to make single location changes to your baseline network?

Predicted sales per mailbox

Workflow for geocoding addresses

What's the difference between real, baseline and simulation turnover?

Overview of network changes and how to simulate them

Module overview 

Understanding the building blocks of the model

Displaying data on the map (using map layers)

Examining location data

Examining zone data

Export options in Marketing Efforts

Comparing two data periods or simulations

Data sources &  information about updates

Customer area

The RetailSonar business case: how to optimize your future network footprint ?

Activation

Visibility

Willingness to travel

Wealth index

How to simulate a new location? 

Market sizing

Temporary situation

Aggregated zone level

Average basket

Baseline network

Baseline period

Benchmarking

Brand

Catchment area

Churn rate

Competition

Competitive pressure

Convenience

Coverage of KPIs

Cross-visit potential

Default framework

Detailed zone level

Drivetime

Experience

Reality correction factor

Frequency

Full market size

Footprint period

Geocoder

Gross market space

Halo-effect

HALO uplift potential

Internal Cannibalisation

Location Performance Framework

Location View

Loyalty

Mailboxes gross

Mailboxes net

Market size

Market Share

Protection area

Road segments

Sales KPIs

Sales per family/household

Sales per mailbox

Target audience

Predicted market share

Benchmark

Actual driving speed

Passage confirmation

Passage Visibility

User roles

Zone

Deviation map layer

Finding whitespots in your network

Overview screen display Marketing Efforts

Overview screen display Location Performance

Understanding the basic settings before using the framework

How to use reality correction factors ?

Overview screen display Location Planning

Welcome!

Underperformers 

Urbanization

Deviation (LPF)

Sales per inhabitant

Simulation

Segment

Opportunity framework

Unprofitable locations w/o growth potential

Obtainable market size

Outperformers

Penetration

Local activity

Macro environment indicators

Maturity

Micro accessibility

Prepare yourself for an optimal use of your platform.

Getting started 

Find all information about the different modules & their functionalities

Platform guides

Marketing Effort 

Location Planning 

Location Performance 

Data Management 

Optimize 

Geocoder 

Super user guides

Business case examples

ChargePlanner

Optimize

FAQs

Something is not working ? Find the help here.

Troubleshooting

Drafts

Understand the platform terminology & concepts

Concepts &  terminology

<h2>Good to know before you start</h2>In the location planning module you can create simulations in which you calculate the impact of future network changes. With a simulation we mean the collection / combination of location changes to the existing network (e.g. the baseline network). Simulations are always built on top of a baseline period.Multiple location changes in one simulation will give you combined network results. But before creating complex combined simulations, this article will elaborate on how you can create and analyze single location changes.There are different types of changes you can make to your own, competitor or local activity network to the baseline period(s) in your platform. For the simplicity, this card will only entail changes to the own and competitor network. (Consult this card for <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-add-missing-local-activity-to-your-simulation-analyze-the-impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">changes to the local activity network</a>)<ul><li>Closures (&amp; reopenings)</li><li>Openings</li><li>Relocations</li><li>Takeovers</li><li>Location DNA updates</li></ul><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4eae9710-d8e3-4767-ba0b-f0397bf20975"> &nbsp;The changes can be tracked in 3 different places on the screen:<ul><li>On the map, the markers of the locations will be colored in correspondence with the changes that are made.</li><li>In the grey status bar underneath the map, where the simulation balance or count is kept for the own, competitor and local activity network.</li><li>In the simulation overview, where all changes per location are presented for the own &amp; competitor network together and for local activity separately. This overview is by default hidden. You must click on the little arow on the right-hand side of the grey status bar to expand the overview.</li></ul>The simulation results in the executive summary are NOT automatically recalculated with each change you make on the map. Only after clicking the&nbsp;Calculate button (in the left settings bar), the global KPIs and the executive summary will be recalculated and reflect the changes. As long as your simulation has uncalculated changes, the results section underneath the map will be blurry i.e. unreadable.<hr><h2>Closures&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/1f4435b4-8263-430e-b48c-45b8ec566674">You can close one of your own and/or a competitor location by clicking on the Close icon within the location pop-up window of that location. The location pop-up window appears when you click on the location on the map you want to make an adjustment to. The following changes will occur:<ul><li>The location will appear in the simulation overview as a closed location. <img class="image_resized" style="width:2.72%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b8876b6d-3706-4bff-9a7b-91a5c0044ed2"></li><li>On the grey bar underneath the map, the "red counter" will be decreased by one. <img class="image_resized" style="width:2.44%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/cdae5151-4232-453f-ad27-a62d7f3a85f2"></li><li>On the map, the location will be marked in red, indicating it is closed.</li></ul>If you want to relocate a certain location (read also the section on Relocations below), you first need to close the existing location.<hr><h2>Reopenings</h2><img class="image_resized" style="width:8.3%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b00ff25e-c159-4179-b8e6-9fdd3986d0a2">You can reopen a previously closed location in a simulation by clicking on the Reopen icon within the location pop-up window. The location pop-up window appears when you click on the location on the map you want to reopen. The following changes will occur:In case the reopening concerns a potential new location (not existing in the baseline network):<ul><li>The location will appear in the simulation overview as a new location</li><li>On the grey bar underneath the map, the "green counter" will be increased by one &nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:2.52%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/468d3159-4cdb-49d3-bfba-cffbe3af81d1"></li><li>On the map, the location will be marked in green indicating it is reopened</li></ul>In case the reopening concerns a previously closed existing baseline location:<ul><li>The location will not appear in the simulation overview</li><li>No indication will be visible in the grey status bar underneath the map</li><li>On the map, the location logo will not show an opening/closure mark &nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Remark! You can only reopen a previously closed location. Reopening is NOT the same as undoing a closure. If you want to undo a closure click on the trash bin icon in the simulation overview.&nbsp;When you do this you reset the location status to the baseline status and hence also undo the simulation closure.&nbsp;</blockquote><hr><h2>Openings</h2>&nbsp;You can place a new location marker on the map. Consult "<a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to simulate a new location</a>" to know how and which details to fill in.*You can add a new location with an open or closed status. When you add an location in an open state, the following changes will occur:<ul><li>The location will appear in the simulation overview as an added location (<img class="image_resized" style="width:2.15%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/c1ba98f5-73da-4f8e-a650-c1d81f81de33">).</li><li>On the grey bar underneath the map, the positive count (green) will be increased by one. <img class="image_resized" style="width:2.52%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/468d3159-4cdb-49d3-bfba-cffbe3af81d1"></li><li>On the map, the location will be marked in green indicating the location is newly added.</li></ul>When you add a location in a closed state, the following changes will occur:<ul><li>The new location will appear in the simulation overview as a closed location (<img class="image_resized" style="width:1.9%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/cdaab7c6-3f5c-4ff8-9337-d91f1265b02f">).</li><li>On the grey bar underneath the map, the location status will remain unchanged.</li><li>On the map, the new location will be marked in red indicating the location is closed</li></ul>Remark! Please note that opening a new location in a closed state will neutralize the results: it will have no impact on simulation calculations.<hr><h2>Relocations (local)</h2>Relocations are the combination of first closing the existing location and next opening a new location. On the map it will always appear as two location changes;&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/9c913ed7-4597-4dc6-84cb-8ef1e3b363b6">Make sure to check whether you need to takeover certain location characteristic values from the existing location for the new location (e.g. when a shopmanager moves along with the new location, you will want to takeover for example the NPS score / location management value instead of the neutral value.<hr><h2>Takeovers</h2>&nbsp;For takeovers of competitor locations or vice versa, consult <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/simulating-takeovers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">simulating takeovers</a>.There is also the possibility to takeover complete brands in once (not standard included, contact our support team to learn more)<hr><h2>Updates&nbsp;</h2><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>1. Update location characteristics</h4>You can edit the location characteristics of your own and/or competitor locations by clicking on the logo of the location on the map for which you want to simulate such changes. The location pop-up that appears will display the currently given location characteristic values. The characteristics that can be updated are limited to editable characteristics (indicated in white checkboxes)Remark! Please note that not all characteristics have a model impact, therefore consult the delivery presentation you received from your consultant. For competitors for example you'll see the same list of parameters as for your own locations but they are in most cases not known (except for the surfaces).To save your location parameter changes, click on apply. The following changes will now occur:<ul><li>The location will appear in the simulation overview as an updated location. When you hover over the orange pencil icon &nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:2.84%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b1228c2e-2177-4fd8-a1fc-307ae844ccb9">the change(s) you made will appear in a popup window.</li><li>On the grey bar underneath the map, the count for changed locations (orange) will be increased by one. <img class="image_resized" style="width:3.01%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/998a5f50-4c95-460d-8f69-36ebdf642ffa"></li><li>On the map, the location will be marked in orange indicating the location is updated.<img class="image_resized" style="width:2.63%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/3df43df6-ff8c-4254-9ce8-a5cf5ba87bbe">&nbsp;</li></ul>Remark!<a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-add-missing-local-activity-to-your-simulation-analyze-the-impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Adding missing local activity</a> in the simulation can uplift the estimated cross-visits for your own locations that are located closeby. Therefore it can happen that your own locations appear with an edit icon, although you have not changed anything directly in the location pop-up.&nbsp;<h4>2. Move the marker of a new location</h4>In you would notice that after dropping a new marker, the marker is geographically not in the right position, you can use the move location button to maintain the already scored location characteristics (unless the ones that get calculated automatically based on the geographical position e.g. passage, local activity cross-visit scores...)<ul><li>Click on the &nbsp;'move location' &nbsp;button within the location pop-up window of the location you want to move. The following message will appear: "Click on the map to update the marker location" &nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:58.03%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/6acb4978-aeb3-4089-8302-95274bbb05d0"></li><li>You can now use the minimap on top to update the position of the marker: hold your click to move around the minimap to look for the new best geopgraphical position. The place where you single click on the mini-map will become the new geographic position of the location. The location on the minimap will then look like this:<img class="image_resized" style="width:383.108px;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/30294e17-b307-4873-9959-d8a4a7caa76e"></li><li>The new marker will appear on the new position. Note that address in the textbox is also updated automatically. &nbsp;</li></ul><h4>3. Updating traveltimes of the location</h4><ul><li>Read point 2 in <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location">this article</a> &nbsp;if you want to know how &amp; why to update the drivetime connection.</li></ul>

<h2>1. How to add a new location marker ?</h2>Step 1: Go to the Location Planning module.<img class="image_resized" style="width:49.82%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/96985502-443c-4f09-98cf-fc93a49fa439"> Step 2: Open the new location. There are two options to do this:<ol><li>If you don't know the correct address: first zoom in on the exact area on the map and drag &amp; drop the Add a new location marker from the left side panel on that exact area where you want to open the location. <img class="image_resized" style="width:62.4%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/61020362-24b1-4cca-90da-4f5d57765b4d"> &nbsp;</li><li>If you know the address, zipcode, place name or the coordinates: enter it in the search box in the top left corner of the map. Next select the right option from the list of possibilities that appear to place a marker on the map. Click on the orange marker that appears after this to open the location, or drag and drop the orange marker in case it still needs some adjustment. Check also 'validating drivetime connection below' why the right geographical position is important! &nbsp;&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:71.44%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b8fd05ec-fe74-4eeb-b3b8-8e16b9edb060">&nbsp;</li></ol>Whether you used option 1 or 2, a first pop-up window will immediately appear.Step 3 (optional): Validate the geographical position of the dropped marker on the mini-map. If the marker still needs some adjustment, click the 'Move location' button to reposition the marker. <img class="image_resized" style="width:57.03%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/fb7a0288-c702-42a1-9e51-61621664e877">&nbsp;The following message will appear: “Click on the (mini-)map to update the marker location”. <img class="image_resized" style="width:45.42%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/89ce8f2a-00b6-43d1-a357-22e863046065">You can now use the minimap on top to update the position of the marker: hold your click to move around the minimap to look for the new best geopgraphical position. The place where you single click on the mini-map will become the new geographic position of the location. The new marker will appear on the new position. Note that the connection road network map layer might change accordingly to the new position. (See also the next section; validating drivetime connection)<img class="image_resized" style="width:50.46%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/495fd28e-884c-4cf0-98c6-2f68d925ea49">Step 4: Next, indicate whether you want to open an own location, a location of a competitor or a local activity location.<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b2eea552-9fa8-4ae4-8093-80418a3d9f3a">Depending on the type of location you want to open, you can choose from a list of possible brands (the brands need to be configured for your platform). Once you selected the right brand, the location will be automatically assigned a name (which you can edit). Press apply at the bottom of the pop-up window to got the next screen.&nbsp;<h2>2. Validate drivetime connection</h2>&nbsp;Step 5a. Double check the micro accessibility situation of the new location.Use the mini map on top op the location pop-up window to validate the connection of your location to the road network. Make sure you see the map layer 'connection road network' (top left corner, normally displayed by default). You can display the legend (bottom right corner) to understand the green line coloring:<ul><li>1min (dark green) are the road segments that can be reached within 1 min drivetime from the location</li><li>2min are the road segments that can be reached within 2 min drivetime from the location</li><li>3min (lightest green) are the road segments that can be reached within 3 min drivetime from the location</li></ul><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/f95ec6c0-8144-4cfa-b1d1-440f0d4b6d48"> It is very important that the location is correctly connected to a road segment. This because our module operates on drivetimes for the calculation of catchment areas. For example, it may occur that a location is located inside a large retail park and because the marker is dropped on the exact position of the shop, it will rather connect to the parking lot instead of the road segment from which most customers enter the parking lot. As a result the drivetimes will not get calculated correctly and the underestimation of the catchment area will result in a lower prediction.&nbsp;Example: On the first picture, the marker is not connecting to the correct road segment which results in an underestimation of drivetime calculation. By slightly adjusting the marker, the result can be completely different, as can be seen on the second image. The darkest green displays the road segment that can be reached within 1 minute from the location. The lightest green colored road segment can be reached within 3 minutes of the location.<img class="image_resized" style="width:15.33%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/ccb334b3-3cc4-4241-b3f1-d42887d83404"><img class="image_resized" style="width:50.87%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2c379774-4c2e-4007-b494-bbea71dc4071"> <img class="image_resized" style="width:50.44%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/c7935027-20b8-4ad6-aa4d-ee7de27ae03e"> &nbsp;<blockquote>Remark: In case it's not possible to drop the marker on a location that gives you realistic drivetimes because of micro-accessibility issues, you can still adjust the situation by adapting the <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/micro-accessibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">micro accessibility</a> parameter in step 6&nbsp;</blockquote>Step 5b. Update the traveltimes (without adjusting the geographical position of the marker).<ul><li>Click the 'Update traveltime' icon. A textbox will appear "click on the map to select a different road segment to start from" <img class="image_resized" style="width:70.84%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b75c3f31-430c-48b2-9e0f-b26126f2afcb"></li><li>Click on the correct road segment for the new snapping of the traveltimes. A red line will appear on the clicked road segment. Click Apply to finalize the new traveltime snapping.</li><li>&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/091bfbb5-1602-49fb-8fa5-35dbfd557542"></li></ul><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>3. Score the micro environment</h2>When scrolling down in the same pop-up window, you'll notice a list of location characteristics. All characteristics are set on a default value, depending on the selected brand within the first screen (own, competitor or local activity). You can alter the relevant location characteristics if needed. If you do not know the correct value of the location characteristic yet, you can leave the default values which will have a neutral impact on your location result.<blockquote>Remark! Default values will be filled in for all characteristics; both for competitors and own locations. This does not mean they play a role in the model and have an impact when changing! It's most important that you know (by consulting the delivery presentation) which characteristics have an impact for your own brand so you can alter those correctly. The same list of characteristics will be presented for competitors although we don't calculate with those values as they are not known.</blockquote>Step 6: Indicate the right value for each location characteristics that plays a role in the model. Other ones (non sensitive characteristics) are descriptive and can be indicated correctly for a good reading of the report.<img class="image_resized" style="width:47.32%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2534f57c-e8c9-4130-8eb7-883a5721c0b4"> Parameters that are automatically calculated, such as urbanization or local acitvity cross visit potential, are colored light grey and cannot be adapted. In case you want to overrule one of these (e.g.: to simulate a new retail cluster), please contact your RetailSonar consultant.All <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/visibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">visibility,</a> <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/experience" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">experience </a>and <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/convenience" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">convenience</a> indicators have to be correctly and consistently scored. The impact of scoring these characteristics differently will depend on how your platform is configured. Their sensitivities are included in the predictive model, so it goes without saying that incorrect scoring can have a major impact on the outcomes. To obtain reliable results you can benchmark these values with values for other existing locations that you consider similar. If you have issues doing this, please contact your RetailSonar expert to help you out.Some location characteristics are segment dependent, e.g. surface. In this case, make sure you have entered the correct value for each segment. The characteristics that play a role in the different segments have to be filled in for each characteristics seperately at the bottom of the pop-up.<img class="image_resized" style="width:47.08%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/8293d1d6-491e-489f-ab94-33573ae67593"><blockquote>Important remark! In case you had an over/underestimation of drivetimes after step 5a, you can indicate the <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/micro-accessibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">micro accessibility characteristic</a> to a more negative/positive value so that you can simulate a more realistic situation.</blockquote>Step 7 (optional, only if configured): Validate the passage value in case the passage and/or footfall layer is configured in your platform. Consult <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-update-and-confirm-the-passage-by-car-and-footfall" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the article on confirming/updating the default car passage &amp; footfall</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h3>Reality correction factors explained</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h4>1. Investigate growth opportunities in your current network by analyzing the benchmark &nbsp;</h4>When building a predictive model, this typically results in a model accuracy of about 90%. The deviations of about 10% between the model result and the real sales are very insightful for benchmarking and lifting the performance of your locations to the next level.The model results for your existing locations are called the <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/benchmark" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">benchmark</a>. The benchmarks can be found in the location performance module, for each baseline period.&nbsp;<h4>2. Analyze the impact of network changes on your current network with the predicted sales</h4>However, if you want to test the outcome of a possible real estate action by using the predictive model, you want the model to reflect reality as much as possible. To be able to do this a reality correction factor (RCF) &nbsp;is applied to the predicted outcome (= benchmark) of each existing location. These correction factors imply that underestimated locations by the model, will be amplified in attraction and overestimated locations by the model, will be reduced in attraction. This is important for making accurate model estimations for future network changes.&nbsp;<ul><li>Underestimated locations by our model (= outperformers in your network) will have a RCF &gt;1 (&gt;100%)</li><li>Overestimated locations by our model (=underperformers in your network) will have a RCF &lt;1 (&lt;100%)</li></ul>The model outcomes corrected for reality for your existing locations are called the predicted sales. If you want to know the outcome of the model for the made network changes, you will have to analyze the<a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/predicted-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> predicted sales.</a><ul><li>New locations will have a RCF of 1 (100%) by default</li></ul><h3>When &amp; how to deal with reality correction factors in simulations?</h3>&nbsp;<figure class="table" style="width:700px;"><table style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-right:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-top:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);"><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">Case</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-right:1px solid rgb(235, 238, 242);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">RCF to apply</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">Expansion case</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-right:1px solid rgb(235, 238, 242);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">100% (= 1 = neutral, by default)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">Relocation</td><td style="border-bottom:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-left:1px solid rgb(206, 210, 217);border-right:1px solid rgb(235, 238, 242);padding:16px 8px;vertical-align:top;">First ask yourself why the benchmark differs from the real performance result of the location to relocate;1. If this can be explained by location management, and the location management will not change, then you might want to take over the RCF for the new location. Especially when it's a very local move.2. In case you want to know the neutral prediction for a relocated location (this implies no penalty (in case of underperformer) or possible uplift (in case of outperformer)), it's better to take the default RCF =1.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>To know the reality correction factor of an existing location, head to Location Planning. Select the right baseline period (click start a new simulation). Click on the marker of the location for which you want to know the RCF. &nbsp;The value will appear at the bottom of the pop-up window. (Note that we use different RCFs for multi-segment platforms)RCF for existing baseline network locations:<img class="image_resized" style="width:45.97%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b9be682e-0540-40a7-8472-f434cfaa4acc">RCF for new baseline network locations:<img class="image_resized" style="width:45.67%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/46345b64-a1b7-45d2-9bbf-391da6c7809c">&nbsp;&nbsp;Good practice:Describe in your location view report why you've applied a certain reality correction factor. E.g. location X is an outperforming location (local hero) and can improve its location characteristics by relocating nearby. All employees will move to the new location, and the local brand awareness will remain the same for the surrounding customers.&nbsp;<blockquote>Warning! Never use reality correction factors to adapt the result to which you believe it should be!</blockquote>​ &nbsp;

Hi there,Welcome on your RetailSonar platform! Here are a few tips to get you up and running as quickly as possible.&nbsp;All documentation &amp; support related materials can be accessed through our Help Center. Find the help button in the lower left corner and click on it to open the help center pop-up.<img class="image_resized" style="width:7.64%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/c03dd25a-378d-4c79-aee2-ebac73603876">If the Help Center button would be hindering you at any time (e.g. in reports), you can hide this button by going to your usermenu and disabling "Help". Don't forget to enable it again when you need it (e.g. when you want to contact us)<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/7ceed92b-8909-46ff-8f46-0e0882e6d231">&nbsp;The Help Center contains several information to help you out:<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/076d4939-fa47-4f61-8e8c-2022579045b7"></figure><ul><li>The support button: Our dedicated support team is always here to assist you on your journey. Whether you have questions or need guidance, you can reach us by clicking on the ' contact support' button. Ask your question and send all relevant screenshots with it for a faster process!</li><li>Our extensive knowledge base: here you find a comprehensive collection of articles, tutorials and how-to guides to address all your questions and problems. Whether you are a new user taking your first steps or a long term user looking to explore advanced features, this knowledge base is your go-to resource for support.</li><li>Search bar: enter some keywords to find all relevant documentation on it. You can also use the search bar in the knowledge base to find the full screen version of the articles.</li></ul>Other than this, there is also a lot of quickstart information to find within the platform (outside of the Help Center).<ul><li>Tooltips: our tooltips are small information pop-ups that appear when you hover over or click on certain elements within your application. Use this to quickly find which functionality to use.<img class="image_resized" style="width:95.22%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/6988cd35-cb16-465e-a782-6752b4692572"></li><li>In-app definitions: Most KPIs that are configured for your platform contain a definition. You can hover over a KPI to read the (custom) short definition. Clicking on the KPI might open the full description pop-up (only for longer information boxes)</li></ul>&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:37.23%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/0e9e3d38-f803-482b-b169-e75aa2ed9f48">Once again, welcome aboard and happy exploring! &nbsp;

This article delves into some common errors users might encounter when using the platform and provides next steps to address them.<h2>1. Server error 500 - &nbsp;"Internal server error"</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:47.65%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/080c2afb-16de-4efe-b903-229e6d94443e"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: This error occurs when the server encounters an unexpected condition that prevents it from fulfilling the request made by the user.</li><li>Next steps: Check if you use the correct link. Otherwise, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>2. Service temporarily unavailable - "Service unavailable"</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:42.71%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4e1dfc93-e621-467c-a21d-9443ed01df41"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: This error indicates that the server is currently unable to handle the request due to temporary overloading or maintenance of the server.</li><li>Next steps: Contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>3. Server error</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:54.57%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/b25cfba0-ad1a-45c3-ac20-da714aacf4da"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: When you log in to a platform, a session is created to keep you authenticated. This session has a finite duration to ensure security. If your session expires, the platform's server recognizes you as no longer authenticated, resulting in a server error when you attempt to access restricted areas or perform actions requiring authentication. However, it can also mean that there is a technical configuration issue in the platform</li><li>Next steps: If the server error automatically disappears again and you experience no further inconvenience, do nothing. Otherwise, refresh and re-login or logout and re-login. If not resolved by then and you are experiencing inconvenience, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>4. Server error 401</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/a4380796-df66-4a42-8f97-824c4ba974bb"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: You do not have the necessary permissions or authorization to access the platform</li><li>Next steps: Contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>5. SQL statement error</h2><ul><li>Meaning: SQL statement errors occur when the structure of an SQL query is incorrect or violates the syntax rules of the specific database system being used.</li><li>Next steps: Contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>6. 'No location was found' error</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:76.32%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/fefc9d7c-76b7-4aec-9e30-2971e6d3b54c"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: You're testing a new location in Location Planning, you press the 'calculate' button but no results appear in the summary table and you get the message 'No location was found'. This means that the model did not calculate any results</li><li>Next steps: Move your marker a little bit by dropping it again on nearly the same location. Check if this gives a result. Otherwise, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>7. 'No items found' error</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:38.18%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/7d41d9d4-0cfd-4ce3-8e6f-3208d13e9261"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: You're typing a location in the search bar and no items are found</li><li>Next steps: Check your spelling. Test again with the full street name or with the abbreviation if applicable (e.g. Boulevard = Bd). If you still get no results, test it with a different address and report this to <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>8. Empty location performance framework</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:78%;"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/defce295-aad6-4d04-b78d-71fe5e4accd3"></figure><ul><li>Meaning: You are in the Location Performance module and no Location Performance Framework is displayed</li><li>Next steps: Click on the 'select framework' icon and select the option 'Use default framework'. This framework is constructed by your consultant. Don't click on 'Start from scratch'. Otherwise, you will get the empty framework as displayed above. This option is only for super users of the platform who can build their own frameworks.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>9. '#NA' or '!!!' values in the Location Performance Framework columns</h2><ul><li>Meaning: Some columns of the Location Performance Framework contain '#NA' or '!!!'.</li><li>Next steps: First try clicking select framework &amp; reload the default framework to make sure you're having the latest framework in front of you. Next apply the most recent baseline period; it could be that the framework is only calculated for the most recent period. If issues remain, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>10. Wrong or '#NA' location characteristic</h2><ul><li>Meaning: When you notice that the location characteristic of a location has '#NA' or wrong values (e.g. wrong surface), this means that there is a configuration issue that needs to be fixed by the consultant.</li><li>Next steps: Contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>11. Not able to draw drivetime isochrones around location</h2><ul><li>Meaning: You are not able to draw isochrones around a location</li><li>Next steps: Logout, re-login and try again. Otherwise, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com">support@retailsonar.com</a></li></ul>&nbsp;

Common errors on RS platform and how to solve them

After understanding the <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/overview-screen-display-location-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">overview screendisplay in Location Planning</a>, you're ready to use the functionalities to start building your business case or simulation.Follow the steps in these order to make sure you've taking everything in account that is necessary for an accurate model result of your simulation.<hr><h3>1. Create a new simulation</h3>Create a new simulation by first choosing the network you want to make location changes to. This is also how you can reset a previous simulation &amp; start from scratch.<ul><li>Click on Start a new simulation (left icon on top in the settings bar) and select the most recent baseline period. TIP: for simulation calculations it's recommended to choose the most recent <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/footprint-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">footprint period</a> (containing the latest competition updates). &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:83.85%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/83ea8288-5795-44ad-9965-f153da406822"></li></ul><blockquote>Remark. When you head to location planning, your most recent simulation will always be displayed. It's thus very important to create the habit of clicking 'starting a new simulation' if you want to create a new one. Otherwise you will create further on a previous created network changes and it will take combine effects into account.</blockquote><hr><h3>2. Which simulations can you build &amp; how to do it ?</h3>&nbsp;Understand <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/overview-of-network-changes-and-how-to-simulate-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">which simulations you can build &amp; how to create these location changes</a>:<ul><li>Closures of locations (own / competitor / local activity)</li><li>Opening locations (own / competitor / local activity)<ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li>Finding the address &amp; dropping the marker on the map&nbsp;</li><li>Validate the drivetime connection of the marker</li><li>Correctly scoring location characteristics for new locations</li><li><a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Consult this article for the full explanations on how to do this</a></li></ul></li><li>Relocating existing own locations&nbsp;</li><li>Making location edits e.g. simulating the impact of changes in location characteristics</li><li>Taking over competitor locations or vice versa; consult <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/simulating-takeovers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">simulating takeovers</a></li></ul>Consult<a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/simulating-perfect-neighbour-updates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Simulating local activity </a>for the specific impact of local activity simulations.<hr><h3>3. Activate the predictive model</h3>Making changes on the map doesn't imply that those changes are also automatically calculated.Activate the predictive model by pressing calculate in the left settings bar (the calculation button will only appear when changes were made but not calculated yet!)&nbsp;<img class="image_resized" style="width:69.29%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/e6faebc8-1769-4bfb-9d4d-55bfa51c607c"><hr><h3>4. Reading &amp; understanding simulation results&nbsp;</h3>When you've calculated the results, the results section below the map will be readable. The results section contains the results for the combined effects of the different location changes you've made in the simulation.&nbsp;TIP. In case you want to analyze the exact dynamics and impact of one specific change on the existing network, it's recommended to create one change per simulation. Results will be more straightforward to understand. You can still make a simulation with all changes combined to read the total brand and network impacts.The black rectangles display the global predicted KPIs* after calculation of all changes. The green/red percentages show the growth / decline compared to the baseline network without changes. (* Different KPIs can be displayed in case of project relevance)Below the black rectangles you can read the results in different tabs.<ul><li>Summary: includes a summary of the overall turnover impact on your brand (displaying the top 5 positive and negative internal cannibalisation dynamics), due the combination of location changes made in the simulation.</li><li>Own locations: includes the full overview on the impacted locations of your brand, due the combination of location changes made in the simulation.</li><li>Segment: includes an overview of the simulation results per segment (only relevant to consult if multiple segments are configured)</li><li>Competition: includes an overview of the impact on the competitor network (external cannibalisation dynamics)</li></ul><a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/whats-the-difference-between-real-baseline-and-simulation-turnover" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read this to understand the different between the Real, Baseline and simulation figures.</a>The important simulation results are also included in the simulation location reports. Read the section below to know how to retrieve and export this.In case you want to understand the predicted results better, it's recommended to read "<a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/tips-to-help-you-interpret-case-results-of-new-locations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips to help you interpret case results of new (own) locations</a>"&nbsp;If you want to <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/grow-your-quick-scan-simulation-results-into-a-final-business-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">grow these quick scan results into a final business case, make sure to read this article.</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2672ac19-7728-41b7-ad06-7c3914201efc"></figure><hr><h3>5. Exporting simulation results and/or location reports.</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>To generate the automated location reports (by default configured on each platform) for a simulated location: click on the logo of the location for which you want to retrieve the report for on the map. (Be aware that there can't be a location report generated for closed locations.)<ul><li>In the location pop-up, select location view. The report will immediately open in a new tab. <img class="image_resized" style="width:67.34%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4ac963a5-fe9f-4c66-99f1-c3d6032c27e2"></li><li>To save the report, click the right mouse button, select print (or ctrl P), choose save as PDF in destination.</li></ul></li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>To generate the custom reports (only possible when configured) for a simulated location: click on the logo of the location for which you want to retrieve the report for on the map. (Be aware that there can't be a location report generated for closed locations.)<ul><li>In the location pop-up, select reports. Next select the right template; the report creation will now start.<img class="image_resized" style="width:59.61%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/9dceb218-7675-4030-952e-7442822b797d"></li><li>When the report is finished, you can retrieve it from your user menu by selecting the reports section.<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/e976568e-f67b-45f6-b9e3-829f9e14ea14"><ul><li>The report is ready to download (select <img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/e956be78-875c-42c6-a729-97dbaa5baae6"> ) when there is a green check indicated to the left. <img class="image_resized" style="width:64.13%;" src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/dd6c60fa-7361-4268-a0b8-7962f3c8c75e"></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>To just export the figures from the results section below the map; click on the download to excel button next to the notifications icon. &nbsp;The export will be immediately available from your downloads (you will NOT receive a notification for this). The four different tabs will then be visible in your excel file in 4 different tabs. &nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/dca94787-fcbd-49f9-a48b-59e1734d8070"></li></ul>&nbsp;<hr><h3>6. Saving, sharing and managing your simulations</h3>&nbsp;Simulations are never saved automatically, so be sure to hit the save button in case you want to retrieve this simulation a later time! Please consult <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/save-share-manage-your-simulations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Manage your simulations </a>for all information.TIP. It's recommended to save your simulations so you're able to upload it in the performance (for benchmarking purposes) and marketing efforts (for marketing action purposes) modules.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Building simulations; step-by-step plan

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