GB2386708A

GB2386708A - Planograms

Info

Publication number: GB2386708A
Application number: GB0206280A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Jeffrey Richards; Jeffrey John Richards
Original assignee: Galleria Software Developments Ltd
Current assignee: Galleria Software Developments Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-16
Filing date: 2002-03-16
Publication date: 2003-09-24
Also published as: GB0206280D0

Abstract

To allocate space to products within a retail display <SL> <LI>(a) a full master planogram is constructed to represent universal rules governing the relative positions of products, <LI>(b) a master planogram is constructed on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, <LI>(c) a sequence stack 22 is derived to identity those products present in the full master planogram and absent from the master planogram, and to associate each absent product with a present product, and <LI>(d) the sequence stack is used to reintroduce absent products into the master planogram, at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, to produce a sequence table for space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the master planogram. </SL>

Description

Planoarams The present invention relates to planograms for use in retail

outlets.

Allocation of products to shelf space in retail outlets is important in maximising sales. For example, products which sell well should be allocated more shelf space than those which do not. Products which are being promoted should be prominent. Products which are linked in the customer's mind, so that a purchaser of one product is likely to purchase the other product, should desirably be located adjacent or close to each other on display shelving. Good shelf space allocation can also help improve the aesthetics of the display, thus further encouraging sales.

Consistency among the outlets of a multi-outlet retail chain such as a supermarket chain, is also important. In principle, this can be encouraged by the production, centrally, of plans or charts showing shelf allocation for products. These charts are known as planograms. Conventionally, the central planning department would create planograms for various sizes of shelving and distribute these to their outlets, where a local manager responsible for a particular outlet would select the appropriate planogram for the shelf size available in that outlet. Thus, an outlet might provide a total of 10 metres, 15 metres or 20 metres of shelf space for a particular class of products, according to the size of the outlet. The central planning function would therefore provide planograms for 10 metre, 15 metre and 20 metre shelving and the local manager would select the appropriate planogram for use.

Problems are found to arise. Centrally produced planograms assume total consistency between outlets, whereas variations do occur, such as local shelving problems (pillars etc.), the need to stock non-standard products such as local traditional foodstuffs, or variations which are known to exist in the buying habits of the public, from region to region (such as an increased tendency to buy wine rather than beer, or vice versa).

On many occasions, it is found that accurate use of a planogram to allocate shelf space in accordance with the intentions of the planogram writer, but taking into account local variations, is unduly difficult for the local manager, who may be tempted to create a shelf allocation which is an approximation of the planogram provided, but with modifications made by the manager on the basis of guesswork, experience and personal preference in order to accommodate local variation and to achieve a result within limited available time. This can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the planning and analysis on which the planogram is based and can result in poorer sales performance than would have been achieved with more accurate rendering of the planogram at the particular retail outlet.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a plan for allocating space to products within a retail display, in which: (a) a full master planogram is constructed to represent universal rules governing the relative positions of products, (b) a master planogram is constructed on each occasion that space re allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, (c) a sequence stack is derived to identify those products present in the full master planogram and absent from the master planogram, and to associate each absent product with a present product, and (d) the sequence stack is used to reintroduce missing products into the master planogram, at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, to produce a sequence table for space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the master planogran.

The full master planogram may represent rules relating to the required

sequence of products within the display. An association is preferably formed for each absent product with that present product which is most nearly adjacent the absent product in the full master planogram. The full master planogram may define product groups and allocate each product to at least one group, associations being preferentially formed with a present product in the same group. The sequence stack preferably associates each absent product as following or preceding the associated present product.

The sequence table may contain present products at positions corresponding with their positions in the master planogram, and absent products positioned relative to their corresponding associated present products.

A store specific sequence table may be produced from the sequence table, by removing any items shown in the sequence table but not stocked by a store for which the store specific sequence table is derived. The store specific sequence table is preferably used to derive a store plan representing the sequence and amount of space to be allocated to each product within the display, the amounts of space being derived by consideration of the relative amounts of space allocated to the products in the master planogram. Preferably the master planogram is analysed to ascertain the proportion of each display region which is occupied by each product group, and to allocate products of that group to that region in accordance with the store specific sequence table, until the ascertained proportion has been filled.

The sequence table may be derived by computer means executing appropriate software. At least the master planogram is preferably transmitted to the computer means from a remote location. Preferably, at least the store specific sequence table and/or a store plan is transmitted to a remote location, such as a retail outlet.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a signal propagating over a transmission medium and representing a store plan as defined above.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of producing a plan

for allocating space to products within a retail display, in which: (a) a first data set is stored to represent a full master planogram which represents universal rules governing the relative positions of products, (b) a second data set is stored to represent a master planogram, and is modified on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, (c) a third data set representing a sequence stack is derived to identify those products present in the full master planogram represented by the first data set and absent from the master planogram represented by the second data set, and to represent an association between each absent product and a present product, and (d) the third data set is used to produce a fourth data set representing a sequence table containing the master planogram and into which absent products have been reintroduced at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, the sequence table thereby representing a space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the master planogram. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides apparatus for producing a plan for allocating space to products within a retail display, the apparatus comprising data storage means operable to store (a) a first data set representing a full master planogram constructed to represent universal rules governing the relative positions of products, and (b) a second data set representing a master planogram constructed on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions,

the apparatus further comprising processing means operable to: (c) derive a third data set representing a sequence stack identifying those products present in the full master planogram and absent from the master planogram, and to associate each absent product with a present product, and (d) to reintroduce missing products into the master planogram by reference to the sequence stack, products being reintroduced at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, thereby producing a fourth data set representing a sequence table for space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the master planogram.

The full master planogram may represent rules relating to the required sequence of products within the display. Preferably the apparatus forms an association for each absent product by identifying that present product which is most nearly adjacent the absent product in the full master planogram.

Preferably the first data set defines product groups and allocates each product to at least one group, associations being preferentially formed with present products in the same group. Preferably the apparatus is operable to form an association for each absent product as following or preceding the associated present product.

Preferably the apparatus positions present products within the sequence table at positions corresponding with their positions in the master planogram, and absent products are positioned relative to their corresponding associated present products.

Preferably the apparatus is operable to derive a fifth data set representing a store specific sequence table produced from the sequence table, by removing any items shown in the sequence table but not stocked by a store for which the store specific sequence table is derived. Preferably the apparatus uses the store specific sequence table to derive a store plan representing the

sequence and amount of space to be allocated to each product within the display, the amounts of space being derived by consideration of the relative amounts of space allocated to the products in the master planogram. Preferably the apparatus analyses the master planogram to ascertain the proportion of each display region which is occupied by each product group, and to allocate products of that group to that region in accordance with the store specific sequence table, until the ascertained proportion has been filled.

Preferably the apparatus includes computer means executing appropriate software. At least the master planogram is preferably transmitted to the computer means from a remote location. Preferably, at least the store specific sequence table and/or a store plan is transmitted to a remote location, such as a retail outlet.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer system having associated storage means containing software which, when executed by means of the computer system creates apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software which, when installed on a computer system, is operable as apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

The invention further provides a carrier medium carrying computer software as defined in the preceding paragraph.

Examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a greatly simplified schematic diagram of a computer system operable in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a planogram for use in accordance with the invention and

called a "Full Master" planogram; Fig. 3 is a planogram called a "Master" planogram for use in accordance with the invention; Fig. 4 is a stacking sequence table derived from an analysis of the planograms of Figs. 2 and 3; Fig. 5 is a reconstructed stacking sequence produced from the content of Figs. 2-4; Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a table of products stocked by a particular retail outlet; Fig. 7 is a completed table of the sequence of shelf space allocation specific to a particular retail outlet; Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are tables illustrating the sequence of steps for allocating an amount of shelf space to a group of products; and ., Fig. 11 is a completed planogran created from Figs. 7 and 10.

Computer System Fig. 1 illustrates a computer system 1 by means of which the present invention may be implemented. The system 1 is based around a central processor 2 controlled by software stored at 3 for execution as required. Data storage is provided at 4. The storage at 4 is divided (either physically or notionally) into various sections to record data required in the process to be described below. For convenience, the sections of storage 4 are labelled with the same labels and reference numerals as the corresponding table, from the remaining drawings, represented by the data in that part of the storage 4. Thus, the section labelled FMPOG and numbered 10 stores data representing a full master planogram of the type to be described below in relation to Fig. 2.

Input and output arrangements are provided at 5, and it is considered particularly advantageous to provide a connection 6 to a network, such as the internet, to allow data to be received and sent to remote locations, such as retail outlets. The appropriately skilled reader will be able to envisage many choices of hardware, software and system architecture to implement the procedures to be described and it is to be understood that the present invention is not restricted to any particular choice in this respect. However, examples are to implement the system 1 by means of an IBM compatible personal computer (PC), or by means of a server-based system.

When the system 1 is connected to a network or other transmission medium, as at 6, it may be convenient for the system to be maintained centrally, by a multi-outlet retail organization, with communication being established with individual retail outlets by means of the connection 6, as required.

Full Master Planogram Fig. 2 shows a planograrn 10 called hereafter the "Full Master" planograrn (abbreviated as FMPOG in Figs. 1 and 2). The planogram 10 is a schematic representation of a column of shelves 12 representing a single display cabinet, a single display area, or the like, within a retail outlet. In this example, five shelves are represented. Each shelf 12 has five locations, known as "facings" available for products. A facing will typically be a fixed length of open shelf, a single bin for loose goods, a single support from which goods may be hung, or the like. In the example which will be described, the display consists of five shelves 12, each having five facings, giving a total of 2 5 locations to be allocated to products. Data representing the FMPOG is stored at 10 in the memory 4.

The following discussion will refer to shelves and products, but it is to be understood that other types of retail displays could be planned in a corresponding manner.

The Full Master planogram 10 shows letters at each facing 14. These letters identify particular product lines. Thus, each different letter represents a different product.

Products are grouped, in this example into three groups. The groups are identified in the following manner in Fig. 2. Products in Group 1 are illustrated by a letter in a simple rectangle representing the facing 14. Products in Group 2 are illustrated by a letter in a rectangle representing the facing 14, with an additional bar drawn across the top of the rectangle. Products in Group 3 are indicated by a letter in a rectangle representing the facing 14, with an additional bar drawn across the bottom of the rectangle. The grouping of products in this way is significant throughout the process of creating the final planogram and consequently, this convention is used in other drawings to be described below, in order to identify the relevant group.

It can thus be seen that Group 1 includes the products identified as A, N. I, R. O. K, T. E. Group 2 includes products Z. X, P. L, J. D, F. H. C. Group 3 includes products B. W. {J. S. V, Q M, G. The Full Master planogram 10 is not intended to represent the final appearance of the corresponding shelving. Instead, the planogram 10 is intended to represent a set of universal rules relating to shelf allocation.

Various types of rules could be represented in this way. For example, a merchandiser responsible for the planogram process may implement a rule that products A and N should always be together. For example, tinned peas and tinned carrots may be known to sell better when positioned alongside each other, the sales of one reinforcing the sales of the other. Other rules might concern the groups, such as a rule that Group 1 products should never appear on the same shelf as Group 3 products. Products from particular groups may be preferentially positioned on particular shelves, such that high selling items are preferentially at eye-level, with low selling items less accessible, nearer floor level. These rules and types of rules are described by way of example. The

skilled reader will readily appreciate a range of alternative rules which might be used in the preparation of a planogram 10. However, it is considered particularly advantageous for the rules to govern at least the relative positons of products.

It is to be noted that each product appears only once in the planogram 10. That is because the planogram 10 does not seek to define how much space should be given to that product, but only to represent the full set of placement rules. The Full Master planogram 10 is intended to represent the highest level of rules governing the planogram production process. That is, these placement rules are the least likely to change and are likely to remain constant throughout very many revisions of planograms, as will become apparent.

Master planogram Fig. 3 shows a planogram 16 called the Master planogram (MPOG in Fig. 3) which again schematically represents five shelves 18 each having five facings 20. Data representing the MPOG 16 is stored in the memory 4, at 16.

Several differences are apparent between the planogram 16 and the planogram 10. Firstly, some products from the complete range of products shown on the Full Master planogram 10 do not appear on the Master planogram 16, such as products S. V, Q and M. Many products are in different positions.

Some products appear more than once on the planogram 16, such as W. B and 0. The planogram 16 is a Master planogram devised by a merchandiser and intended to represent the merchandiser's proposal for shelf allocation for all outlets in the chain, subject to local variation (to be described) and to the full placement rules recorded in the Full Master planogram 10. The Master planogram will be written and revised frequently, to reflect changes in promotions, seasons and other factors which require the space on the shelves to

be re-allocation.

It can be seen from Fig. 3 that the merchandiser who has produced the planogram 16 envisages significant prominence being given to product W. indicated by placing the product on a high shelf 18, and allocating three facings to that product. This choice might be made, for instance, because the product is being promoted by an advertising campaign.

It is to be noted that the Master planogram 16 can be written by the merchandiser without considering the placement rules embedded in the Full Master planogram 10. Thus the planogram 16 is very flexible to change in relation to commercial requirements such as promotions, seasonal sales etc., or other preferences of the merchandiser. A planogram written according to previous proposals would look similar to the planogram 16, but would be more difficult to produce, requiring the merchandiser to work within the placement rules. Each time the planogram 16 is revised, the data stored at 16 in the memory 4 is appropriately updated. Revised planograms may be entered into the system 1 locally, or transmitted to the system 1 over the connection 6. A planogram 16 may be transmitted from an individual retail outlet, or may be prepared by a merchandiser to influence multiple outlets.

First Pass Sequence Stack Fig. 4 illustrates a table 22 having 3 columns and 5 rows used to display information derived from analysis of the planograms 10 and 16, this information relating to acceptable sequences in which products can be allocated shelf space. Data representing the table 22 is stored at 22 in the memory 4 of the computer system 1.

The table 22 is produced by operation of the processor 2, under software control. Each product shown in the planogram 10 is considered in turn. The processor locates that product in the planogram 16, if present, and placing the

product in the table 22 in accordance with the outcome, by modifying the data held at 22. Products which appear in the planogram 16 will appear in the middle column of the table 22. Those products will appear in the row of table 22 which corresponds with the shelf 12 on which the product appears in the Full Master planogram 10. Thus, products A, I and Z appear on the top shelf 12 of the Full Master planogram 10 and consequently, appear in the top row of the centre column of the table 22. The corresponding letters are shown forming a single column within that location of the table 22, for reasons which will become apparent.

Similarly, products B. W and C appear on the fourth shelf 12 of the Full Master planogram 10 and thus appear in the middle column, fourth row of the table 22.

Products which do not appear in the Master planogram 16 will be reintroduced to appear in the first or third column of the table 22. The row in which those products appear in the table 22 is allocated by reference to the row in which the product appears in the Full Master planogram 10. Thus, products N and X appear in the top row of the planogram 10 and the top row of the table 22. Products H and U appear in the fourth shelf 12 of planogram 10 and the fourth row of table 22.

The allocation of products as between the first and third columns of the table 22 is more complex, and is based on an association being made between the absent product and one of the products present in the planogram 10, as follows. In allocating a location in the table 22 to a product, the products on each shelf 12 are taken in order, beginning with the products shown to the left.

Thus, product A is first considered, is found to be present on the planogram 16 and is therefore placed in the middle column, top row of the table 22.

Product N is then considered, being the product second from the left on the top shelf 12 of planogram 10. Product N is found to be absent from the planogram 16. However, further consideration of the planogram 10 reveals that the product N is located to the right of product A. This sequence information is

retained by placing product N in the right hand column of the first row of the table 22. Thus, the presence of product N at this location indicates that the product is not on the planogram 16, but appears to the right of product A on the Full Master planogram 10. The sequence information linking product N with product A is therefore retained.

The next product to be considered is I, followed by Z. Both products appear on the planogram 16 and thus appear in the middle column of the table 22. Finally, the top shelf 12 of the planogram 10 is completed by considering product X, which does not appear on the planogram 16 but is found to appear after product Z on the Full Master planogram 10. This sequence information is preserved in the table 22 by placing product X in the right hand column and top row of the table 22, adjacent product Z. Consequently, products appearing in the right hand column of table 22 are linked to products in the centre column, as products which should be placed to the right of the corresponding product in the centre column.

Other situations occur in which a product missing from the planogram 16 is not to the right of a product which does so appear, and thus is not appropriate to the right-hand column of the table 22. For example, product R is the first (left-hand most) product on the second shelf 12 of the Full Master planogram 10, but does not appear in the planogram 16. There is no product to the left of product R on planogram 10. The product R is therefore linked to the next product which is to the right on the same shelf and which does appear on the planogram 16. In this example, the next product is the neighbour, product O. which appears on the planogram 16 (bottom shelf 18) and thus appears in the centre column of the second row of table 22. Product R is therefore placed in the left hand column of table 22 to represent sequence information that product R should precede product O in shelf allocation.

Similarly, products S. V, Q and M are all entered into the table 22 to the

left of product G. which is the only product from the lowest shelf 12 of the full Master planogram 10 to appear also in the planogram 16.

Finally, the reader's attention is drawn to product H. This illustrates how the product group is used to influence entries in the table 22. All of the products previously discussed in relation to the table 22, located in the left or right columns, are in the same group as the product with which they are associated and which appears in the centre column. Thus, in identifying a product with which to associate a product missing from the planogram 16, a more sophisticated rule may be used in which a product may only be associated with another product from the same group. Consequently, while a simple rule could equally associate product H as following product W or as preceding product C, the more sophisticated rule notes that products H and W are in Groups 2 and 3 respectively, whereas products H and C are both in Group 2.

Consequently, product H becomes associated with product C and appears to the left of product C in the first column of the table 22.

The data embodying the table 22 therefore represents sequence information which identifies products present in the planogram 16, products absent from the planogram 16, and sequence and group information linking the missing products with the products which are present.

Reconstructed Sequence Stack Fig. 5 represents a sequence table 24 derived by considering the product selection information contained in the planogram 16, and the sequence information contained in the table 22. It is to be noted that as in the planogram 10 and table 22, each product appears only once in the table 24. This is because the table 24 primarily represents sequence information.

Data representing the table 24 is created by the processor, in the manner set out below, and is then stored at 24 in the memory 4.

Beginning with the planogram 16, the system considers each product in

turn, with duplicates being ignored. Thus, the top shelf 18 is considered first, beginning with product W. Table 22 is then consulted, which reveals that product W is associated with product U. which follows. Products W and U are therefore written into the table 24 in this order. This necessarily retains the same order for these products as is present in the Full Master planogram 10, by virtue of the manner in which the table 22 is created, and reintroduces product U. which is not in the planogram 16.

Ignoring duplicates of the product W. the next product to be considered on the top shelf 18 is product Z. which is found in table 22 to be associated with product X (which follows). Consequently, products Z and X are written into table 24 in the same order as they appear in the planogram 10. Finally product F is located on the top shelf 18 and is found to have no associated products, by considering table 22.

The second line of the table 24 can then be constructed in similar manner, considering the second shelf 18 of the planogram 16. It can be particularly noted that the products S. V, Q and M are introduced before product G. by consideration of table 22. Similarly, product H is inserted before product C. The remaining lines of the table 24 can be completed as shown in Fig. 4, by reference to the remaining shelves 18 and the table 22.

The resulting table 24 embodies product sequences which follow the product sequences selected by the merchandiser when preparing the planogram 16, with the addition of all other products in the complete range, introduced at positions identified by the sequences contained within the Full Masterplanogram 10. Thus, the table 24 incorporates the choices of the merchandiser, within the context of the full placement rules recorded in the planogram 10.

Store Range and Store Sequence Stack The processes which have been described thus far are generic to all

outlets within a chain of retail outlets. That is, the planograms 10, 16 are intended to apply to all outlets and consequently, the table 24 is not specific to any particular outlet. It is for this reason that the planograms 10,16 are preferably produced centrally, by a merchandiser charged with controlling multiple retail outlets, so that the allocation at each outlet is consistent, where possible. As a result, the table 24 may include products which are not stocked in a particular store. This may be for reasons of the size of the outlet, or to reflect local variations in buying habits, for instance. These local limitations of the range to be stocked are recorded in the table 26 of Fig. 6, which represents a simple list of all products stocked by a particular outlet. It is to be noted that in this example, products C, G. M, N. R. T. and X are not shown in table 26, indicating that they are not stocked by the outlet represented by the table 26.

The table 26 is preferably stored permanently in memory 4 for ready access when required by the processor 2. When the system 1 is serving multiple retail outlets, the memory section 26 may be a database providing a table for each outlet served, so that the appropriate table can be selected. Alternatively, the appropriate table 26 can be transmitted from the retail outlet, when required, for temporary storage in the memory 4.

The purpose of the table 26 is to allow the table 24 to be filtered by reference to the particular range of products stocked by a particular outlet, in order to produce a table 28 (Fig. 7) which retains the same product sequence as shown in Fig. 5, but omits those products not shown in Fig. 6 and thus not stocked by the corresponding outlet.

For example, the top shelf contracts by the omission of product X, which does not appear in Fig. 6.

At this stage in the process, the table 28 has thus been created to provide information specific to an individual outlet and representing the product sequence required to implement the Master planogram 16 within the full placement rules of the Full Master planogram 10, and subject to the range stocked at that outlet, as recorded in the table 26. However, the table 28

includes no information as to facing levels, i.e. the number of facings to be allocated to each product. Each product appears only once in the table 28.

Facing level information is derived by a process which can be conducted in parallel with the process which has been described. This other process can now be described with reference to Figs. 8, 9 and 10.

Space Percentage Boundaries Fig. 8 is a table 30 which records information representing desired space allocation as between products. Data representing the table 30 is stored in the memory 4. -

More specifically, the table 30 records the proportion of a shelf, expressed as a percentage, to be allocated to each of the product groups. Two figures are provided in each case for this. One is derived by the processor 2 by analysis of data representing the planogram 16. The other is provided by the merchandiser, indicating an acceptable or preferred variation from the situation shown in the planogram 16. These variations are recorded at 30 by appropriate modification of the stored data.

For example, product Group 3 is illustrated as occupying three of the five facings 20 on the top shelf 18 of the planogram 16. These facings are all occupied by product W. This represents 60% of the top shelf 18. The figure 60 is therefore one of the two figures indicated for Group 3 in the top row 32 of the table 30. The figure derived from the planogram 16 is shown associated with a lower figure (55) provided by the merchandiser as indicating a preferred minimum percentage to be allocated to that group. Thus, the table 30 shows the entry 60/55 in relation to Group 3.

The top row also shows information relating to Group 2. 40% of the top shelf 18 is allocated to Group 2 (two of the five facings 20). In addition, the merchandiser has indicated a preference to increase this amount to 45%, so that the entry in the top row 32 for Group 2 is 40/45.

No products from Group 1 are on the top row of the planogram 16.

Similar entries for Groups 2 and 3 are made on the second row of the table 30. Entries for Groups 1 and 2 are made on the third and fourth rows of the table 30. The bottom row 34 has the single entry 100/100 for Group 1, representing that the planogram 16 has products only from Group 1 on the lowest shelf 18.

Intermediate Allocation Once completed, the information in the table 30 is analysed by the processor 2 to produce intermediate results relating to shelf space allocation, these results being represented in a table 36 (Fig. 9). Data representing the table 36 is sent by the processor 2 to memory 4, for future access as required.

Table 36 has three main areas 38, each having five columns. The area 38a to the right relates to product Group 1. The area 38b to the left relates to product Group 3. The middle area 38c relates to product Group 2.

It is convenient first to consider the areas 38b, 38c relating to product Groups 2 and 3.

Within each product area 38, there are five columns (labelled 1, 2 to 5 in Fig. 9). Each column represents one row of the table 30. In the row 40 of the table 36 (the top row of data in the table 36), column 1 of the Group 3 and Group 2 areas 38b, 38c show, respectively, the figures 55 and 45, representing the corresponding figures drawn from the top row 32 of table 30. These represent the preferences or limits imposed by the merchandiser.

The second data row 42 shows the figures 60 and 40, representing the figures from the top row 32, derived from the planogram 16. The third row 44 shows figures midway between the figures in the rows 40 and 42 of the same column, thus 57.5% for Group 3 and 42.5% for Group 2. Similar entries are made in the rows 40,42,44 for the columns 2-5, based on the figures already

described in the table 30. Consequently no figures appear in columns 3, 4 or 5 for Group 3, there being no product allocated to the third, fourth or lowermost shelf in the planogram 16.

The lowest row 46 of the table 36 represents a result row derived by analysis of the figures just described. Considering the Group 3 area 38c, and considering the bottom row 34, it can be seen that the figures 57.5% and 62.5% are shown in the third row 44, representing 57.5% of the top shelf being allocated to that product group and 62.5% of the second shelf.

Identifying the amount of each shelf allocated to a particular group allows a calculation to be made of the proportion of the total allocation (to that group) which is provided by each shelf. Consequently, if 57.5% of the top shelf and 62.5% of the second shelf are allocated to Group 3 products, it follows that 48% of the space allocated to Group 3 will be on the top shelf, and 52% on the second shelf, because the sum of 57.5 and 62.5 is 120 and 57.5 divided by 120, is 48.

Similar calculations are executed in relation to the other product Groups, completing the result row 46 to provide figures which represents the contribution of each shelf to the total allocation given to that product Group.

These results are used by the processor in the manner illustrated in Fig. 10, as follows.

Shelf Allocation Groups Fig. 10 illustrates the methodology, incorporated within the software 3, for forming product subgroups for use in conjunction with the table 28 for creating a final planogram specific to a particular outlet. Fig. 10 shows data at 47 divided into two boxes 48a, 48b relating to Group 1, two boxes 50a, 50b relating to Group 2 and two boxes 52a, 52b relating to Group 3. Rules relating to the methodology are incorporated within the software 3, and data on which the rules may operate is stored at 47.

Turning first to the box 48a, this shows a line of product letters (A E K E K O I) at the top of the box 48a. These letters are taken from the table 28, appearing in the same order as in the table 28, and represent the store-specific sequence derived for Group 1 when the table 28 was created.

Immediately below this sequence are three figures (e.g. 3=28%) which represent the results derived in the table 36. Thus, shelf 3 is to provide 28% of the space allocation to Group 1 products, shelf 4 is to provide 25% of the allocation and shelf 5 (the bottom shelf) is to provide 47% of the allocation.

Assuming that the sequence of letters A E K E K O I represents the full requirement for Group 1 products, and that each occurrence of a product letter is to be given equal waiting, then the seven letters each represent 14% of the Group 1 display. Consequently, two products (product A and product E) will fill the available space on the third shelf. This is indicated in the box 48b by showing the letters A, E in a box labelled "3".

The next two letters K, E are allocated to the fourth shelf. It is to be appreciated that the allocation on shelf 4 is only 25%, slightly less than the 28% represented by 2 products. Some rules regarding rounding errors are desirable at this stage of the decision making process to avoid large amounts of space being left unallocated. Preferably, if the remaining space on a shelf is more than one half of the percentage required (i.e. in this case, at least 7% remains available on a shelf), then the next product letter will be allocated to that space.

Any residual problems of overstocking which result can be identified at a later stage in the procedure, as will be described.

In consequence, a second group for shelf 4 is formed, containing products K and E. Finally, the remaining three products are assigned to shelf 5, as a group of products K, O. I. Similar analysis of products in Group 2 and in Group 1 yield product subgroups for shelves 1, 2, 3 and 4 for Group 2 and shelves 1 and 2 for Group 3.

Store Specific Planogram Fig. 11 shows the planogram 54 which results from operation of the processor 2 to combine the subgroups identified in the table of Fig. 10, located on the shelves allocated to them in the procedure of Fig. 10. The processor 2 creates the planogram 54 by consulting the data available to it from the memory 4, to create the planogram 54, which is written to the memory 4 at 54.

Thus, the top shelf (shelf 1) contains the first subgroup W. U. B of Group 3 products, and the first subgroup Z. F of Group 2 products. Similarly, the bottom shelf contains only the subgroup K, O. I of Group 1 products. This results in a planogram 10 which exhibits various advantageous properties. "-it First, the number of facings allocated to each product group follows that selected by the merchandiser in producing the planogram 16. Secondly, the location and sequence of products conforms with the sequence rules derived by reference to the planograms 10 and 16. Thirdly, the planogram 54 contains only products stocked by the store to which the specific planogram is to be applied, but includes replacement items associated with products included on the planogram 16 but not stocked by that outlet. For example, the second row of the planogram 16 shows products P and C from Group 2. Product C is not ' stocked by the outlet being considered in this example, but associated product H is stocked and is positioned next to product P on the planogram 54, in place of product C on the planogram 16.

Modifications and Variations It will be understood by the reader that many variations and modifications can be made to the arrangements described above. In particular, many of the assumptions and criteria for decision making within the overall procedures can be modified, with consequent modifications to the overall result. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the system 1 will be maintained by the central organization of a multiple outlet retailer, or maintained on its

behalf. The Full Master planogram 10 will be prepared centrally by a merchandiser or merchandising team, and loaded to the memory 4 at 10.

Similarly, Master planograms 16 are envisaged to be set centrally, for reasons of consistency, and sent to memory 4 at 16. Thus, each time the central organisation determines that re-allocation of shelf space is required, for example to reflect a seasonal or promotional change, a revised Master planogram 16 can be uploaded to the memory 4. The software 3 is preferably configured to calculate revised store specific planograms 54 for each of the retail outlets to which the Master planogram 16 is relevant, and to transmit those planograms 54 to the relevant retail outlet, by means of the connection 6.

Staff at the particular retail outlet thus receive a fully worked planogram specific to the needs of their store, both in relation to the range of products stocked at that retail outlet, and the display space available. The planogram 54 can then be put into effect by appropriate arrangement of the shelf space. Since the staff can be confident that the planogram 54 has been tailored to the particular situation at that outlet, minimal additional thought or planning is required by those staff, in order to implement a shelf allocation which reflects the desires of the merchandiser who produced the Master planogram 16, subject to the rules of the Full Master planogram 10. This contrasts significantly from previous proposals, in which planograms were supplied to individual retail outlets in a form which required significant further thought on the part of local staff in order to implement them. Busy staff were thus likely to use guesswork, to some degree, particularly as space restrictions were not reflected in the planogram with which they were provided. The danger of local staff making changes of this nature is minimised by the store specific nature of the planograms 54. Once staff have experience of this, and realise that they will be able to reproduce the planogram on the shelving, it is envisaged that there will be greater enthusiasm to do so, thus improving the consistency of display between retail outlets.

Iteration It is envisaged that in many situations, the specific planogram 54 first produced in accordance with the descriptions set out above will not be usable

for some reason, such as overstocking or understocking of one or more shelves.

It is therefore envisaged that an iterative procedure can be invoked, by which modifications are made to the results row 46 prior to a recalculation of the planogram 54. Various algorithms can be devised for assessing the suitability of a planogram, and for judging whether a revised planogram represents an improvement, or not. Iteration may continue until no further improvement is detected, or until each round of iteration is causing deterioration in some manner. At this point, the optimum planogram already devised will be used as the final result.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to

those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

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Claims

Claims:

1. A method of producing a store plan for allocating space to products within a retail display, in which: (a) a full master planogram is constructed to represent universal rules governing the relative positions of products, (b) a master planogram is constructed on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, (c) a sequence stack is derived to identify those products present in the full master planogram and absent from the master planogram, and to associate each absent product with a present product, and (d) the sequence stack is used to reintroduce absent products into the master planogram, at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, to produce a sequence table for space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the master planogram.

a. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the full master planogram represents rules relating to the required sequence of products within the display.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim a, wherein an association is formed for each absent product with the present product which is rllost nearly adjacent the absent product in the full master planogram.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, or 3, wherein the full master planogram defines product groups and allocates each product to at least one product group.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein associations are formed with a present product in the same group.

6. A method as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the sequence stack associates each absent product as following or preceding the associated present product. 7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sequence table contains present products at positions corresponding with their positions in the master planogram, and absent products positioned relative to their corresponding associated present products.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a store specific sequence table is produced from the sequence table, by removing any items shown-in the sequence table but not stocked by a store for which the store specific sequence table is derived.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the store specific sequence table is used to derive a store plan representing the sequence and amount of space to be allocated to each product within the display, the amounts of space being derived by consideration of the relative amounts of space allocated to the products in the master planogram. lo. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the master planogram is analysed to ascertain the proportion of a display region which is occupied by each product group, and to allocate products of that group to that region in accordance with the store specific sequence table, until the ascertained proportion has been filed.

As. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sequence table is derived by computer means executing appropriate software.

1. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least the master planogram is transmitted to the computer means from a remote location.

13. A method as claimed in claim 8, and any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least the store specific sequence table and/or a store plan is transmitted to a remote location such as a retail outlet.

4. A signal provided within a transmission system wherein the signal is propagating in a transmission medium and represents a store plan produced by a method as claimed in any of claims It to 3.

15. A method of producing a plan for allocating space to products within a retail display, in which: (a) a first data set is stored to represent a full master planogram which represents universal rules governing the relative positions of products, (b) a second data set is stored to represent a master planogram, and is modified on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, (c) a third data set representing a sequence stack is derived to identify those products present in the full master planogram represented by the first data set and absent from the master planogram represented by the second data set, and to represent an association between each absent product and a present product, and (d) the third data set is used to produce a fourth data set representing a sequence table containing the master planogram and into which absent products have been reintroduced at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, the sequence table thereby representing a space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject

to the preferences expressed in the master planogram.

6. Apparatus for producing a plan for allocating space to products within a retail display, the apparatus comprising data storage means operable to store (a) a first data set representing a full master planogram constructed to represent universal rules governing the relative positions of products, and (b) a second data set representing a master planogram constructed on each occasion that space re-allocation is required, the master planogram representing preferred product positions, the apparatus further comprising processing means operable to: (c) derive a third data set representing a sequence stack identifying those products present in the full master planogram and absent from the master planogram, and to associate each absent product with a present product, and (d) to reintroduce missing products into the master planogram by reference to the sequence stack, products being reintroduced at positions dictated by associations recorded in the sequence stack, thereby producing a fourth data set representing a sequence table for space allocation in accordance with the rules embodied in the full master planogram and subject to the preferences expressed in the full master planogram.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the full master planogram represents rules relating to the required sequence of products within the display.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the apparatus forms an association for each absent product by identifying that present product which is most nearly adjacent the absent product in the full master planogram.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims t6, 17 or 8, wherein the first data set defines product groups and allocates each product to at least one product group.

no. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein associations are formed with present products in the same group.

As. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims t6 to no, wherein the apparatus is operable to form an association for each absent product as following or preceding the associated present product.

as. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 1, wherein the apparatus positions present products within the sequence table at positions corresponding with their position in the master planogram, and absent products are positioned relative to their corresponding associated present products.

3. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to Ad, wherein the apparatus is operable to derive a fifth data set representing a store specific sequence table produced from the sequence table, by removing any items shown in the sequence table but not stocked by a store for which the store specific sequence table is derived.

z4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the apparatus uses the store specific sequence table to derive a store plan representing the sequence and amount of space to be allocated to each product within the display, the amounts of space being derived by consideration of the relative amounts of space allocated to the products in the full master planogram.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim =3 or '4, wherein the appalclus analyses the full master planogram to ascertain the proportion of each display region which is occupied by each product group, and to allocate products of that group to the region in accordance with the store specific sequence table, until the ascertained proportion has been filled.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 5, wherein the apparatus includes computer means executing appropriate software.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least the master plan is transmitted to the computer means from a remote location.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or z4 wherein at least the store specific sequence table and/or a store plan is transmitted to a remote location, such as a retail outlet.

9. A computer system having associated storage means containing software which, when executed by means of the computer system creates apparatus in accordance with any of claims 16 to 8.

30. Computer software which, when installed on a computer system, is operable as apparatus in accordance with any of claims 16 to a8.

31. A carrier medium carrying computer software as claimed in claim 30.

3. A method of producing a store plan substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

33. Apparatus for producing a store plan substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.