How SOK Transformed Retail Operations and Employee Experience with Pricer ESL solution
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Company: SOK |
415 stores equipped |
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Product: Pricer SmartTAG Power+, Pricer Plaza |
6 million labels installed |
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Industry: Retail |
100 million price and promo updates |
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Challenge: Modernize store operations and reduce manual work |
Use cases: |
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Solution: Implement a scalable ESL platform with multi-use functionality |
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Result: Transformed store efficiency, enhanced employee consumer experience |
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- Shopping list |
About SOK
As a customer-owned cooperative, SOK's core mission is to create value for its over five million members. This commitment extends beyond providing quality products and services; it is deeply embedded in their operational philosophy. SOK's strategic focus is on enhancing efficiency, embracing innovation, and, most importantly, improving the daily lives of their employees and customers’ experience.
Watch the customer story below 👇
The path to innovation
The core objective for SOK was to address the significant amount of manual, mechanical work and potential for errors tied to paper price labels. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, highlighting the inefficiency of manual processes amid high price volatility and staff shortages. This was not a short-term reaction but part of a long-standing strategic goal to improve store efficiency and the daily lives of employees.
SOK's vision went beyond simple price automation; they sought to leverage ESL technology as a platform for multiple use cases that would enhance overall store operations and the employee experience.
"I would never go back to the paper again."
Mira, Storage Assistant at SOK Prisma
The solution that works
After a thorough evaluation of various vendors, SOK chose to partner with Pricer, a decision driven by the proven performance and reliability of our technology. SOK required a solution capable of handling high-volume price changes without compromising accuracy or speed.
"We looked for a partner who would work closely with us as one team, fostering a collaborative relationship rather than a transactional one. From the very beginning of this journey, Pricer has proven to be that partner, acting as an extension of our own team."
Jarkko Mäkinen, Head of Development, SOK Store Operations
Beyond its core function, Pricer's solution was integrated into critical operational tasks. SOK is now extensively utilizing ESLs for pick-by-light to guide colleagues in order fulfillment and replenish-by-light for restocking shelves, significantly streamlining logistics. The ease of use and ability to genuinely enhance their employees' work was a crucial factor in the selection.
How SOK managed to modernize store operations and reduce manual work
The implementation has delivered clear, measurable benefits. SOK has equipped 415 stores with approximately 6 million ESLs and as of now has done over 100 million price and promo updates. The solution has dramatically increased store efficiency and significantly improved the employee experience. By automating routine tasks, staff are now freed up to focus on more valuable, customer-facing activities.
SOK employees have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating the reduction in monotonous work. What's more, the ESL platform has become a catalyst for innovation, with employees actively contributing new ideas for improving processes and tools.
"The impact on employee satisfaction has been overwhelmingly positive. What's particularly exciting is that they haven't just adapted to the technology; they've actively innovated new ways to improve our processes and tools in collaboration with us."
Jarkko Mäkinen, Head of Development, SOK Store Operations
A foundation for future growth
SOK sees the ESL system not just as a technology, but as a key enabler for achieving its strategic goals of reducing costs, optimizing processes, and elevating the overall store and customer experience.
The journey is far from over, with plans to continue the rollout to additional stores and explore new ways to utilize the technology to deepen its impact.