Potloc

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

Guidelines for scoring the car passage or footfall for a location

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?

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

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

Activation

How to simulate a new location? 

Market sizing

Aggregated zone level

Average basket

Baseline network

Baseline period

Benchmarking

Brand

Catchment area

Churn rate

Convenience

Coverage of KPIs

Cross-visit potential

Default framework

Detailed zone level

Drivetime

Experience

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!

Deviation (LPF)

Building simulations; step-by-step plan

Filter your list of locations

How to benchmark your locations and understand the drivers of the model?

Using two-factor authentication for platform login

Save, share & manage your simulations

How to simulate takeovers ?

Package of articles to get you started 

Creating your own filters 

Analyze the performances of your locations and identify underutilized locations

Introduction

Why can I not see the isochrones on the map?

When should I look at the benchmark vs. when at the predicted sales ?

Grow your quick scan simulation results into a final business case

Tips to help you interpret case results of new locations 

Uploading and updating zone characteristics (power users only)

How are the estimated cross-visits for local activity calculated?

How to visualize & export the overlap for different catchment areas?

How to measure the impact of a closure or relocation on your network?

I cannot access to a module / white page

How to export locations when a zone filter is applied ?

How to Review, Update, and Confirm Passage and footfall for a Location

Simulate new local activity & analyze the impact 

How to display car passage or footfall

Activating your (potential) customers: who should you target ? (Marketing)

Updated platform terminology

Bulk upload error overview 

Check file upload progress and validation errors

How to recover customers after closure or relocation (Marketing) 

Projects

FAQs about car passage and footfall data

Definitions of ready-to-use inspiration sets

Reality correction factor

Competition

Competitive pressure

Geocoder

Gross market space

Halo-effect

HALO uplift potential

Internal Cannibalisation

Isochrone

Location classification

Location cluster

Location management

Location Performance Framework

Location View

Loyalty

Mailboxes gross

Mailboxes net

Market size

Market Share

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 Efforts

Location Planning 

Location Performance 

Geocoder 

Business case examples

PropertyScanner

Find all information about Optimize & Data Management modules

Power user guides

Optimize 

Data Management 

FAQs

Something is not working ? Find the help here.

Troubleshooting

Drafts (not published)

Concepts 

<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/how-to-simulate-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;

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/37f259ff-eee2-4ac7-979a-54feb28f82b7"></figure>&nbsp;<ul><li>The "contact us" 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;

After understanding the <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/overview-screen-display-location-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="LexTKB__link">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 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">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 class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">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/current-state-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="LexTKB__link">current state </a>(containing the latest competition updates). &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/fe281e94-3cd5-4ba9-bd82-6d2a3c6a3907" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="100%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li></ul><blockquote class="LexTKB__quote" dir="ltr">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 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">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" class="LexTKB__link">which simulations you can build &amp; how to create these location changes</a>:<ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">Closures of locations (own / competitor / local activity)</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">Opening locations (own / competitor / local activity)</li><li value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem LexTKB__nestedListItem"><ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">Finding the address &amp; dropping the marker on the map&nbsp;</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">Validate the drivetime connection of the marker</li><li value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem">Correctly scoring location characteristics for new locations</li><li value="4" class="LexTKB__listItem"><a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/how-to-simulate-a-new-location" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="LexTKB__link">Consult this article for the full explanations on how to do this</a></li></ul></li><li value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem">Relocating existing own locations&nbsp;</li><li value="4" class="LexTKB__listItem">Making location edits e.g. simulating the impact of changes in location characteristics</li><li value="5" class="LexTKB__listItem">Taking over competitor locations or vice versa; consult <a href="https://kb.retailsonar.com/en/article/simulating-takeovers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="LexTKB__link">simulating takeovers</a></li></ul>Consult<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" class="LexTKB__link"> Simulating local activity </a>for the specific impact of local activity simulations.<hr><h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">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 src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/e6faebc8-1769-4bfb-9d4d-55bfa51c607c" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"><hr><h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">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 class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">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 value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">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 value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem">Segment: includes an overview of the simulation results per segment (only relevant to consult if multiple segments are configured)</li><li value="4" class="LexTKB__listItem">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" class="LexTKB__link">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" class="LexTKB__link">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" class="LexTKB__link">grow these quick scan results into a final business case, make sure to read this article.</a><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/2672ac19-7728-41b7-ad06-7c3914201efc" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"><hr><h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">5. Exporting simulation results and/or location reports.</h3>&nbsp;<ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">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.)</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem LexTKB__nestedListItem"><ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">In the location pop-up, select location view. The report will immediately open in a new tab.<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/4ac963a5-fe9f-4c66-99f1-c3d6032c27e2" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">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 class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">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.)</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem LexTKB__nestedListItem"><ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">In the location pop-up, select reports. Next select the right template; the report creation will now start.<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/9dceb218-7675-4030-952e-7442822b797d" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">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" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="35.46952224052718%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li></ul></li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">The report is ready to download when there is a green check indicated to the left.<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/dd6c60fa-7361-4268-a0b8-7962f3c8c75e" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li></ul>&nbsp;<ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">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" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="55.72769953051643%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></li></ul>&nbsp;<hr><h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">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" class="LexTKB__link">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;

This article explains common platform errors, what they mean, and what you can try before contacting support.<h2 class="LexTKB__h2" dir="ltr">First checks</h2>Before contacting support, try these steps:<ol class="LexTKB__ol1"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">Refresh the page.</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">Log out and log in again.</li><li value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem">Check whether the same issue occurs in another browser.</li><li value="4" class="LexTKB__listItem">Check whether a colleague experiences the same issue.</li></ol>If the issue remains, contact <a href="mailto:support@retailsonar.com" class="LexTKB__link">support@retailsonar.com</a> or hit the contact support button in the platformWhen contacting support, include:<ul class="LexTKB__ul"><li value="1" class="LexTKB__listItem">a screenshot of the error;</li><li value="2" class="LexTKB__listItem">the module where the issue occurred;</li><li value="3" class="LexTKB__listItem">the action you performed just before the error appeared;</li><li value="4" class="LexTKB__listItem">the location, simulation, project, framework, or period you were working with, if applicable.</li></ul> <hr><h2 class="LexTKB__h2" dir="ltr">Technical errors</h2><table class="LexTKB__table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="LexTKB__tableCell LexTKB__tableCellHeader" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);">Error message</th><th class="LexTKB__tableCell LexTKB__tableCellHeader" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);">What it means</th><th class="LexTKB__tableCell LexTKB__tableCellHeader" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245);">What you can do</th></tr><tr><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Server error 500 “Internal server error” <img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/802c839c-c9b6-46e0-ad11-4df8e5dd029f" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="70.2127659574468%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">The server encountered an unexpected issue and could not complete the request.</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Check whether you are using the correct link. If the issue remains after the first checks, contact support.</td></tr><tr><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">“Service unavailable” <img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/5f7c3bd8-83b8-4695-9112-66ec554455ef" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="78.01418439716312%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">The platform is temporarily unable to process your request, for example because of overload, maintenance, or a technical interruption.</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Try again after a short moment. If the service remains unavailable, contact support.</td></tr><tr><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">General server error<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/19ff21ec-a218-4e5f-95b6-d817b18c7df8" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="84.39716312056737%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Your session may have expired, or there may be a technical configuration issue.</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">If the error disappears after refreshing or logging in again, no action is needed. If it continues, contact support.</td></tr><tr><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Server error 401<img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/993347c1-ba93-4c81-a683-45f8baff7dfc" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="73.04964539007092%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;"></td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">You are not authorized to access the requested page, module, or action.</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Contact support to check your permissions.</td></tr><tr><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">SQL statement error</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">The platform could not correctly execute a database request. This is usually a technical or configuration issue.</td><td class="LexTKB__tableCell" style="vertical-align: top; text-align: start;">Contact support.</td></tr></tbody></table> <hr><h2 class="LexTKB__h2" dir="ltr">Other errors</h2><h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">'No location was found' </h3><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/fefc9d7c-76b7-4aec-9e30-2971e6d3b54c" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;">This error can appear in Location Planning when you test a new location, click Calculate, and no results appear in the summary table.It means that the model did not calculate results for the selected marker location.What you can doMove the marker slightly by dropping it again almost on the same location, then click Calculate again.If the issue remains, contact support and include the address or coordinates of the tested location.&nbsp;<h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">'No items found' error</h3><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/7d41d9d4-0cfd-4ce3-8e6f-3208d13e9261" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="70.90225563909775%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;">This error can appear when you type a location in the search bar and no search results are returned.It means that the platform could not find a matching address or location for your search query.What you can doCheck the spelling, try the full street name, or use an abbreviation if applicable. For example, try Bd instead of Boulevard.If the location is still not found, test another nearby address. If that works, contact support and include the address that could not be found.&nbsp;<h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">Empty Location Performance Framework</h3><img src="https://cdn-assets.productfruits.com/defce295-aad6-4d04-b78d-71fe5e4accd3" alt="" data-position="full" data-width="90%" data-height="auto" class="lexical-inline-image position-full" style="z-index: 20;">This can happen when no framework is loaded or when an empty framework was selected.What you can doClick the Select framework icon and choose Use default framework.Do not select Start from scratch, unless you are a super user who needs to build a custom framework. The default framework is prepared by your consultant.If the default framework still does not appear, contact support.&nbsp;<h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">“#NA” or “!!!” values in framework columns</h3>These values usually mean that data could not be displayed or calculated correctly for the selected framework, location, or period.This can happen when the framework is outdated, the selected baseline period is not supported, or the framework has only been calculated for the most recent period.What you can doReload the default framework and select the most recent baseline period.If the values are still incorrect, contact support and include the framework name, selected baseline period, and a screenshot of the affected columns.&nbsp;<h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">Wrong or “#NA” location characteristic</h3>This means that a location characteristic is missing, incorrect, or not configured correctly. For example, the surface area of a location is wrong.This usually needs to be corrected by your consultant or the support team.Contact support and include the location name, the incorrect or missing characteristic, and the value you expected, if known.&nbsp;<h3 class="LexTKB__h3" dir="ltr">Unable to draw drivetime isochrones around a location</h3>This can be caused by a temporary session issue, a connection issue, or a technical problem with the calculation.What you can doLog out and log in again, then try drawing the isochrone again.If the issue remains, test another location to check whether the problem is location-specific. When contacting support, include the location and drivetime settings you used.&nbsp;

Troubleshooting common platform errors

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