- May 13
- 3 min read
Think back to the last time you shopped for a car or truck. You likely had a list of “must-haves,” a few “nice-to-haves,” and maybe even a handful of “that would be cool” features. You may have even traded in a dependable older vehicle for a newer, flashier model.
A friend of mine did exactly that. She found a car that seemed to check all the boxes and purchased it brand new. The problem? She didn’t know what she didn’t know. It didn’t take long for her to realize that some of the features she relied on in her old car were missing in the new one. The excitement faded quickly, and she ultimately sold it-at a significant loss.
I’ve had a similar experience. My first car out of college was a Suzuki Samurai (I couldn’t afford the Jeep I really wanted). I was proud to drive it to work on my first day-until I realized it didn’t have air conditioning. In hindsight, that was a detail I should have confirmed.
These experiences aren’t unique to car buying. They apply to nearly any major purchase-especially software systems, in the retail and wholesale space. I’ve lost count of how many times prospective clients have told me they believed they had found the perfect solution. They invested in the software, completed data migration, and trained their teams, only to discover it wasn’t the solution they had hoped for. At that point, they faced the difficult and costly decision of starting over.
If you rely solely on sales pitches and website claims, it can seem like every system offers everything you need. In reality, no one solution is cookie cutter perfect for every business.
That’s why research and guidance matter. Working with an experienced advisor can help you identify not just what you want, but what you’ll need as your business grows. In my role as Chief Sales Officer at Soft Intelligence for more than a decade, combined with over 25 years of hands-on retail experience, I focus on helping businesses find the right fit. I would rather walk away from a sale than recommend a solution that isn’t right for the client.
Soft Intelligence has been helping retailers navigate software decisions for over 35 years. While we once focused on a single best-in-class solution, today we offer a range of systems each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. Here’s a brief overview with links to learn more:
NCR Counterpoint (On-Premises, Perpetual License)
Think of this as the multitool of retail software. Counterpoint remains one of the most feature-rich solutions available. It’s mature, stable, and highly customizable across a wide range of industries. With a perpetual license model (you own it) and on-premises deployment (your data stays under your control), it’s a strong fit for businesses that prioritize stability and ownership. It may not be the flashiest option, but it performs exceptionally well.
Epicor Propello (SaaS) CLICK HERE
A modern, cloud-based retail platform designed for growth. With smart dashboards, remote accessibility, and an intuitive interface, Propello is a forward-looking solution for businesses ready to embrace the cloud.
Global Payments Retail (SaaS)
Originally developed by a retailer, this platform is built with real-world usability in mind. Its comprehensive features and ease of implementation make it a strong option for small to mid-sized retailers seeking a practical, efficient system.
Square (SaaS)
What began as a simple mobile payment solution has evolved into a robust point-of-sale ecosystem. Square’s accessibility and broad feature set make it a compelling choice for many retailers, especially those looking for simplicity and scalability.
Priority Retail (SaaS)
An enterprise-level platform that extends beyond point-of-sale into warehouse management and manufacturing. Designed for larger, multi-location businesses, Priority offers advanced capabilities-including AI-driven tools-and is well suited for companies with significant growth ambitions.
The reality is that, just like with cars, you will eventually outgrow your software. The difference is that with the right guidance, you can make a choice that supports your business both now and in the future.
At Soft Intelligence, we take the time to understand your priorities - your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your that-would-be cool feature sets. From there, we guide you through a thoughtful evaluation process to find the right solution.
If you’re considering a change, we’re here to help. Reach out any time to start the conversation.
