Retail audits are here, and they’re here to stay.
Fortunately, they have nothing to do with the IRS but they are still critically important to get right for your business.
Processes, operational protocols, brand standards and compliance are the usual culprits and are what business owners look to improve by adopting retail audit software.
You can have the newest store in the coolest neighborhood - and that too, in the nicest building. But if items are strewn about or placed inconsistently, or there’s a new way to do the same task each time, you’ve got yourself a problem.
In this post, we'll take a close look at the best retail store app online platforms poised to make waves in 2024.
Best Retail Audit Software For Businesses In 2024
Before we talk about some of the basic concepts associated with retail auditing, and the application POV of retail audit software, it's important to see how these tools work in real-life use cases.
Below is the list of the best retail audit apps that we have selected for you to streamline end to end processes.
Take a look.
1. Xenia - Overall No. 1 Best & Free Online Retail Audit App
The best option for teams both big and small, Xenia comes in as our no. 1 pick for best retail audit software.
With an easy-to-use application on desktop, mobile and tablets (available on both Android and Apple products), Xenia can handle any retail audit you throw at it.
For as long as process optimization, streamlining retail store audits and such activities are concerned, Xenia helps standardize everything so you aren’t left wondering if the team at a certain retail store branch is doing anything differently than other branches.
Owing to different feature-centric solutions, the platform enables standardization through solutions such as checklists, SOPs, fully customizable retail audit operation templates, work orders etc.
For instance, retail store managers can have a clear view of on-site inspection audits, any due or ongoing maintenance/management activities and safety procedures through work orders.
These can be assigned to a single assignee or managers can engage multiple assignees at the same time.
Furthermore, Xenia enables real-time updates as each procedure goes through multiple stages of completion, enabling frontline personnel to upload and share photos; use the chat feature for back-and-forth communication with their respective managers, and checkmark any processes along the way.
Should a retail audit require any review or approval, the work orders and processes can be stage-gated for approval, so that pencil-whipping instances can be eliminated - further enabling process efficiency and due diligence.
Here are some of the main highlights of this retail audit app.
Key Features:
- Inspections: Audits and inspections go hand-in-hand with brand compliance, and Xenia has an answer for that too.
Perform inspections on mobile, view an end-to-end audit log for accountability, and get a company-branded report sent right to your inbox.
With the ability to take pictures, add notes, and create corrective actions immediately during an inspection, this is one feature you can’t miss when evaluating retail audit software.
- Work Orders: Tracking work has never been simpler. You can create, assign and manage work orders across any number of teams all from the same dashboard.
- Real Time Collaboration & Notifications: With real-time notifications and updates, you are always in the know, without having to ask. When you’re all done, review and analyze the results and share them with the team via a combination of PDF, CSV, or URL exporting.
- Corrective Actions: Make inspections and audits more effective with instant tasks created from a failed step.
As mentioned earlier, you can get a full view of those corrective actions on your dashboard to track the status of the pending work. Combined with the smart logic automations, you can trust that there is no weak link in your CAPA process.
- Asset Management: Any asset (and sub-asset!) you’d like to keep a record of can be done within Xenia.
- Preventive Maintenance: Schedule, assign, and manage comprehensive maintenance schedules across your entire organization.
Pricing:
- Free Forever: Free for up to 5 users with access to task & work orders, parent assets, internal chats, template builder etc.
- Starter: $99 / month for 15 users and comes with work calendar view, work and template reports, sub assets and sub-locations.
- Premium: $199 / month for 15 users and offers unbound access to all the core features.
- Custom: Need something tailored to your organization?
Available for up to 5 users
Premium for $99/month for the first 20 users (with free trial period)
Available on iOS, Android and Web
2. CAREweb
CAREweb is a holistic and seamlessly integrated Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform with roots dating back to 1997.
Not for the faint of heart, CAREweb is a sophisticated solution. Its structure revolves around four primary modules; together, these modules form a robust framework, empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of governance, risk, and compliance with accuracy and ease.
Key Features:
- Enterprise risk management
- Risk-based internal audit
- Operational risk management
Pricing:
- Free Trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
3. Paragon Audit
Optimize your decision-making process with Paragon, where audits seamlessly evolve into actionable insights.
Say goodbye to laborious hours spent typing reports, sifting through handwritten notes, and managing Excel spreadsheets – Paragon streamlines it all in a matter of seconds.
Their unique approach converts audits into a PDCA cycle, simplifying tasks for every audit stakeholder.
Key Features:
- Internal database on FDA food code that updates automatically when changes to the food code are made
- On-demand professional food safety consultants to help clients with their inspections
- Customizable checklists to fit different settings such as hospitals and schools
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
4. Pro-Inspector
Pro-Inspector is a user-friendly digital auditing platform designed to assist companies in achieving compliance with standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
With features like online audit scheduling, mobile checklists, photo evidence capture, non-conformance tracking, real-time analytics, and streamlined approval processes, Pro-Inspector helps improve efficiency and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Simplify auditing & enhance compliance with this solution.
Key Features:
- Temperature records
- HACCP logs
- Mobile app available
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
5. BPAQuality365
BPAQuality365 is an innovative software for integrated quality, risk and compliance to run in your secure Office 365 environment.
The app runs on your preferred Microsoft tools, like Teams or SharePoint.
The audit Power Apps, ready to install on any tablet, simplifies audits and inspections, including photos and recordings. Shift to Quality 4.0 with BPA and Office 365.
Key Features:
- Supplier management
- Process management
- Easily integrates with MS Office suite
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
6. VComply
VComply is a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) management platform that helps you implement compliance programs, assign and track compliance tasks, monitor and measure the success of your GRC programs, and assess and mitigate risks in real time.
VComply is a no-code workflow solution that automates compliance processes, helps build robust internal control frameworks, implements policies, assesses risks and strengthens governance within your organization.
Key Features:
- Recipes
- Inventory management
- Analytics
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
7. Virtual PA by Inform People
Moving on with our best retail audit software, we’ve got Inform People’s Virtual PA app on the list.
It’s a dedicated compliance and performance management software; an entirely online solution for enterprise businesses with many locations and even more people.
The platform offers multiple features, such as paperless auditing, learning, event management, and insight reporting that help utilize one company-wide solution.
Furthermore, as one of the best retail audit software, Virtual PA helps hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries develop the foundation of their health and safety programs.
Key Features:
- Knowledge base
- Auditing
- Event management
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
8. 21RISK
As a retail audit app online 21RISK offers a bunch.
Maybe not 21 different features, but a good amount.
Empowering and improving audits is their focus. Use a pre-built checklist or use one of your own. Track issues and keep them centralized in one place.
Then, share the results of these inspections with your team. Simple to read, hopefully easier to use - we didn’t see much in the way of a free trial but reach out to the time to find out.
Key Features:
- PDF and Excel reports
- Batch reporting
- Mobile app available
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Based on number of users.
9. Audit Analytics
Audit Analytics is a digital platform whose mission is to support companies in conducting audits.
It specialises in the automotive industry, franchises, banking, restaurants, supermarkets, fashion, industry, and hotels sectors, with modules adapted to the needs of each of them.
Audit Analytics comes with intelligent verification and inspection forms to automate all the necessary processes in an audit and facilitate the task avoiding the use of paper.
Key Features:
- Template library
- Completely digital workflows
- Online databases covering a wide range of audit topics
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Priced per module - see site for more info.
10. AssurX Audit Management
AssurX Audit Management software automates and streamlines your entire audit process.
This versatile program allows you to easily plan, schedule, conduct, and document audits of any kind; process and track the resolution of findings, and identify and track trends across your organization.
As a digitized solution, AssurX tracks and delivers live, detailed visibility into audit activities, metrics, and trends to help you manage risks across the business - all while meeting and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Key Features:
- Mobile ready views
- Risk management
- EHS incident management
Pricing:
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
11. GoAudits
When it comes to operational audits and inspections, GoAudits has you covered. By using a user-friendly mobile app, audits can be effortlessly carried out on-site, even when connectivity is limited, eliminating the need to generate a report once you return to the office.
In addition to scheduling and assigning audits to team members, you can also assign remedial activities during an inspection and generate informative reports in real-time.
These reports are automatically delivered to management via a mobile retail audit app. To ensure you get the most out of this budget-friendly solution designed for professionals, the comprehensive analytics dashboard gives you insightful performance information.
Key Features
- Mobile Auditing
- Instant Reports
- Tasks & Workflows
- Smart Dashboards
- Template Library
Pricing
- Free trial?: 14 Days Free
- Starter: $10/user/month Annual Billing
- Enterprise: $30/user/month Annual Billing
12. AuditDesktop
To maximize audit efficiency, AuditDesktop offers a full array of solutions for compliance, corporate risk management, and governance.
Free licenses are offered for their customized solution, which simplifies day-to-day activities for auditors and provides considerable value to small enterprises and mid-market corporations. They believe that smaller businesses may be empowered by using new digital solutions that greatly improve their processes.
Key Features
- Dashboard
- Audit Planning
- Compliance management
- Risk assessment
Pricing
- Free trial?: Not listed.
- Pricing: Not listed.
13. Blink
Among the many features offered by Blink, a store management software, are features that help retailers keep track of clients' orders and facilitate online purchasing. Streamline your order processing and get marketing data with Blink for Retail.
Transforming from a simple online ordering platform into an all-in-one quick commerce stack with integrated customer engagement and business intelligence tools, this platform is changing the game for traditional brick-and-mortar stores' interactions with customers.
Key Features
- Order management
- Reports and analytics
- Third-party integrations
- Customer data
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $100/month, billed quarterly
14. Brightpearl
Store management software like Brightpearl streamlines processes like inventory control, sales order processing, accounting, reporting, and replenishment. It allows consumers to stay in charge by collecting sales data and providing insights in real-time.
Thanks to Brightpearl's Plug & Play connectors, you can link up all of your sales channels, 3PL, accounting systems, and more in no time at all. When you require additional sales channels or state-of-the-art equipment, you may add them quickly and simply.
Key Features
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Reporting
- Inventory management
- Third-party integrations
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing
15. Heartland
Heartland Retail (formerly Springboard Retail) is a cloud-based retail management system for businesses with many locations and channels. During the sales process, the platform captures consumer data to help merchants develop a better knowledge of their consumers. It also has a variety of customizable features, allowing businesses to monitor and produce reports depending on their own requirements.
With an e-commerce platform that rapidly syncs inventory, sales, and customer data to the POS, you can run your online business as effectively as your brick-and-mortar.
Key Features
- Pricing management
- Inventory management
- Third-party integrations
- Email marketing
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $89/month (with a 7-day free trial)
16. LS Central
LS Central for Retail is a retail management system that includes analytical tools and real-time data access and gives total control over merchant operations. To suit the demands of consumers and merchants, it effectively combines multiple tasks such as accounting, merchandising, reporting, and retail operations.
LS Central is a completely integrated software system that provides a comprehensive perspective of your company's activities, from the point of sale to the back office and beyond. Whatever your sector, company size, or target market, they offer a unified commerce platform that will match your demands.
Key Features
- Reporting tools
- Third-party integration
- Commissions management
- CRM
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing
17. Repsly Retail
Repsly connects store-level actions and events to their influence on sales. Repsys aids with data organization, revenue growth, and brand exposure. It combines in-store data, brand sales, and field activities to provide a comprehensive perspective of corporate performance.
Real-time information into retail operations and sales performance. Smarter merchandising, advertising, and sales execution solutions for your field staff. Everything you need to reclaim the shelf.
Key Features
- Reporting tools
- Third-party integration
- Commissions management
- CRM
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing (with a 14-day free trial)
18. Square for Retail
Square for Retail is a flexible retail audit system with built-in sales and inventory data to help you track your business's performance. You can alter it to meet your company's requirements. With each transaction, collect client comments and preferences. It also contains a real-time sales and inventory tracker and an item management platform.
Keep track of your customers' interactions with your company and engage them with free CRM (customer relationship management).
Key Features
- Reporting tools
- Third-party integration
- Commissions management
- CRM
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing (with a 14-day free trial)
19. Quant
Quant is an online platform that can assist you in managing your store's layout, inventory, products, labels, planograms, automated restocking, and picture documentation, among other things. In addition to its many features for efficient administration of sales space and categories, it comes with an intuitive floor plan editor.
You get every benefit of cloud computing with Quant Cloud. You and your coworkers may access the same database from any location and work on the same projects in real-time. There is no need to burden your IT personnel with complicated infrastructure.
Key Features
- Reporting and analytics
- Purchase order management
- Floor plans and maps
- Shelf planning
Pricing
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $1,320 per user per year
Try Xenia, or Try them All to Find the Right Fit for Your Team.
Feel free to play around with the tools listed above.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, each solution is different from the last, and it’ll be up to your own evaluation to determine which is the right fit.
Having an easy-to-access free trial, starting with Xenia is as quick as clicking here. You can also get in touch with our team to schedule a free demo.
We hope this post will help you make that final decision when it comes to picking the right restaurant inspection software.
Good luck.