Mr Moner-Banet, what specific problem did you have in communicating with your points of sale?
The digital network is transparent: we know our players precisely. For our 2,400 physical points of sale, however, it is different. It is an extremely dense and heterogeneous network – from the large urban branch to the small kiosk in a mountain village. Until now, it was difficult for us to obtain consolidated feedback. We do have field sales teams, but their reports are always filtered through their own interpretation. We finally had to hear from the retailers themselves.
«We wanted to hear the retailers speak freely amongst themselves, without feeling observed.»
Why were classic channels, such as paper questionnaires, no longer sufficient?
They are simply not interactive. Many people don't even open the envelope. There is no perceptible value for the retailers. For us, BrainE4's «duel format» was interesting because we could speak directly with the retailers, without going through our field staff. The most exciting part was watching them discuss things amongst themselves.
Why was the timing ideal for this experiment in your view?
The physical network has been changing very quickly since Covid. For example, before Covid, petrol stations represented almost 0% of revenue. That has grown to nearly 15%, because they were always open. In a phase of such strong change, we need facts rather than assumptions in order to make well-founded decisions.
«BrainE4 delivers unfiltered feedback.»
What is for you the decisive difference compared with traditional surveys?
The disappearance of the filter. We speak directly with the points of sale while they interact with one another. On top of that, there is the medium: paper or online forms are passive. BrainE4's duel format is playful and interactive, which engages people far more strongly. That is also reflected in the numbers.
What response did you actually measure?
We achieved an engagement rate of nearly 20%. With classic surveys, we are usually at just under 10%. Being able to double participation was a very positive point.
«The points of sale understood: we are listening.»
Was there a finding that you immediately translated into action thanks to this dialogue?
Yes, the scanner problem. We knew that a certain type was causing reading difficulties, but we considered it manageable. Thanks to BrainE4, we measured how great the retailers' frustration really was. That pushed us to react immediately and to launch a very quick replacement programme.
Did the dialogue also influence your long-term strategy?
Absolutely. We found that there is a massive need for digital tools for management (contracts, billing, direct communication, equipment renewal, etc.). This topic is now right at the top of our priority list. We have already set up a working group for the digitalisation of the business relationship.
«The interactive duel format has a playful effect.»
Can BrainE4's success also be quantified financially?
Not immediately. But the intangible value is enormous: the retailers feel valued because they are directly involved in the process. The financial return is a logical consequence of better collaboration.
The volume of data in such dialogues is significant. How easily were you able to work with the results?
The way the BrainE4 team prepared the results was excellent. Everything was very readable and immediately usable – both for the management and for the operational level. The clarity of the information is a great asset. The retailers understood: we are listening.