Insights
February 4, 2025

The Power of Real-Time Reporting: Make Smarter Decisions at Every Level

Why Real-Time Reporting is Essential for Starbucks Licensees

Inventory and operational decisions in a Starbucks store impact everything from waste reduction to profitability. Without real-time reporting, store managers rely on outdated data, making it difficult to respond to stock shortages, excess waste, and inefficient ordering.

Real-time reporting transforms store operations by providing instant access to accurate inventory, sales, and performance data—empowering Starbucks licensees to make smarter, data-driven decisions at every level.

The Limitations of Traditional Reporting

Many Starbucks stores still rely on manual stock checks, delayed reports, and spreadsheets to track inventory. This creates several challenges:

  • Data Lag: By the time reports are reviewed, stock levels may have already changed, leading to misinformed decisions.
  • Inconsistent Reporting: Manual processes increase the risk of human error and missed data points.
  • Limited Visibility: Without real-time insights, managers lack a clear view of stock levels, sales trends, and operational issues across multiple stores.

Traditional methods react to problems after they occur, while real-time reporting prevents issues before they happen.

How Real-Time Reporting Improves Store Performance

1. Reducing Waste Through Live Stock Insights

Real-time reporting allows managers to monitor stock usage, expiry dates, and waste trends, ensuring that perishable items are used efficiently.

  • Example: A store notices that a particular bakery item is consistently wasted. With real-time insights, managers can adjust order quantities to prevent overstocking.

2. Preventing Stock-Outs with Live Inventory Tracking

Stock-outs lead to lost sales and frustrated customers. Real-time reporting tracks fast-moving stock levels, alerting managers before a product runs out.

  • Example: If oat milk is running low across multiple locations, managers receive an instant alert and can place a replenishment order before stock runs out.

3. Increasing Order Accuracy with Data-Driven Decisions

Order recommendations based on live sales and stock data ensure that stores order the right amount of product at the right time.

  • Benefit: Instead of guessing order quantities, Starbucks licensees can rely on real-time trends and historical sales data to adjust purchasing decisions dynamically.

4. Streamlining Multi-Store Operations with Centralised Data

For licensees managing multiple Starbucks locations, real-time reporting provides a centralised view of inventory, sales, and waste performance across all stores.

  • Efficiency Gain: Managers can spot trends across stores, transfer stock between locations, and optimise supply chain decisions at a regional or chain-wide level.

Real-Time Reporting in Action: A Case Study

A brand licensee on Orderly operating 20+ stores implemented real-time reporting to improve stock control. Within six months, they saw:

40% reduction in emergency restocks by receiving automated stock alerts
25% improvement in order accuracy due to data-driven purchasing
15% reduction in food waste by tracking waste trends and adjusting inventory levelsReal-time insights enabled them to proactively manage stock, cut costs, and boost profits across their estate.

The Competitive Advantage of Live Data

By adopting real-time reporting, Starbucks licensees gain:

Instant visibility into stock levels and sales trends
Fewer stock-outs and reduced food waste
More accurate ordering and supply chain efficiency
Improved operational control across multiple locations

Access to real-time data is no longer optional—it’s a key driver of profitability and efficiency in a competitive market.

Take Action: Unlock the Power of Real-Time Reporting with Orderly

Ready to improve stock control, reduce waste, and make smarter decisions?

Book a demo today to see how Orderly’s real-time reporting tools can transform your Starbucks operations.