Yet, even for data-crazed Best Buy, as Pellettieri found out, retailing is far from an exact science. Don't tell that to Julie Lane, Best Buy's top data connoisseur. Her windowless office at company headquarters is something of a nerve center for Best Buy's enormous data network. Here, as VP of inventory management, Lane tries to create the smoothest-running retail chain on the planet. Now we can see a clear path to that goal.
Credit goes to the new data-management system encompassing every aspect of the company's business.
It all starts with market research. Armed with this information, company buyers work with manufacturers to ensure the correct number of units are delivered to Best Buy's 17 distribution centers. Employees stock and display the items according to marketing data estimates of sales, which are based in part on advertising and promotions. If all goes well, Best Buy's cash registers should never stop ringing. Building this elaborate network took Best Buy more than five years - and it isn't finished yet.