Retail Solutions

# High-Level Overview

Retail Solutions Inc. (RSi) is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides data management, reporting, business intelligence, and point-of-sale applications for retailers and suppliers[1]. The company was acquired by IRI Worldwide in October 2020[1], positioning it within a larger analytics and market research ecosystem.

RSi serves a critical function in the retail supply chain by transforming point-of-sale data and demand signals into actionable business intelligence. The company works collaboratively with major retailers—including CVS, Walgreens, and Delhaize—to help suppliers and retailers optimize inventory, demand planning, and operational efficiency[1]. Its core value proposition centers on providing "fresh insights and precision visibility" to drive predictive solutions that prevent execution issues before they occur[3].

# Origin Story

RSi's journey began in 2003 when founders Jonathan Golovin, Richard Swan, Peter Rieman, and Shantha Mohan launched T3Ci, initially focused on analyzing radio-frequency identification (RFID) data[1]. This timing was strategic: Walmart had just mandated that all suppliers place RFID tags with electronic product codes on their products, creating immediate market demand[1].

However, when Walmart ended its RFID mandate in 2007, the company pivoted decisively[1]. That same year, T3Ci acquired VeriSign's Retail Data Services business unit, rebranding as Retail Solutions Inc.[1] This acquisition marked a fundamental shift from RFID analysis to demand signal repositories and point-of-sale data—a more sustainable and broadly applicable business model. By 2012, RSi had expanded internationally, launching Vendor Pulse with Delhaize Belgium and opening operations in Moscow[1]. Forbes later recognized RSi as "the biggest SaaS company you've never heard of," reflecting its significant market presence despite limited public visibility[1].

# Core Differentiators

• Data-driven supply chain visibility: RSi aggregates and analyzes point-of-sale data from major retailers, providing suppliers with real-time demand signals and actionable insights[1][3]

• Cooperative partnership model: Rather than purely transactional relationships, RSi forms deep integrations with retailers and suppliers, exemplified by agreements like the Vendor Pulse program with Delhaize, which required RSi to offer raw daily data to suppliers at no charge[1]

• Predictive analytics focus: The company emphasizes moving beyond historical reporting toward predictive solutions that help clients solve execution issues proactively[3]

• Enterprise-grade infrastructure: RSi maintains future-proofed systems with integrated security protocols and disaster recovery measures designed for uninterrupted business analysis[3]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

RSi operates at the intersection of two powerful trends: the digitization of retail supply chains and the rise of data-driven decision-making. As retailers and consumer packaged goods companies increasingly compete on operational efficiency and demand forecasting accuracy, companies that can synthesize point-of-sale data into predictive intelligence become essential infrastructure.

The company's acquisition by IRI Worldwide—a major player in market research and consumer insights—reflects the consolidation of retail analytics capabilities. This positions RSi within a broader ecosystem where data management, artificial intelligence, and supply chain optimization are becoming competitive necessities rather than differentiators[3]. RSi's emphasis on cloud-based systems, IoT integration, and blockchain-ready infrastructure aligns with industry-wide shifts toward real-time, distributed data ecosystems[3].

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

RSi exemplifies a successful B2B SaaS company that solved a real supply chain problem and scaled by becoming indispensable to major retailers and their supplier networks. Its acquisition by IRI Worldwide suggests the company will likely deepen its integration with broader market research and consumer intelligence capabilities, potentially expanding its influence across retail analytics.

The company's future will likely be shaped by accelerating demand for predictive supply chain analytics, the rise of omnichannel retail complexity, and the need for real-time visibility across global supply networks. As retailers face increasing pressure to optimize inventory in an era of volatile consumer demand, RSi's core competency—transforming transactional data into predictive insights—positions it well to capture growing market share in the supply chain intelligence space.