GapMaps launches new tool to optimise site selection

GapMaps has introduced Impact Analysis, a tool designed to assist in site selection by evaluating potential effects of new locations on existing networks.

The tool aims to serve several industries, including quick-service restaurants, retail outlets, fitness centres, and lifestyle and entertainment venues. Impact Analysis integrates with GapMaps Live to account for various external factors such as road networks, physical barriers, drive-time routes, and customer trip patterns to provide precise site assessments.

Anthony Villanti, GapMaps Managing Director and Founder, highlighted the significance of this tool, noting, "Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of understanding customer travel patterns for developing sustainable network strategies."

He further explained, "That's why Impact Analysis is a game-changer, removing time-consuming manual processes and offering businesses the ability to quickly estimate how a new location may affect their existing network."

Villanti also emphasised the critical nature of making informed location decisions, stating, "For retailers, franchise owners and network planners, location decisions are critical to success. In such competitive markets, there's no room for suboptimal choices, which can have long-term repercussions on profitability, often making recovery a challenge."

The Impact Analysis tool utilises mobile device data to simulate customer journeys to current locations, allowing network planners to understand accessibility for existing customers when considering new sites.

It offers several key features, including the ability to quantify the impact of a new site on existing locations and model various scenarios for comprehensive network planning. It also allows for visualisation of customer journeys using real-time data, amid manual verification processes to ensure data reliability.

As Villanti adds, "Impact Analysis is ideal for businesses with multiple physical locations that are expanding their footprint, offering essential insights for maximising profitability and optimising network strategies."