Q         PetSmart has been using USGN since 2000. What have been the biggest benefits? 
A          Flexibility.  The ability for USGN to build a product for our needs today, but also have the ability to augment that with new needs in the future.  
Q         How does PetSmart use the Real Estate module of USGN?  
A          Two-fold; Construction uses it to hold their drawings and store characteristics, basically a repository of data to view when needed.  My team, Lease Administration, uses it to manage our Property Administration (PA) issues and hold our lease abstract data.  Also a repository, but our team is using that data to make decisions.  My Property Administrators juggle hundreds of store issues ranging from adoption events, to parking lot issues, to leaking roofs.  With USGN, we are able to log each issue, work the problem, log the solution, and then report off of it.  I know what my team is working on, what issues are the most consuming, and how long they spend on any issue.  With that data, we can shift resources as needed or design and implement new processes to combat the pain points or increase efficiencies.
Q          How would you analyze the cost-benefit to PetSmart since using USGN’s platform?  
A          Honestly, when we added the PA (Property Administration) functionality, it seemed rather low cost for the tool we designed and USGN built for us.  Our team requires this tool to manage their day-to-day activities.  Without it, we would lose out on any leverage we have with our landlords.  This leverage can lead to tangible occupancy savings through rent, or through maintenance issues paid directly by the landlord.
Q         How valuable is it for PetSmart to have one place for everything?  
A          In today’s world that is not a likely scenario; however, I believe it is something to strive for.  We have data in multiple systems and would like to eventually have it all on in one.  Software, security and/or budget constraints will prevent all of our data from being in one system.  Likely a goal we will never accomplish, but we continue to work towards it.
Q         PetSmart has nearly 1,500 users. How do the internal teams and users benefit from cloud-based collaboration?  
A          Simply put, all data that we want accessible to all users is accessible to all users.  We want our stores to be able to run without checking in with corporate all the time.  We want the store's team out selling product, not on the phone with corporate asking for information.  Making data accessible allows the stores to get the data they need, whenever they need it.
Q         What would you tell retailers who have yet to utilize such a platform?  
A          The trick with USGN is to know what you want your system to do.  If you do not know what you want, go buy an out-of-the-box solution with pre-determined processes and steps.  If you know your processes and how you will be using and viewing data, then USGN can build that for you.  Think of USGN as the Legos of software. What do you want to build?