This infrastructure must integrate all aspects of the retailer's operations and provide a method to easily and cost-effectively add new functions and features in today's rapidly changing environment. Most importantly, the technology must contribute to the primary mission of providing value to the consumer.

The ability to quickly leverage information and understand consumer activities will be critical to the success of retailers. It can help sell existing products more efficiently and also help bring new products and services to market more quickly. In order to implement all of the above a flexible technology infrastructure is necessary.