“What if new franchisors emerged: myth or reality? Although sometimes virtual, we are in reality.” (Photo: 123RF)
READERS' MAIL. It is the year of the 40th anniversary of the Quebec Franchise Council and in 1984, there were only 1000 computers connected, it was the internet revolution. In 2024, we are entering a second revolution that we have difficulty understanding. These technological advances are profoundly transforming businesses: artificial intelligence, new management software… These are new tools that can lead to savings in time and money and revolutionize the way franchise networks operate, which will not escape the evolution.
Commerce in the digital age, new technologies in commerce and franchising are becoming strategic challenges. Often considered as “traditional business” entrepreneurs, franchises are not absent from the new technology sector. Today we live in a world of instant communication where the boundaries between the physical and the digital are disappearing. Faced with zapper consumers, attention and revenue generation become rare resources. Franchises, faced with new technologies, can invest in their organization or create new business models.
1. When new technologies have already begun to transform commerce, and in particular franchising.
Some brands may seem far from the latest high technology and the innovations of new franchisors. And yet, organized as a network of franchisees, the major banners are increasingly integrating digital tools, both to facilitate communication within the network and to promote products or reach consumers.
Most banners remain discreet, but now integrate innovative management tools, in the “cloud”, collaborative tools and data sharing. But this is only the beginning: artificial intelligence, drones, interactive mirrors and other communicating objects continue to surprise us.
From the “point of sale” terminal for more optimized inventory management, from omnichannel strategies to ChatGPT for content creation, new technologies always allow more decision support and in-depth knowledge of customer behavior.
Also, in a context of shortage of takeovers in Quebec, artificial intelligence can prove useful to facilitate analyzes and support sellers and future buyers. Indeed, data analysis as part of due diligence or in the preparation of business plans can save precious time and therefore money for business and franchise transactions.
2. When new technologies become new franchise business models.
What if new franchisors emerged: myth or reality? Although sometimes virtual, we are in reality and here are some examples of franchises to convince us:
VIP 360 Group Franchise, the leading network of franchises in interactive communication solutions, present throughout France with expertise in virtual tours, virtual reality and 360° video, which has nearly 25 franchisees.
Another example with 3D printing. A technology that is still marginal and not accessible to the general public? On the contrary. This is the bet made by Twindom, a brand offering 3D printing services! In addition to the products associated with this universe.
The huge entertainment market is no exception and North East America is often ahead of the trends. The world of virtual reality is entering the franchise business model with Paniqroom. Already 20 franchises with a real contract and an authentic operating manual. Or Sandbox, which offers a virtual experience worthy of big box office films, combining cinema-quality motion capture technology and virtual reality.
Finally, in the world of home interiors with Cinhome tech, specializing in connected objects dedicated to the home. Become a franchisee to make homes smart. Automatic ventilation, centralized equipment management, home security, etc.
If franchising requires that a concept be already tested and validated via a pilot and then replicated via a network, more and more banners are focusing on high-tech products and “futuristic” concepts. Between the launch of the offer and the transition to franchise development, the deadlines are sometimes very short, and therefore make it possible to offer a completely new service for consumers.
We see that new technologies are already well integrated into franchise models and this is undoubtedly a beginning. How are we going to have to support these changes in franchises? How should franchisors adapt their development models? How are we going to train employees to face these challenges? So many exciting subjects that the Quebec Franchise Council and its many experts are currently discussing with franchisors.
In the meantime, there remain much more pragmatic issues that artificial intelligence cannot yet resolve, namely being able to put the key in the door to open and maintain our franchises in Quebec!
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