A Look Inside the Process Behind FieldStack's Retail Tech Innovation

When it comes to retail technology, change isn’t optional — it’s essential. At FieldStack, we know that standing still means falling behind. That’s why we’re always working to move our software forward by blending client feedback, industry insight, and good old-fashioned retail experience to build a platform that’s built for today and tomorrow. 

So how do we decide what’s next for FieldStack? Let’s pull back the curtain.

It Starts with Listening — But Not Just Taking Orders 

First things first: We take client feedback seriously. Really seriously. But as Chad Verrill, our VP of Product, put it, "We don't just take requests and go build exactly what was asked for. We try to understand the goal behind a request — sometimes there’s a better way to meet it that’s even more beneficial." 

Instead, every suggestion that comes in sparks a bigger conversation. 

• Does this feature help just one retailer, or could it help many? 

• Is there a smarter, simpler way to meet the real goal behind the request? 

• Could a different approach make the software stronger for everyone? 

Sometimes, what a client asks for isn’t exactly what they need — and that’s okay. Our team digs deep to understand the underlying goal, often coming up with alternative solutions that deliver even more value. It’s about considering the request and the impact it would have and coming up with alternatives if needed. 

At the end of the day, our job isn’t just to say "yes" — it’s to build the best possible platform for all our clients. 

Beyond Feedback: Staying Ahead of the Curve 

Of course, we’re not just sitting around waiting for requests to roll in. Retail is constantly evolving, and we’re always scanning the horizon for what’s next. 

Whether it’s noticing customers tapping their phones instead of swiping cards, or studying trends like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and AI-driven fulfillment, we keep a close eye on where retail is headed. 

As Chad put it, "When we’re shopping online or in stores, we’re always looking for trends. We’re trying to understand the customers — and how they’re changing." 

Sometimes that means getting a little scrappy — like scouring videos of checkout systems or visiting stores to see how other companies are solving (or not solving) common problems. 

Other times, it’s more high-tech. For example, Mark Carroll, our Senior UX Designer, uses our custom-built AI system to sift through industry white papers, process docs, websites, and other resources to spot trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. The insights help our team stay ahead of what’s coming — and build better solutions, faster. 

The goal? To spot opportunities before they go mainstream — and make sure our clients are ready when they do. 

A Development Process That’s Built for Real Progress 

Once we know what’s worth building, we follow a process that makes sure new features are carefully developed and thoroughly tested before they land in your hands. 

Here’s a peek at how it works: 

• Step 1: Define the feature. We create a "user story" — a clear explanation of the need, the goals, and what success looks like. 

• Step 2: Refine and prioritize. Product leaders review feature requests regularly, looking for patterns and recurring themes. 

• Step 3: Sprint into action. Once a feature is green-lit, it’s assigned to a Sprint — a short, focused development cycle where our engineers bring it to life. 

• Step 4: Internal testing. QA teams test the heck out of it internally. 

• Step 5: Beta testing with trusted clients. Some of our closest clients help us field-test new features in real-world retail settings. 

• Step 6: Wide release. When we’re confident it’s rock-solid, it’s rolled out to all FieldStack clients who can benefit. 

And because of the way FieldStack is built — highly configurable rather than customized — new features can be turned on or off based on each client’s specific needs. No one gets stuck with a bunch of tools they don’t need, and everyone benefits from continuous improvements. 

Configuration, Not Customization: Why It Matters 

One thing we’re passionate about is avoiding heavy customization whenever possible. (Trust us — once you go too far down that road, it’s hard to keep software nimble.) 

Instead, we focus on configuration — building a powerful, flexible platform where features can be activated or hidden depending on how each retailer runs their business. As Chad summed it up, "Configuration, not customization, is the way to go." 

This approach keeps FieldStack scalable, stable, and future-proof — which means fewer headaches for our clients and faster innovation for everyone. 

Growing Together 

At the heart of it, moving FieldStack forward isn’t just about software. It’s about partnership. It’s about helping our retailers stay competitive, agile, and connected to their customers — even as the industry keeps changing. 

We’re proud to say that when you work with FieldStack, you’re not just getting a product. You’re joining a team that listens, thinks bigger, and is always working to build what’s next — for all of us. 

And if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that staying ahead together is the best way to win.