SIM/OMS evolves – from “managing stock” to an integrated capability within unified commerce strategies
Gartner has published its 2026 “Market Guide for Unified Commerce Retail Store Inventory Management Applications”, and for the second time it includes comerzzia as a recognised global vendor. The key takeaway is clear: SIM is no longer viewed as “just another inventory layer”. It is becoming a cross-functional capability that helps retailers execute channelless experiences with reliable information, consistent operations and real-time decision-making as part of their unified commerce strategy.
As this evolution accelerates, the role of the store associate gains relevance. SIM must enable teams to manage day-to-day stock operations with agility, provide real support for key in-store processes, and offer a fast and straightforward adoption.
Aimed at Tier 1 and Tier 2 retailers, Gartner highlights several shifts shaping the market:
- POS integration as a critical requirement for any SIM application
- Composable approaches built on robust APIs to fit modular ecosystems
- Convergence with connected-store technologies such as IoT, computer vision, smart shelves, robots and edge computing
In parallel, Gartner puts the spotlight on “associate enablement”. SIM is not only about recording, syncing and giving visibility into inventory – it is also about improving how store teams operate, and using data generated at the point of sale to deliver actionable, faster and more localised insights that support better operational decisions every day.
Gartner also points to a future of advanced automation driven by agents, which will only be viable with an integrated, AI-ready data foundation. The direction is to free up store teams’ time for higher-value tasks closer to the customer.
“Store inventory management (SIM) applications are at the heart of retailers’ AI-driven inventory strategies, enabling them to granularly meet customer demand and enhance profitability.”
Finally, the report underlines the importance of fulfilment performance: frictionless in-store picking and faster, more consistent deliveries or collections – something that is best sustained with order preparation supported by OMS capabilities. In short, SIM provides the “real data” that builds customer trust, while OMS orchestrates execution through to delivery or pickup, helping raise overall satisfaction.
In this context, comerzzia’s positioning is differentiated: a unified commerce native platform with advanced in-store inventory management and order preparation capabilities through its ISLA SIM and ISLA OMS modules. These key layers integrate with the point of sale and are designed to scale in cloud-native, modular environments.
This is the second time Gartner has referenced comerzzia, reinforcing our international positioning among top global vendors in a strategic category for retail.
Among comerzzia’s standout capabilities is the OMS+ app, enabling faster, mobile in-store order preparation with advanced features such as optimised picking routes (especially relevant in grocery retail) and value-added services, including fresh preparation, substitutions and product personalisation.
In addition, our loyalty module allows retailers to integrate WhatsApp with comerzzia, giving loyalty members a simple, conversational way to check an order status – supporting a more satisfactory omnichannel customer experience.
Finally, it is worth noting that comerzzia has been included in Gartner® guides since 2016, consistently recognised for strong POS and clienteling capabilities.
Source: “Market Guide for Unified Commerce Retail Store Inventory Management Applications” 2026 Gartner® (subscription required).
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