October 2025: Over 40 New Features on the Cerca Platform
In October 2025, over 40 new features were deployed on the Cerca collaborative platform to simplify the field management and monitoring of multi-site networks.
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CEO Awards 2025: Olivier Pires Bajaluna, CEO of Cerca, honored twice for innovation in multi-location management
Olivier Pires Bajaluna, CEO of Cerca, double winner at the CEO Awards 2025 for his innovation in multi-site network management. Discover the keys to this success.
3 Red Flags Your Franchise Network Is Poorly Structured (or Poorly Supported)
3 Warning Signs of a Poorly Structured (or Poorly Supported) Franchise Network Not all franchise networks are created equal. Behind an appealing brand or a promising concept, there may sometimes be… a poorly structured franchise network. And when things go off the rails at the top, the consequences are quickly felt on the ground. So, how can you tell if a network is truly well-structured and well-supported? Here are 3 concrete indicators that should set off alarm bells. 1. High franchisee turnover: the first sign of weakness A solid network is one where franchisees stay for the long term. Conversely, if you see frequent departures, locations closing, or being resold constantly, be careful 🚨. High turnover is rarely a coincidence: Franchisees aren’t achieving the expected profitability; the support promised at signing isn’t being delivered; and initial (or ongoing) training is insufficient. In short: the grand promises made during recruitment turn into disillusionment. And when this happens too often, the problem isn’t with the franchisees… but with the franchisor. 2. An inconsistent customer experience from one location to another You walk into one location in a chain, then another… and you feel like you’re in two different stores?👉 That’s a bad sign. The customer experience should be consistent and well-managed across the entire network: clearly defined standards, shared work methods, and common tools for monitoring and managing quality. Otherwise, it’s like Russian roulette: a customer might love one store… only to be completely disappointed at the next one. And for a brand that wants to stand the test of time, that’s the surest way to drive customers away. Effective support is precisely what ensures consistency and loyalty to the concept. 3. A “phantom” network support system No regular visits, no committees, no group meetings, no sharing of best practices. The result? Each franchisee goes their own way. Except that a franchisee left to fend for themselves rarely performs well in the long run. Without interaction, disengagement sets in quickly: frustration, loss of motivation… and ultimately, termination. A well-managed network is one where: People communicate regularly; Successes and challenges are shared; The connection between headquarters and the field is maintained. A well-managed network is a bit like a close-knit sports team: everyone retains their autonomy, but everyone works toward the same goal. Franchisees feel supported, heard, and integrated into a vibrant community where successes and challenges are shared. It’s this human connection that fuels performance and creates lasting value for headquarters, for franchisees… and for customers. Conversely, a network lacking vitality is a bit like an empty stadium or a ghost brand: no energy, no momentum, no drive. And under these conditions, it’s hard to go the distance. Build a true community around your brand Why should these warning signs be cause for concern? These three symptoms are not trivial. They are consistently found in struggling networks. And very often, two (or even all three) appear at the same time, signaling the start of a more profound decline. The bottom line: being a franchisor isn’t just about selling a concept or opening locations. It means providing ongoing support, standardizing operations, and fostering a vibrant network over the long term. The keys to a strong, well-supported network To avoid falling into these pitfalls, three pillars are essential: Provide ongoing support to each franchisee (beyond the launch phase). Intelligently standardize methods and tools to ensure consistency. Actively engage the network by building connections and fostering a shared sense of purpose. A well-managed network is not just a collection of locations—it’s a committed community that shares the same goals and the same customer experience. Easily structure your brand with Cerca You may also be interested in these articles:
Back-to-business updates: multi-site networks in the spotlight
Back to School 2025: Discover Cerca’s New Summer Features After a productive summer with the Legal Vacation Workbook, the Cerca platform has been enhanced with new features to help you work more efficiently (and comfortably 😌). ☀️ While some were enjoying the sunshine, our tech teams were hard at work rolling out updates to make your return to school easier. A new interface, better-organized content, and practical improvements for your teams: everything is ready to help our clients manage their networks more effectively. More than 40 updates were rolled out this summer. Here’s a selection of three new features to get you off to a great start this fall ⬇ 🔍 More Accessible Global Search You can now access the universal search from any screen on the platform using the shortcut CTRL + K | CMD + K. No more need to navigate from one module to another: search, find, and access… in just a few seconds. 📌 Bonus: The search menu has also been added to the top navigation bar for better visibility. Join the Cerca revolution 🗂️ A new file manager… and right-click functionality on the new interface The file manager has been revamped with a brand-new, more modern, and user-friendly interface. Improved previews, quick access to documents, better organization: your file tree has never been clearer. And that’s not all: throughout the new interface, you can now right-click to access quick actions (rename, move, delete…). The small detail that makes a big difference in your day-to-day work. 🧪 A new site profile… now in beta! The new site profile is entering the testing phase for our customers! A completely redesigned user experience, a simplified display, and more readable data: everything has been revamped to make day-to-day location management easier. Want to see how it works in real life? Request a personalized demo of the platform: we’ll show you everything—especially what matters most to your network. Request a demo You might also be interested in these articles:
CSR commitment: 10% of our revenues for the charitable sector
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involves voluntarily integrating environmental, social, economic, and ethical concerns into our activities and our relationships with stakeholders. In other words, it’s about doing more than just business: it’s about bringing a human dimension to our daily actions and working to reduce our impact on the planet. 🌍🤝 At Cerca, we recognize that the challenges are immense and that every initiative counts. That’s why our entire team is very proud to contribute our modest drop in this ocean of needs. The Importance of CSR Commitment for Cerca As a provider of SaaS solutions, we support more than 400 retail chains and their 35,000 retail locations in their day-to-day operations. This position gives us a special social responsibility: to act in the interest of the common good. Our clients—whether they’re in the franchise sector or any other multi-location network—are increasingly concerned with reducing their carbon footprint and showing solidarity. Why? Because their own customers now expect companies to commit to a more sustainable and equitable future. How? By choosing partners who share these values. 10 % of our revenue for the charitable sector 🌱 For us, CSR also means taking concrete action to help those who need it most. That’s why we’ve decided to donate 10 % of our revenue to two charities: UNICEF: an organization that works worldwide to protect children by defending their rights and helping them reach their full potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Les Restos du Cœur: an iconic organization in France that fights hunger and poverty. This financial support is made possible by the value we create together with our community. Thank you to our customers and partners who, by working alongside us, contribute directly to these acts of solidarity. A comprehensive CSR approach: from our in-house vocational training program to green servers Our commitment to making a social impact goes far beyond charity. We have implemented several initiatives to build a responsible and sustainable business model: The creation of a corporate vocational training center (CFA) We train young people without a diploma to help them obtain a recognized qualification. This is an opportunity to develop skills and promote professional integration. Servers powered 100 % by green energy sources This measure helps us maintain a carbon footprint equivalent to that of a single French person for an entire year… across all of our 400 client brands and their 35,000 retail locations! Why does this matter to you, too? You’re increasingly expected to communicate your own CSR commitment, and we know how essential it is to choose suppliers who align with your values. By adopting our SaaS solution, you’re making the choice: A responsible partner: we share the same commitment to reducing our environmental impact and supporting charitable causes. Greater consistency: for your end customers, your CSR commitment gains credibility when your entire supply chain is aligned with the same approach. Join the Cerca Revolution At Cerca, we’re convinced that every action counts toward building a more equitable and sustainable future. That’s why we’ll continue to invest in social and environmental projects, while evolving our SaaS solutions to meet the challenges of multi-location networks. Our ambition: to be a responsible player, capable of helping to build a fairer and more environmentally friendly world… one small step at a time. You might be interested in these articles:
Reduce your network's training costs: What if AI could help?
Training Quickly, Effectively, and Cost-Effectively: The Challenge for Multi-Location Networks In a multi-location network, training is essentially the key to success. It’s essential to share best practices, ensure a consistent customer experience, and, above all, train teams quickly to keep pace with the network’s growth. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy: between logistical costs, time constraints, and the risk of inconsistent messaging, the challenges are numerous. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) and its video avatars can help. This technology, still unfamiliar to some, is revolutionizing training by offering a solution that combines efficiency, speed, and cost savings. We’ll explain why and how. The Challenges of Training in Networks As you’ve likely realized, the success of a multi-location network depends on its ability to ensure that every location follows the same processes and quality standards. In this context, training isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a key driver for ensuring the network’s sustainability and growth. But whether using traditional in-person methods or creating video content for e-learning, networks face several significant obstacles. 1. The Costs and Logistics Associated with In-Person Training In-person training entails high logistical costs that can quickly strain a company’s budget. Between travel expenses for trainers, room rentals, lodging, and other related costs, expenses add up. When the network spans multiple sites, these costs become a major obstacle. Furthermore, the time required to organize these training sessions can disrupt the network’s productivity, thereby affecting overall performance. It then becomes clear that conducting all training in person is not an optimal solution. This is where e-learning emerges as a strategic solution. It reduces training costs while providing rapid, consistent, and accessible delivery of content across the entire network. 💡 Find the Right Balance E-learning is a flexible and powerful solution, but it must be used strategically. Certain topics, such as practical simulations or collaborative discussions, can still benefit from in-person sessions to maximize learner engagement. The key is to intelligently combine formats to meet your training objectives. 2. The Challenges of Creating and Producing Video Content for Training However, although e-learning offers many advantages, creating high-quality video content for online training remains a challenge. The initial investment can be costly and time-consuming, requiring resources to produce content that is relevant and tailored to the specific needs of each location. Between purchasing or renting equipment (cameras, lighting, etc.), travel expenses for trainers and technical teams, preparation time, and the multiple takes required, costs can quickly add up. Added to this is the cost of video editing, often handled by external service providers or specialized in-house teams, which further increases expenses. And let’s not forget the unforeseen issues that can arise during filming—such as script errors, omissions, or technical problems—which can prolong the process and drive up costs. That said, once your e-learning content is created, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. Unlike in-person training, where you have to allocate a budget for each session (travel, rentals, etc.), e-learning allows you to deliver the same modules as many times as necessary, at a lower cost. An initial investment that, once made, allows you to train your network with ease, without additional costs for each new session. But then, how can you further reduce the costs of this initial investment while ensuring high-quality content? AI Avatars: A Solution to Revolutionize Network Training This is where the magic of AI comes into play. Imagine a video avatar capable of delivering a clear and impactful message, in both French and English (or any other language, for that matter). This avatar can deliver training in a setting fully customized to your brand’s identity, offering a consistent and professional experience. And the most impressive part? With today’s technology, these avatars are so realistic that it’s sometimes hard to tell whether it’s a human or a digital creation speaking to you. So, why invest in an AI avatar? It saves time and money: Creating an e-learning video with an AI avatar costs far less than hiring an in-person trainer, especially if you need multilingual content. Simplified updates: In organizations constantly striving to improve their processes and achieve operational excellence, the AI avatar becomes a powerful ally. Need to adjust a training course following a change in methodology or new regulations? There’s no need to reshoot the entire video—simply update the text, and the avatar is generated in a new video in no time. Fast, cost-effective, and perfectly tailored to the needs of demanding organizations. According to a recent Deloitte study, integrating AI into training processes reduces costs by an average of 30 % while increasing the effectiveness as perceived by learners. Pretty compelling, isn’t it? The Inspiring Example of Dreams Donuts If you still have doubts about the potential of AI avatars, the story of Dreams Donuts should convince you. At an event organized by Cerca, Ilyass Aoussar, CEO and founder of the company, used a video avatar to showcase the benefits of this technology. And let’s just say the audience was blown away. This avatar, which was perfectly fluid and believable, demonstrated how Dreams Donuts uses AI to: quickly create high-quality educational content, standardize messaging across its network, and prepare for international expansion without skyrocketing training costs. It’s a solution that stands out for its effectiveness and realism. If you’re curious,[…]
Adopt an LMS platform to transform your network's training
Training: A Headache for Multi-Location Networks? Are you in charge of a multi-location network? You’ve probably noticed just how difficult it can be to train your teams effectively. Whether it’s due to content that isn’t engaging enough, unsuitable tools, or endless administrative hurdles, training can quickly become a real headache. And yet, training your employees is essential to ensuring quality service and consistency across your entire network. So, how can you make training simpler, more accessible, and—above all—more impactful? The answer lies in three letters: LMS. An LMS (Learning Management System) platform can truly transform the way you manage training. Let’s see why. I. Why Does Training Pose So Many Challenges in a Multi-Location Network? 1. Training content is (very) expensive to produce Creating high-quality videos or interactive modules sounds great on paper, but it requires significant resources. Between filming, editing, and developing instructional content, costs can quickly spiral out of control. A single training course can cost thousands of euros, especially if you have to hire external vendors. For many companies, this is a major obstacle. 2. Existing tools don’t align with the realities on the ground Field teams operate in highly operational environments where every minute counts. Asking them to undergo lengthy training on complicated software is often a waste of time. Without mobile-friendly tools and short modules tailored to their schedules, the training becomes difficult to apply in their day-to-day work. 3. OPCO funding? A bureaucratic nightmare. If you’re a franchisor, did you know that your franchisees already contribute to fund their training? These contributions, collected by OPCOs, can cover a large portion of training costs. The problem? Accessing these funds is often a real obstacle course. Between complex administrative procedures, Qualiopi certification, and lengthy processing times, much of this funding goes unused. For many networks, this hinders access to ambitious training solutions. 4. Generic modules… a foundation to build upon for greater impact Generic modules, often available in catalogs, cover essential topics such as hygiene, safety, and management. They provide an accessible foundation for quickly launching a training program. However, every network has its own unique characteristics: processes, values, and operational needs. If these specificities aren’t taken into account, generic modules may fail to fully capture employees’ interest. By adding a touch of personalization, this content can truly transform training into a driver of performance. II. An LMS Platform: The Key to Simplifying Training 1. Centralize Everything for Greater Clarity With an LMS platform, say goodbye to scattered information. You can manage everything from a single tool: Track the progress of your network members. Manage learners and certifications. Access your training content at any time. No more juggling multiple software programs or Excel files: the LMS platform centralizes everything and saves you valuable time. 2. Make Training Accessible to Everyone Imagine a solution that your field teams can use right on their phones. Short, clear, interactive modules that they can complete between assignments. And even better: everyone can track their progress in real time, see which courses they’ve completed, and which ones are coming up. This tracking boosts their motivation and commitment to the training program. The result: greater engagement, fewer dropouts, and teams that are better trained and more confident in their skills. 3. Simplify training management Modern LMS platforms centralize all aspects of training, which greatly simplifies its organization. From a single interface, you can manage learners, track certifications, and measure the impact of your content. This reduces manual tasks and frees up time to focus on what really matters: effectively training your teams. 4. Tailor content to your specific needs With an LMS, you can access generic training catalogs (safety, hygiene, management, etc.) while developing modules specific to your brand. This ensures training that is customized, relevant, and engaging. III. Cerca Academy: A Comprehensive Solution for Multi-Location Networks 1. LMS, content, processes, and funding: all in one. Cerca Academy is more than just an LMS. Our solution brings together everything you need to effectively train your network: Intuitive, mobile-friendly LMS software, ideal for field teams. A catalog of generic content, with the option to create customized modules. Management of administrative procedures and OPCO funding to make your life easier. Full compliance with Qualiopi requirements to ensure your training programs are eligible. 2. A Solution Designed for Performance By centralizing your tools and streamlining your processes, Cerca Academy enables you to turn training into a driver of growth. Every employee enjoys a seamless and engaging user experience and can access relevant training at no out-of-pocket cost. 3. Tangible results for your network With 80% of OPCO funding redistributed directly to headquarters, you optimize your resources while providing your teams with high-quality training. It’s a win-win solution for both headquarters and every member of the network. Make training a driver of growth Training your teams doesn’t have to be complicated. With an LMS platform, you can finally simplify, structure, and maximize the return on your training strategy. And if you’re looking for a solution that brings everything together—from the platform to the content to funding—Cerca Academy is here to support you. 📥 Download our brochure and discover how to transform your network’s training today. Download the brochure You might also be interested in these articles:
Why and how to train your network easily? Discover our e-learning module designed for you
In a multi-location network, training isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic tool. It ensures consistency in practices, helps teams develop their skills, and guarantees a uniform customer experience, regardless of the location. However, training your network can quickly become a headache: costs, logistics, follow-up… everything seems to get more complicated when teams are spread out. But here’s the good news: there are solutions! E-learning, combined with a high-performance LMS, offers a simple yet effective approach to overcoming these challenges. What if you could also discover an e-learning module designed specifically for the needs of multi-location networks? Let’s walk you through it. I. Why Has Training Your Network Become Essential? 1. Training Is an Investment in Your Network’s Success Imagine this: a customer visits two locations in your network. At one, they’re greeted with expertise and warmth; at the other, the teams seem ill-prepared. The result? Inconsistency that damages your brand image. Training your teams is therefore much more than just a matter of technical know-how: it ensures a consistent experience that reflects your brand’s values, no matter where you’re located. It’s also an excellent way to prevent performance gaps, motivate your teams, and improve customer satisfaction. 2. Training: A Powerful Business Lever Training isn’t just about “doing things right.” A well-trained team is a high-performing team. They have a thorough understanding of your products, quickly adopt new practices, and deliver consistently high-quality service. The result: Loyal customers who keep coming back; engaged employees who stay. It’s also a key asset for accelerating your growth. Effective training allows you to roll out your best practices across your entire network in record time. 3. Why Do Traditional Methods Have Their Limitations? In-person training, while important, isn’t always the best fit: It’s expensive: travel, lodging, logistics… the costs add up quickly. They tie up your teams: every trip means less time spent on other tasks. They lack flexibility: it’s difficult to coordinate an entire network around specific sessions. They make tracking progress difficult: Closely monitoring each employee’s skill development can quickly become a headache with traditional tools. In contrast, e-learning provides real-time visibility into the status of training programs and the progress of teams, thereby facilitating skills management across the entire network. With e-learning, you can offload training on topics that don’t require human intervention, such as procedures or tools. This allows you to focus your resources on collaborative or strategic workshops. In short, it’s the perfect ally for balanced learning. II. How Can You Easily Train Your Network Using an LMS? 1. What Is an LMS? A Learning Management System (LMS) is like your training control tower. It centralizes all your content, makes it accessible to your teams, and lets you track their progress in real time. With an LMS, you ensure consistent training across your entire network, without logistical complications. No more juggling dozens of resources or chasing down attendance sheets: everything is automated, organized, and traceable. 2. The Benefits of an LMS for Multi-Site Networks An LMS isn’t just convenient—it’s a real game-changer for multi-site networks. Here’s why: Centralization: Everything in one place, accessible to everyone. Flexibility: Your teams train at their own pace, wherever they are. Precise tracking: You can monitor progress and tailor your content to meet specific needs. Engagement: Interactive and dynamic modules for a motivating learning experience. With an LMS, it becomes much easier to track your teams’ skill development. You know exactly where each employee stands, which training courses have been completed, and which areas still need work. This level of visibility allows you to effectively manage training across your entire network. 3. Why does e-learning simplify everything? E-learning allows you to: Train faster, thanks to formats accessible anywhere and anytime. Customize learning paths to adapt to each team’s needs. Free your teams from logistical constraints while ensuring high-quality training. And the best part? It works just as well for technical topics as it does for soft skills, such as time management or leadership. III. Discover our e-learning module designed to easily train your network 1. A solution designed for demanding networks At Cerca.io, we know that training within a multi-location network requires more than just a simple tool. We believe that training should be enriching, interactive, and—above all—adaptable to the needs of each learner and the requirements of each network. Our e-learning module was designed to: Ensure consistency in practices across the entire network: Provide a consistent training experience, regardless of where your teams are located. Simplify training management: With a clear interface and powerful tools, you maintain a comprehensive overview of your employees’ progress. Adapt to your pace and priorities: Whether you want to provide quick training on procedures or develop complex skills over the long term, our solution is designed to evolve with you. 2. Your success, our mission: more than just a tool—a team by your side At Cerca, you’re never on your own with your software. We firmly believe that personalized support is the key to a successful rollout. Your dedicated Customer Success Manager supports you every step of the way: During onboarding to ensure a smooth implementation. During deployment to resolve any obstacles that may arise. Throughout your use of the platform, to help you maximize the impact of your training. With Cerca, technology doesn’t replace people—it supports them and helps them go further. Our dedicated team is here to support you and transform your training into a true driver of growth. 👉 Ready to take action?[…]
Modern news inspired by social networks
The redesign of our Cerca solution continues to transform our customers’ user experience. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a key feature: Network News. Discover how this modernized, intuitive, social-media-inspired interface simplifies communication within a multi-site network. Direct Editing No more complex edits or labyrinthine interfaces! Cerca users can view, create, and edit their news posts all from a single page. Depending on their permissions on the platform, the interface adapts, and new options for editing and managing news appear. They can announce an event, share a success story, or provide an update with just a few clicks, simplifying communications management. Simplified Organization News items can be classified and organized into categories. These different news categories are created, modified, and managed directly from the network’s News page. This makes organizing posts much simpler. This feature helps maintain a clear and orderly content structure, making it easier for all network members to access information. A Social Media-Inspired Interface The new News interface has been redesigned to resemble the modern social media platforms we use every day. This means a visually appealing and familiar layout, with a news feed and filters that are still present but in a more modern format. This interface allows for faster adoption by users, thanks to its resemblance to the social platforms they’re already familiar with. Looking for a packaged solution that can also adapt to your needs? Join the Cerca revolution and request your free, no-obligation 1-month trial. Join the Cerca revolution You might also be interested in these articles:
AI comes to Cerca
Everyone’s talking about it—Cerca has made it happen. ✨ Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming to your favorite collaborative platform. Chatbots, content writing assistance, accelerated training course creation… All these tools are essential, not only for network leadership but also for site managers and employees in their day-to-day work (keep in mind that fewer than 10 % will be using AI by 2024; source: 20th annual FFF/B.P survey). 🧐 We’ve prioritized them: AI is available in our mobile app for everyday use by field teams. 👉 Here’s an example of how it works: A franchisee or their employee consults your online operations manual by asking a specific question directly. The virtual assistant provides an immediate answer, allowing them to continue with their task and taking the pressure off your support teams. Many features enhance the user experience: unanswered questions are tracked and feed into your reporting and content updates; responses are filtered based on the employee’s role; and multiple languages are available for translating responses. Don’t get left behind. Integrate AI into your retail strategy today. Follow the lead of the 400 retailers who trust us. Join the Cerca revolution. Sign up for my free trial! Watch the video to see the first preview of this new feature ⬇ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr3-T7c6Ay0https://youtu.be/Vu3UyvYgur4https://youtu.be/axOpUZTk9Oc You might also be interested in these articles:
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