Retail suppliers know the drill—one glance at their remittance statement, and there it is: another deduction. Whether it's a shortage claim, a compliance chargeback, or a pricing discrepancy, these deductions pile up fast. The question is: How do you recover what you’re owed?
With technology advancing rapidly, automated SaaS platforms promise to simplify deduction recovery. They tout computerized processes, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics. On the other hand, expert-led recovery services powered by seasoned professionals offer deep industry knowledge, retailer-specific insights, and hands-on dispute resolution.
So, which is the best approach—automation or human expertise? The truth is relying solely on one or the other is a mistake. Here’s why.
The Power of Automation in Deduction Recovery
Automated deduction recovery tools can do a lot of heavy lifting. They can scan invoices, flag discrepancies, and even auto-generate disputes. These systems save time and provide efficiency that manual processes can’t match.
What automation does well:
Identifies deduction trends faster than humans
Automates dispute submissions for recurring errors
Provides real-time reporting and insights
Sounds great, right? It is—but only to a point.
The Limitation? AI Doesn’t Think Like a Human.
Automation lacks context. It can’t decipher nuanced retailer agreements, spot patterns beyond its programmed scope, or build relationships with retailer compliance teams. Retailers don’t approve claims because a system flags them. Persuasive, well-structured disputes backed by knowledge of retailer policies are often required to resolve them.
Why Human Expertise is Still Essential
A seasoned deduction recovery expert brings experience, critical thinking, and negotiation skills to the table. They understand the nuances of each retailer, the gray areas where policies can be challenged, and the best dispute resolution strategies.
What human experts do best: Interpret complex retailer agreements.
Craft strong, detailed dispute cases beyond just “data”
Leverage industry relationships to push claims through
Identify recovery opportunities AI might overlook
Most importantly, they know when to push back. An automated system might flag an invalid deduction but will not know how to make a convincing argument to recover the money. That’s where human expertise makes the difference.
The Best Solution? Combining Automation + Human Expertise
The real power lies in a hybrid approach, which leverages automation for speed and efficiency while relying on experts for insight and execution.
HRG uses best-in-class technology to identify deductions, automate disputes where possible, and provide real-time analytics. But we don’t stop there. Our team of experts reviews cases, negotiates with retailers, and ensures that suppliers recover the maximum amount possible.
A SaaS tool alone cannot negotiate with Walmart’s compliance team. An automated system won’t know when a deduction is part of a larger systemic issue that requires a different approach, but our team does.
In today’s landscape, where retailers are becoming more aggressive with deductions, suppliers need more than just software—they need strategy, experience, and people who know how to get money back in their pockets.
So, if you’re weighing your options, ask yourself this: Do you want an automated system that flags deductions or a team that recovers them?
HRG believes you shouldn’t have to choose. You deserve both. Let’s talk.