7 Things to Know About Walmart Scintilla
Here’s everything we know about Walmart Scintilla — the rebranded data platform offering real-time insights, improved collaboration, and actionable analytics for Walmart suppliers.
Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, recently announced a significant rebranding of its data analytics platform. Formerly known as Walmart Luminate, the platform will now be called Walmart Scintilla starting in 2025. While the name is changing, the core functionality of the platform remains the same. This shift underscores Walmart’s commitment to data-driven innovation and fostering stronger collaborations with its suppliers.
Let’s dive into what this change means and explore seven essential things to know about Walmart Scintilla.
What you will learn in this guide
What Is Walmart Scintilla?
Walmart Scintilla is a state-of-the-art data analytics platform designed to provide suppliers with comprehensive insights into Walmart’s vast retail ecosystem. Developed by Walmart Data Ventures, the platform serves as a central hub for analyzing sales trends, inventory levels, and shopper behaviors across Walmart’s omnichannel network, including physical stores and e-commerce.
Scintilla is a powerful tool for Walmart suppliers, offering real-time analytics and actionable insights that enable better decision-making. By leveraging the platform, suppliers can optimize their operations, from production and distribution to marketing and sales strategies.
Lessons from a Walmart 'Supplier of the Year'
Why Did Walmart Move to Scintilla?
Walmart’s decision to rebrand its data analytics platform from Luminate to Scintilla is rooted in its vision to emphasize clarity and brilliance in its supplier collaboration tools. The name ‘Scintilla’ signifies a spark or glimmer, reflecting the platform’s role in illuminating data insights and fostering innovation. This transition also aligns with Walmart’s broader strategy to enhance supplier relationships and reinforce its leadership in retail analytics.
The main goal of Walmart Scintilla is to strengthen the retailer-supplier partnership by providing transparent and actionable data. This transparency benefits both parties, enabling Walmart to better serve its customers and helping suppliers succeed in a competitive retail environment. Key purposes of Scintilla include:
Improving Inventory Management: Real-time data helps suppliers maintain optimal stock levels, reducing both out-of-stock situations and excess inventory
- Optimizing Product Assortment: By analyzing which products perform best, suppliers can refine their offerings to align with consumer preferences and regional demand.
Enhancing Customer Understanding: Scintilla provides detailed insights into shopper demographics, behaviors, and preferences, enabling suppliers to develop targeted marketing strategies.
Key Functionality of Walmart Scintilla
Walmart Scintilla’s robust features are designed to address the diverse needs of suppliers. These functionalities are divided into three primary modules:
Channel Performance
This module provides detailed reports on sales performance across Walmart’s various channels. Suppliers can access data on:
- Sales trends over time.
- Regional and store-level performance.
- Omnichannel insights, including in-store and online sales.
Shopper Behavior
Scintilla’s Shopper Behavior module allows suppliers to understand customer purchasing patterns, preferences, and loyalty trends. Key features include:
- Basket analysis to identify complementary products.
- Tracking of repeat purchases and customer retention metrics.
- Segmentation of customers by demographics and purchase habits.
Customer Perception
This module focuses on gathering and analyzing customer feedback. Through sentiment analysis and review tracking, suppliers can:
- Gauge public perception of their products.
- Identify areas for improvement in product quality or packaging.
- Monitor the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
“Alloy.ai has enabled conversations with major global retailers — whether it be Target, Walmart. They now have visibility much sooner than what it shows in their system […] We’re talking to retail partners and saying, ‘Here are the trends that we’re seeing. Here’s what you chase. Here’s what you don’t chase.’ It unlocks a different type of partnership.“
– Dave Henderson, Chief Commercial Officer
Transition from Retail Link DSS to Walmart Scintilla
Before Walmart Luminate — and now Scintilla —s uppliers relied on the Decision Support System (DSS) within Retail Link. While DSS was a valuable tool, it had limitations in terms of user experience and data integration. Here’s how Scintilla improves upon its predecessor:
Better User Experience
Scintilla features a more intuitive interface, making it easier for users to navigate and access relevant data. Interactive dashboards and customizable reports allow suppliers to focus on metrics that matter most to their business.
Comprehensive Data Integration
Unlike DSS, which required manual compilation of data from multiple sources, Scintilla consolidates information into a single platform. This integration provides a unified view of sales, inventory, and customer insights.
Real-Time Analytics
One of the most significant advancements in Scintilla is its ability to provide near real-time data updates. Suppliers can make timely decisions based on current trends, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to market changes.
Benefits of Using Walmart Scintilla
Suppliers who adopt Walmart Scintilla gain a competitive edge in several ways. The platform’s benefits include:
Data-Driven Decision Making
Scintilla empowers suppliers with accurate and timely data, enabling them to:
Forecast demand more effectively.
Plan promotions based on historical performance.
Optimize pricing strategies to align with market trends.
Improved Supplier-Merchant Collaboration
By sharing detailed insights, Scintilla fosters stronger partnerships between suppliers and Walmart merchants. This collaboration ensures better alignment on assortment planning, promotional activities, and supply chain management.
Competitive Advantage
Understanding market trends and consumer preferences through Scintilla allows suppliers to stay ahead of their competitors. The platform’s analytics help identify growth opportunities and address potential challenges proactively.
Walmart Scintilla Packaging: Basic vs. Charter
To accommodate suppliers of all sizes and needs, Walmart Scintilla offers two subscription tiers:
Basic Package
The Basic package is free and provides access to essential metrics and pre-packaged reports. It’s ideal for smaller suppliers or those new to Walmart’s ecosystem.
Charter Package
The Charter package is a paid subscription that unlocks the full range of Scintilla’s features, including:
Advanced analytics and custom reporting capabilities.
API integration for seamless data consumption.
Priority customer support and training resources.
Future Developments and Global Expansion
Walmart has ambitious plans for Scintilla’s future, including:
Expanded Capabilities: New features, such as AI-driven insights and predictive analytics, are in development to enhance the platform’s value.
International Deployment: Walmart aims to roll out Scintilla in key markets like Canada and Mexico, allowing multi-market suppliers to access consistent insights across regions.
These developments signal Walmart’s commitment to staying at the forefront of retail analytics and fostering innovation in supplier partnerships.
Walmart Scintilla FAQs
How do I access Walmart Scintilla?
Existing suppliers can log in to Scintilla using their current Retail Link credentials. New users can register through Walmart’s supplier portal.
Will my data from Retail Link DSS be available in Scintilla?
Yes, all data previously available in DSS will be accessible in Scintilla, along with enhanced analytics and reporting features.
Is training available for Scintilla?
Walmart offers a range of training resources, including tutorials, webinars, and customer support, to help suppliers maximize the platform’s potential.
How does Scintilla ensure data security?
Scintilla adheres to strict data privacy and security standards, ensuring supplier and customer information is protected.
Can Scintilla integrate with third-party tools?
Yes, the Charter package includes API integration capabilities, allowing suppliers to seamlessly connect Scintilla with their existing analytics tools.
How often is data updated in Scintilla?
Scintilla provides near real-time updates, ensuring suppliers have access to the latest information for decision-making.
