Effectively managing a large franchise or branch network doesn’t have to be hard work.

When a franchise/branch network is small, things start out simple and easy to manage. But, as the network expands, management quickly becomes more complicated. High-growth franchisors and business owners find it increasingly challenging to support the network. They struggle to communicate effectively and ensure standards are implemented consistently.

Network is inconsistently supported

Ad hoc training doesn’t necessarily add value

Standards are not being implemented consistently

Multiple conflicting systems in place

There are countless versions of important documents and files

Communication is not flowing effectively

There is not enough data available to make key decisions

Franchisees/managers don’t know where to find the information they need

Network is inconsistently supported

Ad hoc training doesn’t necessarily add value

Standards are not being implemented consistently

Multiple conflicting systems in place

There are countless versions of important documents and files

Communication is not flowing effectively

There is not enough data available to make key decisions

Franchisees/managers don’t know where to find the information they need

Our Solution

What if you had the right tools to compete, grow and prosper in an accelerating world?

Cats, unlike “herd animals” prefer to go their own way. Much like franchisees who have their own ideas, preferences and styles of working. For the franchisor, managing a franchise network can feel like HerdingCats - an activity which is difficult and seemingly futile - and often widely unpredictable. Sound familiar?

Developed by South Africa’s leading franchising experts, HerdingCats allows you to shrink your admin and free up your time to focus on high-value activities. We’re the go-to solution to improve your operations, monitor your performance and protect your brand.

All your franchise documentation in one place

Seamless communication throughout the network

Easy-to-understand with little to no learning curve

Developed in South Africa with a local support team

Affordable pricing with a fee per site and not user

Tailored functionality to your business

Our Clients

The HerdingCats platform is tested and proven

We developed HerdingCats because there had to be a better way to manage a franchise/branch network. We wanted to give business owners the tools to help franchisees and managers work within the systems, understand the brand, collaborate to build better businesses and simplify compliance. HerdingCats is a proven, carefully considered solution – the result of many years solving the most common franchise and business problems.

Some of South Africa’s top national brands are using the HerdingCats franchise management platform to enhance their franchise or branch network.

About Us

The secret to truly successful projects isn’t just about technology; it’s about working with the right people.

HerdingCats brings together a team of franchising and technology experts who are passionate about the franchise sector and dedicated to making a success of every project we take on.

HerdingCats provides a core offering plus a wide range of additional functionality tailor-made for your business.

Our tools make it simple to communicate, manage and report. The HerdingCats platform includes 5 core modules as well as an extensive range of additional functionality. We understand that businesses are unique and each have their own specific requirements and therefore we do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. You can start small and scale up as your business needs grow.

The core platform includes:

Content management system

Your online, secure Operations and Procedures Manual.

Basic territory management

A tool to model territories, franchisees and support staff.

User access control

Fully customisable profiles and roles – your complete database of franchisees/branches and support staff.

Registered mail

Rich communication capabilities and a record that messages are received and read.

Franchise/branch admin centre

Upload and store key documents such as lease and franchise agreements. The system flags expiry dates – so that action can be taken timeously.

Cherry-pick additional functionality to meet your business needs

We’re continually adding more features and functionality that resonates with our clients. Speak to us regarding creating new functionality beyond what is listed here.

Monthly turnover declaration

Advanced territory management

Online checklists

Offline capability

Complaints system

Data consolidation

Process management

Leads management

Centralised procurement/ordering

Monthly turnover declaration

Advanced territory management

Online checklists

Offline capability

Complaints system

Data consolidation

Process management

Leads management

Centralised procurement/ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve got answers to the most frequently asked questions

Is my data secure and private?

The short answer: Yes. The longer answer: HerdingCats was originally built to meet the stringent privacy and security requirements set by one of our bank customers. You set the level of user permission and control who is invited into your organisation. No one can access your files unless you let them. Our servers are based in the UK with a leading enterprise grade supplier. We follow industry best practice with regards to security, privacy, business continuity and we constantly review our policies.

Who owns the data stored on HerdingCats?

All of your data and content belongs to you, but the HerdingCats platform remains ours, even if we fine tune some elements to suit your specific needs.

What happens if I stop using HerdingCats?

If you decide to stop using HerdingCats, we will support you to export your data and files if required. This may involve some specific formats or decisions, so it is not an automatic function and may involve some additional cost. Once you stop using HerdingCats, you will of course lose access to our platform, and the efficiencies that our platform provides. We find that once franchisors adopt HerdingCats they never want to go back!

How long does it take to get up and running?

Our proven platform and many years of experience working with franchisors allows for a relatively short “go live” lead time. This depends on the modules you decide to implement initially, as part of the roll out phase, as well as the level of customisation you require.

What are the costs involved?

Competitive monthly fees per site (not per user) makes the HerdingCats solution an affordable option for just about every franchisor. Our fees work on a sliding scale depending on the number of sites. The standard HerdingCats offering does not require a huge initial capital expenditure/outlay. A scope of the client needs is undertaken, and the initial site set up and deployment costs are based on this scope. Franchisors have the option to recover the monthly costs from franchisees or cover these costs at a head office level (out of ongoing management service fees).