The rapid growth of the internet and ecommerce has provided retailers with an alternative to brick and mortar stores. This has a long list of benefits for any entrepreneur, including lower start-up and maintenance costs, easier inventory systems, and a larger reach, given that stores are now no longer bound by their physical locations. As ecommerce emerged as a trend, cloud computing and online point of sales software was developed alongside it in order to provide systems and solutions for retailers to transact with ease. The beauty in these systems is that they are not only useful to new online businesses, but they are also efficient and reliable tools for boutiques and traditional businesses.
New Solutions to Old Problems
Online or cloud systems have been able to address concerns that popped up with regard to the old-style retail POS machinery that has been commonly used over the years. One of the biggest concerns about the old model was the lack of timely communication between stores, making data sharing a problem. Because there was no real-time sharing of information, each branch was prone to inconsistencies in their data, particularly where stocks and figures were concerned. There was a good chance that the information that each store had was inaccurate and outdated, as these had been communicated by the head office or by each branch to one another days prior, and an update has not yet been made.
With the new online alternative, data is accessible anytime over the internet, and can be updated via a computer or mobile device whenever necessary. This allows all branches as well as the head office to be accurately informed of stocks and incoming sales, even customer information. Because there is one central database where everything is stored, the chances of inconsistent entries are minimised, if not eliminated entirely. Stock levels can also be updated in real time, eliminating scenarios where customers are informed of the availability of a certain product based on an out-dated list, when in actuality the supply has already been depleted. With this, client satisfaction is more easily attained and sustained.
Enhanced Operations
Work can be accomplished at a faster, more efficient pace when proper systems are in place and this holds true for the web-based POS as well. There is a lower risk of data corruption, and because information is available remotely, 24/7, monitoring can be done at a time and place that is convenient for the business owner or manager. Expansion and setting up of temporary stores or kiosks is also an easier task with this new system because there is no longer a need to secure individual hardware and software for them. Remote and mobile selling is also completely possible now, with an instantly accessible retail cloud POS solution.
Data Security
One consideration that has to be made when choosing a supplier for your online POS is the level of data security that they offer. These are sensitive information after all, such as your income and sales reports, inventory and stock status, and profiles and clients’ contact information. Choosing reliable providers like Retail Express will ensure you of adequate protection for your data. Retail Express not only offers data security, but also a secure system migration. They also guarantee a 99.9% network uptime, eliminating worries of not being able to connect and access your information during crucial times.
Looking to fast track your growth with a smarter point of sale system? Contact the Retail Express team today on 1300 732 618.
