The retail industry relies on technology throughout to allow for smooth operation, as staff navigate their workday using inventory management systems, EPOS systems, and more. These systems have been hugely popular for years now, but with most stores also having an e-commerce offering, they are even more vital than ever so that businesses can properly manage their stock and monitor sales.
Benefits of retail technology for employees
EPOS (Electronic point-of-sale) systems are a great tool for all sorts of retailers, but without the necessary network infrastructure to support them, they can go from a helpful utility to a technical nightmare. EPOS systems require a strong network connection, allowing them to access the data they need like stock information, pricing and more, so ensuring you have a fast and reliable network is a must.
Many employees find when using mobile computers or other work devices to carry out stock management that they have to wait for significant periods of time for data to load in from slow networks (or fail to load at all). With reliable networks and proper access point placement, data can be transmitted far more quickly, allowing employees to get the data they need in an instant.
Retail stores come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, which can make communication among colleagues a huge challenge. When workforces are connected through mobile computing and network technologies, communications are stronger, meaning restocking, returns, and assisting customers can be done with ease.
Benefits of retail technology for customers
Did you know that 62% of customers are more likely to spend more time in your store if complimentary guest WiFi is available? Customers appreciate the little details that are put into businesses, and when customers stay for longer, they are more likely to buy your products, giving you a worthwhile return on a relatively small investment.
Some retailers only hold a small stock in their physical stores, with their full range of items available online. Complimentary guest WiFi means that customers who are interested in your brand or a particular item can go online to ensure they get the perfect item from your stock, with some stores even offering click-and-collect for these shoppers.
Reliable networks mean that any additions to the network to enhance customer experience can easily be added. Take IKEA, for example, who implemented interactive kiosks across their stores to help customers find exactly what they need. If your network is already built to support new technologies like this, you will be ahead of your competitors in offering a unique customer experience.
Technology has become a major part of the retail industry, and strong, reliable, and expandable networks are a necessity. With TEC-ID’s network services, we will account for every factor that will impact your network, and ensure you have a fast connection and spotless coverage, helping improve employee productivity.
When networks go down for the retail industry, it means no sales can be made, no payments can be processed, and no stock can be tracked, so ensuring minimal downtime is crucial. Contact us today at TEC-ID and we will be able to discuss your business’ requirements, any existing infrastructure you may have, and any expansions or new technologies you’d like to add to your network. Alternatively, see our services page where you can read more about the services we offer at TEC-ID.