Technology for the End of the Analog World

July 12, 2015

If the VCR in your living room is still flashing 12:00, then ever-changing  retail technology  is bound to be more daunting than ever.  Even by replacing of that old VCR with a snazzy new version of video-on-demand, the technology merry-go-round may still pose a challenging hill to climb.

Like it or not, technology is has become an integrated part of every retail operation.  What started out years ago as simply a souped-up version of the traditional cash register has evolved into a multi point POS system that can control virtually every facet of the store from the front door to the loading dock. Obviously, as a store operator, the challenge is to keep everyone on your team up-to-date and ready for whatever changes are around the corner.  Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.  You may have hired someone for their unmatched people skills, but now you face helping them adapt to whatever new system updates are close at hand.

For most museum stores running lean and efficient operations is absolutely essential to protect the store’s viability and long-term financial health.  Simply put, striving for ultra-efficiency should be a critical part of the store’s overall mission. That means using every tool available, including the latest retail technology.

Unfortunately for some store operators, managing their retail technology can often be a struggle. Just when you figure out the latest bit of software, it’s time to update to the latest version of software. Technology is a constantly moving target.

A good  POS and CRM can literally change your bottom line overnight.  Point-of-sale technology can do everything from managing the sale to creating a database that will drive online sales.  POS software can generate just-in-time deliveries, help you spot the trends in your sales, and even provide greater efficiency in your staffing costs.

With the goal of being as cost conscience as possible, it’s too easy to focus on technology’s out-of-pocket costs. You should look at technology as part of your total strategy, with an eye on the future, as well as meeting the current needs of your business.

Unlike the cash register of old, operators need to regard technology as permanent part of your operation.

One facet of technology that you see popping up everywhere is “mobile within the store.”  As store employees roam the aisles with handheld terminals (think iPad or Surface) that can ring up sales, check on back stock, and update customer databases, the customer experience will radically change.  It’s already been proven that moving the point-of-purchase closer to the point-of-display will increase overall sales. Mobile within the store is a great idea, but is it the right idea for your store, your staff, and your customers?

Here come the questions. (There are always questions.) What solution makes the most sense for your operation? Should you own your technology or is SAAS (software as a service) a better choice? Would you prefer to lease and always have the latest solutions? How much training will you and your staff need to get the most out of the technology?

So with more questions than answers, what do you do now?  A smart strategy is to find a technology partner who can guide you through the wide variety of hardware and software solutions available.  Look for partner who can understand your business and what you need to run an efficient operation.  But they also need to know what is needed for loss prevention, payment options, and inventory control.  Your partner needs to be able to identify your “pain points.”

Since not everyone is born with the technology gene, (or, as one computer tech put it, “dealing with the loose nut behind the switch.”) finding the right someone who can help you create a customized solution that fits the needs of your store is a big deal.

You may feel like you need a Magic 8 Ball to help guide you through the process, but what you really need is a technology partner in your phone contacts.

 Sign up for Terra Russo’s webinar on July 22, 2015,  Retail Technology Today: What Does All This Really Mean for a Modern Museum Store? Russo has more than 10 years experience working with specialty retailers. She has been with the One Step Retail Solutions team as a Retail Consultant helping customers to expand their business and find top-notch solutions for their business. Terra has experience in retail as well as a consultant for retailers.