Technology allows a machine to do tasks that can be performed concurrently with a standard set of commands without tiring, which can allow a retailer to focus on more crucial things like merchandising, product selection, customer service and the in-store or online experience. Retail technology gives you the ability to satisfy your customers by allowing your business to focus on their needs rather than your systems.
Today, small and medium retailers should transform their information technology capabilities for several reasons including:
- To improve a business’s ability to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace through flexibility and enhanced speed.
- Work effectively. A single system working across stores makes sure there are improved business processes and effective use of stock.
- Collecting and analysing customer information while enhancing differentiation.
- Giving your customers the same experience regardless of whether they interact with your business online or in-store.
Retailers have started noticing that technology is an enabler. Most importantly, technology can deliver cost-saving benefits and speed up processes.
Here are some of the most important benefits of retail technology in the current environment:
Technology enhances the omnichannel approach
Omnichannel denotes or relates to a type of retail which integrates the different methods of shopping available to consumers (e.g. online, in a physical shop, or by phone).
Incorporating an omnichannel strategy in retail is becoming vital as modern customers prefer a seamless user journey when shopping and browsing for products. Therefore, retailers must take advantage of new technology and utilise it to help them acquire an effective omnichannel approach.
Today’s consumers seek business with easy browsing and navigation, and seamless routes to buy products and flexible payment methods. So, the work is on retail businesses to satisfy consumers’ needs through a frictionless user journey.
Purchasing and browsing behaviours are changing due to the advancement of technology and the rise of mobile eCommerce. This increases consumer expectations thus putting pressure on retailers to have their needs satisfied.
The more interconnected and seamless consumer channels are, the better the customer experience. And with a better experience, more customers will become loyal to your brand leading to greater profit.
Promotes Omnichannel Commerce
Omnichannel commerce signifies a vital shift in how technology impacts the retail business. This technology merges the back-end and front-end systems into a single platform that offers an agile system for delivering efficient and insightful services.
Effective omnichannel commerce handles each facet of operational management easily from the back office to storefronts including their associated complexities. Omnichannel commerce has a supply chain system that is connected from the start to end seamlessly. This provides an all-encompassing view into inventory locations and availability across warehouses, distribution channels, and centres. With such a system, retailers can easily assess the levels of each stock across channels in real-time and then compare and contrast current data with the historical data to have a better understanding of inventory patterns and trends. The analysis helps a retail business carry out accurate forecasting and planning.
Also, it is worth noting that retailers aren’t the only ones who benefit from a seamlessly integrated system. Omnichannel commerce also delivers crucial self-service and visibility capabilities to consumers looking for more control over the shopping experience.
For example, omnichannel commerce helps consumers see updated inventory availability and pricing at all times. Integration with financial and order data offers customers with a record of their shopping activities. Exchanges, returns, and purchases that have happened in a store or online shop are available in a single, self-service view.
Find out how Retail IT can help you implement Omnichannel commerce in your business
